New Parent Class 1/5/2007 - 3/30/2007

New Parent
Connections

Fridays 10:00 -11:15 am
January 5th-March 30, 2007

Women' s Center Conference Room at Houston Medical Center

Open to all parents and their
newborn to 6 month old.

Have you ever wondered?
Is my car seat safe?
When will my baby sleep through the night?
This isn't what I expected?
What do I do all day with a baby?
When do I start to prepare my child for school?

For more information call
Tian Foss 478-923-5923

Receive a free Children's Book

Policy alert re adolescent health and youth development cuts

CONNECTED to Public Policy
Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin---December 7, 2006

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program Department of Human Resources (DHR) proposed FY08 budget recommends cutting $3.4 million from the Adolescent Health and Youth Development (AHYD) program. There are two major components of the AHYD program and services: * Youth development coordinators (18 positions throughout Georgia) and related community-based services, including teen pregnancy prevention services and health outreach. These positions and services provide a network of community-based support to help adolescents succeed as they move into adulthood. By focusing on the positive assets of youth and working in partnership with families, schools, public agencies, community organizations, and the faith community, the AHYD program and services reinforce positive attitudes, healthy behaviors, and activities and reduce risk-taking behaviors such as violence, substance abuse, poor school performance, and sexual activity. * Teen Centers (currently 31 throughout Georgia). Teen Centers were created in 1997 to address high teen pregnancy rates in Georgia. Pregnancy rates have declined significantly in Georgia, but they have declined at even a higher rate in counties with a Teen Center. Each center is unique, as communities have been able to customize programs and services to meet local needs in ways that fit with local attitudes and concerns. What we understand: The proposed redirection in funds would eliminate youth development coordination and all of Public Health's community teen pregnancy prevention services. Teen Centers would not be eliminated. What may be at risk? * Georgia's 18 youth development coordinators, who act as the outreach and coordination point for the statewide youth development system. These coordinators work with teens and their families and in collaboration with other community organizations such as Family Connection. Their efforts build upon and expand community resources to improve the quantity and quality of services for adolescents and youth. Youth development coordinators serve the entire state, but are located in the following counties: Bibb, Chatham, Clarke, Clayton, Cobb, Crisp, Dekalb, Dougherty, Floyd, Fulton, Gwinnett, Hall, Laurens, Lowndes, Richmond, Troup, Ware and Whitfield. * Community teen pregnancy prevention services and adolescent health outreach that are provided in counties where there are no Teen Centers. These programs serve thousands of Georgia teens.

Connecting Communities to State Policy in Action
News Bulletin--- December 6, 2006

URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT Funding Cuts to Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program (continued) Georgia has worked hard to develop a comprehensive youth development system and our hard work has paid off with a steady decline in the teen pregnancy rate over the past 10 years. Why would we dismantle a system that has been so successful? According to the 2006 Georgia Kids Count report, the teen pregnancy rate in Georgia has declined from 68.3 per 1000 in 1994 to 39.4 per 1000 in 2004. Infants born to teen mothers tend to have lower birthweight and greater incidence of infant mortality. Pregnant teens are less likely to seek and receive timely prenatal care. Children born to young mothers are more likely to have increased health and behavioral problems, poor school performance, and be at increased risk of child abuse and neglect. DHR's budget proposals for FY08 have been forwarded to Governor Perdue and the Office of Planning and Budget (OPB). Governor Perdue and the OPB staff are working on the Governor's version of the FY08 budget, which will be finalized soon and presented to the Georgia General Assembly soon after the session convenes on January 8, 2007.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? If you are concerned about how these proposed cuts will affect services in your community, you should contact Governor Perdue. You should also share your concerns with your own state representative and state senator. You can write, call, fax or e-mail Governor Perdue: Honorable Sonny Perdue, Governor 203 State Capitol Atlanta, GA 30334 Tel: 404-656-1776, FAX: 404-657-7332 E-mail: <http://www.gov.state.ga.us/contact_dom.shtml> If you are not sure who your state representative and state senator are, go to www.vote-smart.org <http://www.vote-smart.org>. On the panel on the left side of the page, you are asked to enter your nine-digit ZIP code. Instructions for determining your nine-digit ZIP code are included. Once you have entered this information, you will be provided with contact information for all of your elected officials, including your state representative(s) and state senator.

Trevor Survival Kit available

I thought folks may be interested in this FREE resource.

Jason
__________________________________________
Jason Hobbs, LCSW, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
404 Corder Road, Suite 100
Warner Robins, GA 31088
office tel: (478) 322-1113
office fax: (478) 322-1114
http://jasonhobbs.blogspot.com

The Trevor Survival Kit a Valuable Resource for Educators & Youth
Service Providers

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning youth face many
social factors that put them at higher risk for self-destructive
behaviors, including suicide. In 2001, the Massachusetts Youth Risk
Behavior Survey (MAYRBS) concluded that LGB youth are "almost four (4)
times as likely to have attempted suicide (31% vs. 8%)" and "more than
five times as likely to have received medical treatment for a suicide
attempt (16% vs. 3%)" than their heterosexual peers. The Trevor Project,
a non-profit endeavor established to promote acceptance of gay and
questioning teenagers and aid in suicide prevention among that group,
believes that there is a cure for these grim findings.

To this end, the organization created The Trevor Survival Kit. This
classroom tool for middle and high schools, colleges and universities,
is to be used in conjunction with the Academy Award-winning short film,
Trevor-about a 13 year-old boy that attempts suicide after realizing he
might be gay-to generate constructive discussion about the myriad of
issues surrounding suicide, personal identity and sexual orientation.
"Through education and frank, open discussions with all youth about the
issues that cause them to feel isolated, alone, misunderstood and
'different' from their peers, we can make a difference," stated Andy
Scheer, the organization's Program & Outreach Director. "By empowering
our youth, we make them gatekeepers of one another's lives."

To receive a complimentary copy of The Trevor Survival Kit-which
contains The Trevor Teaching Guide, short film Trevor, posters and other
outreach materials-please send an email to Moi Garica at
Moi.Garcia@TheTrevorProject.org or call their administrative offices at
310.271.8845 ext 229. To ensure proper delivery, please include your
name, position, institution name, street address, and telephone number
when emailing requests.

Judy Hoff

Sr. Coordinator, Safe Schools

PFLAG National

www.pflag.org

919-496-2192

NASW CE 11/17

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Please join us as we wrap up our 2006 CE program year with a two-part
program for November and December. On November 17th from 12:00-1:00 PM at
Coliseum Psychiatric Center there will be a presentation of the PBS
Documentary "Out of the Shadow" the story of a family's struggle to deal
with their mother's schizophrenia. On December 15th there will be a
discussion of the video, the book "Saving Willie" which is one of the
daughter's account of life with a schizophrenic mother and advocacy options.

Please call 994-0110 by 8:00 PM, November 15th and 8:00 PM December 13th to
reserve a space or space and lunch.

We need volunteers to serve on an Education Committee to plan the programs
for 2007.

To cut down on mailing expense, please provide a telephone number, an E-Mail
address or several self addressed stamped envelopes so we may continue to
notify you of CE events.

If your job, distance or lack of interest prohibits you from taking part in
CE events, please notify us so we can take your name off the local mailing
list for monthly CE events.

We will still send all members notice of five hour Ethics Programs.

AVLF/Marcus Institute Lecture Series

The AVLF and the Marcus Institute are offering the following lectures for parents and professionals serving the needs of children and youth in Georgia.

More information is available at: http://www.georgiacourts.org/agencies/cpp/lecture.php

October 11, 2006 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Legislative Update: New Laws Affecting Georgia's Children
Karen Worthington Esq., Co-Director of the Barton Clinic

November 8, 2005 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Understanding Medications Used to Treat Childhood Disorders
Dr. Roy Sanders, The Marcus Institute

December 13, 2005 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Anxiety and Depression: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Therapeutic Approaches
TBA

January 10, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Expressive, Receptive and Pragmatic Language Skills: A critical need for assessment and therapy
Heather Taylor, M.A., CCCSLP
Co-Founder Cobblestone Therapy Group

February 14, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
You Got to Have Friends! Developing Appropriate Social Skills in Students with Learning and Behavior Problems
TBA

March 14, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
The Effect of Violence and Chaos on Children's Neurological Development
Interventions, strategies, and coping mechanisms
TBA

April 11, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
Behavior Problems: The Role of Self-Regulation in Destructive, Impetuous and Impulsive Behaviors
Dr. Claire Coles
Director, Fetal Alcohol Center at the Marcus Institute

May 9, 2007 10:00 - 12:00 noon
The Impact of Excessive TV and Videogames on Children
How does it affect concentration and behavior
TBA

NAMI Consumers need your unwanted items for their big yard sale!!

NAMI clients need your unwanted items for their big yard sale on Saturday, Oct. 28!! Pickup available within reasonable distance. Help MH consumers help themselves! Feel good about helping others! :-)

Mental health clients at NAMI, 209 Elberta Road, Warner Robins, need your unwanted but salable items for their yard sale to be held on Saturday October 28 starting at 8:00 am.

You can drop off your items at the NAMI workshop at 209 Elberta Road, Warner Robins between 9:00 and 4:00. If you need directions, call 328-0508 or 929-9444 between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm on a workday.

For larger items, or a big number of items, you can call Kelvin Taylor for pickup at 328-0508. If Kelvin is away from the phone, leave a message for him. LAST DAY FOR PICKUP OF ITEMS IS OCTOBER 26.

The proceeds are used 100% for the client recreation fund, trips to fun places like Major League and local games, the Atlanta Acquarium, pizza parties, cook-outs, the Georgia National Fair, and so on. Mental health clients often have limited funds and limited access to social events. "Fun times" are such a delight to them, and therapeutic as well!

NAMI-Central Georgia is a licensed non-profit United Way Agency that serves the mentally ill through residential services (NEW HOPE CENTER), employment training (NEW HOPE ENTERPRISES), greenhouse program, litter pickup at RAFB, and social and family outreach programs such as "Family to Family" classes. Your donations are tax-deductible. Ask for a form if you wish.

You've been wanting to clear out the attic and the garage. Now's the time to do it! Residential and business furniture welcome, as well as technology items and appliances in working condition. Housewares and kitchen stuff and knick-knacks also sell well! Be sure to attend the yard sale too! You know you can't resist a good bargain !!

Online Forum 10/25 Children and DV

October 25, 2006—Join an Online Discussion
Children Exposed to Domestic Violence

http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/WebForumNotice/101706/welcome.html

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has partnered with the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) to bring you a Web Forum discussion on assisting children exposed to domestic violence. Join the live discussion October 25 with co-hosts Dr. David Finkelhor and Betsy McAlister Groves.

Dr. Finkelhor is Director of the Crimes Against Children Research Center, Co-Director of the Family Research Laboratory, and a professor of sociology at the University of New Hampshire. Ms. Groves is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the State of Massachusetts, is the Founding Director of the Child Witness to Violence Project at Boston Medical Center, and is an associate professor of pediatrics at the Boston University School of Medicine.

Visit the OVC Web Forum <http://ovc.ncjrs.gov/ovcproviderforum> now to submit questions for Dr. Finkelhor and Ms. Groves and return on October 25 at 2 p.m. (eastern time) for the live discussion.

GACA Statewide Family Violence 11/5-11/8, Savannah

THE 13TH ANNUAL STATEWIDE FAMILY VIOLENCE CONFERENCE

GACA The Georgia Commission on Family Violence presents.

Redefining Best Practices. Through the Survivor's Eyes

November 5-8, 2006

Marriott Riverfront Hotel

Savannah, Georgia

Featured Speakers:
Olga Trujillo
Zulema Ruby White-Starr

For Registration and More Information copy and paste in your brouser:
" http://www.blogger.com/ registration bulletin.pdf "

If this doesn't work, try: http://www.blogger.com/

Faith Based Initiatives forums, statewide

DFCS's office of Faith Based Initiatives is
hosting four forums around GA to recruit faith organizations to partner
in the work of strengthening families and preventing child abuse.

Flyers for the specific forums are available (including registration form
and location addresses) but the basic date/location info is:

Macon, GA Friday Sept. 22, 10:00-2:00

Calloway Gardens Monday, Sept. 25 10:00-2:00

Valdosta, GA Thursday, Sept. 28 10:00-2:00

Feel free to forward this to any faith-based organizations you think
would be interested and ask them to register. If anyone has questions,
Edna Foster (the organizer of the forums) her contact info is on the
flyers.

Thanks everyone!
Jo-Anne

Jo-Anne Henry
Statewide CPPC Director
GA Division of Family & Children Services
2 Peachtree Street, Suite 18-213
Atlanta, GA 30303
tel: 404.783.3344
fax: 404.527.7443
e-mail: jahenry@dhr.state.ga.us

NAMI Meeting 9/25: What Scientologists Believe about Mental Illness

NAMI MONTHLY MEETING

MONDAY
SEPTEMBER 25, 2006

OUR SPECIAL SPEAKER
MARY ANN VAN HARTESVELDT

"What Scientologists Believe About Mental Illness
and Why You Should Care"

MEETING AT 7:00 PM

NEW HOPE CENTER
100 STORY ROAD
WARNER ROBINS, GA 31093

Women's Shelter Opening in Warner Robins

Grand Opening: COSC's Women's Shelter
"A New Women and Children's Homeless Shelter"

You are cordially invited to share with us in this wonderful event and we would like to thank all those who helped to make this vision a reality.

Date: September 21, 2006
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:30pm

Address: 312 A Duke Avenue
Contact Information: (478) 922-3195
ccenter@cbi.mgacoxmail.com
All Military & Civil Service Personnel Our CFC # is 9056
All Financial Contributions Are Tax Deductible
And Can Be Made At our Website www.coscga.org Through Pay Pal

NASW Lunch N Learn 9/15, 12noon

NASW LUNCH N LEARN

Please join us at noon on September 15th at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon in the ground floor conference room for a very special CE presentation. Sue Fort, Executive Director of Georgia Chapter NASW, Betty Ryan, Chapter staff member and Beverly Mears, student intern will give us a "Georgia Chapter Update." They will share with us upcoming legislative initiatives, chapter response to Medicaid changes, annual conference preview as well as future plans for the Georgia Chapter.

Please take this opportunity to connect with our state chapter and let your opinions be heard. We need presenters, topic suggestions, presenter suggestions for upcoming Lunch N' Learns.

Please call 464-4264 by noon Wednesday, September 13,2006 to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, ACSW, LCSW
Central Georgia Unit Education Coordinator

Bereavement Camp Scheduled for 11/3-11/5

Camp Wings: A bereavement camp for children ages 6-16, sponsored by Heart of Georgia Hospice.

The camp offers a unique blend of therapeutic activities, arts & crafts and recreation to help bring hope and healing.

November 3 - 5
Camp Martha Johnson - Lizella, GA
Cost: $10

For more information or to register, call 953-5161

NAMI Family-to-Family Course in Houston 8/28/06

NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY COURSE WILL BE OFFERED IN WARNER ROBINS

Sign-ups for the free course beginning now.

A 12-session free Family-to-Family course for relatives of mentally ill persons will start on August 28, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. at the Bonaire First Baptist Church, 142 W. Hwy 96 Bonaire Ga ( corner of hwy 96 and Old Perry Rd ).

You do not have to live in Houston County to participate.
The nationally acclaimed Family-to-Family course will be taught by two volunteers from the middle Georgia chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Mary Ann van Hartesveldt and LaVonne Harn. The course provides information, support, and help with coping with the problems of a mentally ill relative.

The course will meet from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. for 12 consecutive weeks, starting Tuesday August 28. The course and all materials are free. It is strongly recommended that participants pre-register for the course and be willing to commit to attend all 12 meetings. The course is limited to 18 participants.

To register for the course or to get more information, call LaVonne Harn @ 478 213 7080 ( cell ) or email at harnss@bellsouth.net <mailto:harnss@bellsouth.net>.

Be advised that Family-to-Family is an educational and support course only for family members of the mentally ill. It not intended as treatment for those who are themselves suffering from mental illness. Those individuals are urged to seek medical help and get into an appropriate treatment program.

Mrs. van Hartesveldt holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling, and has been an employment counselor for the Middle Georgia Consortium for the past 16 years. She is a member of the board of directors of NAMI-Central Georgia and active in community affairs.

Mrs. Harn is a registered nurse and retired as vice-president for patient services at the Medical Center in Macon. She is currently president of the National Alliance on Mental Illness-Central Georgia, Inc. (NAMI), and has participated in a variety of community activities.

NAMI is a nonprofit, grassroots, self-help, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic and other severe disorders

The local branch office of NAMI is located at 209 Elberta Road in Warner Robins. For information about membership and other programs, call 328-0508.

NAMI-Central Georgia, Inc. is a United Way agency.

NASW August 18, 12noon

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Please join us August 18th from 12:00-1 :00 PM at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon for a presentation of "Midlife Crisis or Not" Stages of Mid Adult Development by Jo Caywood, LCSW, retired school social worker.

Please call 478-464-8264 by noon on August 16th to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, LCSW
Education Coordinator South Central Unit

Phoenix CSB Job Opening CEO

Executive Director

Phoenix Center Community Service Board, a behavioral health agency serving a three county area in Middle Georgia, is seeking an executive director with proven leadership skills. Candidate must be able to lead a diverse workforce and promote a positive and professional image in the community.

Candidate must have a master’s degree from an accredited university in the behavioral health or health administration field and at least three to five years of related experience. Previous fiscal management, program management and managed care experience is highly desirable. Commitment to the public service mission of the Community Service Board and to serving high-risk clients in the three county community is a must. Candidate must be willing to reside in the three county service areas. Salary range is 60K to 80K depending on experience.

Please submit resume and salary requirement to: Nancie Masters, Human Resource Manager, P.O. Box 2866, Warner Robins, Ga. 31099 or email to nanciemasters@hotmail.com. Deadline for applying is August 14, 2006.

September 7 Houston Co CASA Luncheon with First Lady

CASA Houston County Luncheon

On September 7, 2006, CASA of Houston County, Inc. will have the honor of sponsoring a luncheon for Georgia’s First Lady, Mary Perdue. She is touring Georgia to promote her “Our Children” Summit. Children’s issues are the First Lady’s primary focus. Mrs. Perdue is committed to working to support children in foster care and the juvenile justice system.

CASA of Houston County, Inc. is using this wonderful opportunity to raise awareness about the needs for child advocates and financial contributions to support the work of the local CASA program. Our goals for the 2006-2007 fiscal year include:

· Increasing the number of trained CASA Advocates
· Increasing number of children served.
· Promoting community awareness of CASA of Houston County.
· Increasing funding to meet and maintain our program goals

Nationally, CASA, champions the rights for abused and neglected children throughout our country. For more detailed information about the CASA of Houston County program, please refer to the enclosed brochure or visit our website at: www.casaofhoustoncounty.org

As a sponsor, you will receive a formal invitation to luncheon, reserved seating, and recognition on the printed program. We are also inviting local media to cover this monumental event. We have made it easy for you to decide the level of support that will reflect your financial ability and commitment. The following list states the levels of support:

Make A Difference

· Cherub up to $100.00
· Angel $101 to $500
· Archangel $501 to $1,000
· Guardian Angel $1,001 and above

We thank you in advance for your contribution to the CASA of Houston County, Inc. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at 478.396.2185.

Respectfully,

Terry Di Diego, ED
CASA of Houston County, Inc.
206 Carl Vinson Parkway Warner Robins, GA 31088
478 542 2141 Office 478 922 4279 FAX casa@houstoncountyga.org <mailto:casa@houstoncountyga.org>

Job Opening Family Counseling Center

Job Notice
www.fcccg.org

The Family Counseling Center of Central Ga. is seeking to hire a full time (40 hours per week) Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor or Licensed Clinical Social Worker to provide counseling services in the Macon and Warner Robins office.

DUTIES include:

Providing individual, marital, family and group therapy with appropriate populations as they present themselves whether through referral or in individual sessions.
Conducting all case management duties necessary to support the on-going clinical work which includes but is not limited to: case record documentation, follow-up with ancillary contacts, attendance at any case reviews held by referring agencies, etc.
Other Duties: Assisting other staff members in their duties as needed to maintain the smooth and proficient operation of the agency.

Work Hours:

Macon:

Monday & Tuesday: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM

Warner Robins:

Thursday & Friday: 8:30 to 5:00 PM

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Must hold a license in Marriage and Family Therapy, Professional Counseling or Clinical Social Work.
Prior experience in a clinical work environment is preferred.
Must pass a criminal record check.

Individuals interested in this position should send their resume’ to:

Frank Mack

Family Counseling Center

277 MLK Blvd. Suite 203

Macon, Ga. 31201

Resumes’ will be accepted until position is filled

Violence Prevention 9/25-9/26 Atlanta

Violence Prevention: Promoting Health Communities
September 25 and 26
Atlanta, Georgia

Morehouse School of Medicine (MSM) and the Hamilton Fish Institute are proud to announce that we will sponsor a conference entitled Violence Prevention: Promoting Health Communities. The Hamilton Fish Institute on School and Community Violence is a national resource for the research and development of school violence prevention strategies. We will address issues on Youth Violence, Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), and Sexual Violence. Morehouse School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to sponsor continuing medical education for healthcare professionals and is offering 16.25 CEU/CME to persons that attend the Conference.
The conference is scheduled for September 25- 26th, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis, 265 Peachtree Center Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia. It is our aim to provide training and increase awareness among practitioners and community stakeholders about violence prevention and the new strategies that are rapidly growing in programs across the United States. Local and national leaders will be present to talk about successful activities and programs in their communities to deter violence.

Dr. David Satcher will address the conference's theme in the morning by discussing the relationship between violence prevention and mental health issues. Dr. Satcher served as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and as the 16th. US Surgeon General. He is the past President of Morehouse School of Medicine. There will be a plenary session followed by concurrent breakout sessions that will review and discuss violence and its relationship to mental health issues.
To find out more information about the Conference visit our webpage: http://www.msm.edu/ViolenceConference/Violence.htm..

You can also contact Dr. Katherine Erwin for additional information at (404) 756-5278 or Dr. Kisha Braithwaite at (404) 756-8923, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 9:00 am and 5:00.

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

Thanks to all those members and guests who served as presenters for our recently completed licensure renewal cycle. We are actively seeking volunteers for future presentations and welcome suggestions. THERE WILL NOT BE A LUNCH N' LEARN FOR JULY.

Please join us August 18^th from 12:00-1 :00 PM at Coliseum Psychiatric Center in Macon for a presentation of "Midlife Crisis or Not" Stages of Mid Adult Development by Jo Caywood, LCSW, retired school social worker.

Please call 478-464-8264 by noon on ,August 16^th to reserve a space or a space and lunch.

Jan Yates, LCSW

Education Coordinator

South Central Unit

Job Posting: Community Facilitator

Family Connection Partnership

POSITION VACANCY
Family Connection Partnership announces a vacancy for the position of Community Facilitator serving Region 6.

Region 6 consists of the following counties:
Baldwin Bibb Crawford Houston
Jones Monroe Peach Pulaski
Putnam Twiggs Wilkinson

This position announcement closes at 5:00 pm, on Wednesday, May 31, 2006. Resumes can be forwarded to Aubrey Harris or Natasha White at the Family Connection Partnership office, 235 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303, or fax to (404) 527-7443. For more information, please contact Family Connection Partnership at (404) 527-7394

The Job Description for the Community Facilitator is as follows:

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Facilitate collaborative partnership development through: provision of orientation; use of creative confrontation strategies and strategies for resolving/managing conflict; and upon request, assist in the development of contingency plans and options at critical decision points around planning and local collaborative development.
Participate in an annual organizational development assessment of communities to determine what resources, support and trainings are needed for continued progress; conduct analysis and identification of critical success factors.
Broker resources to enable communities to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for improving results for children and their families consistent with the strategic directions of the state framework.
Support collaboratives in establishing evaluation methods and identifying resources to gather and analyze process, impact and outcome data about child, family and community well-being.
Support collaboratives in accessing pertinent training. Provide information on training resources; when necessary broker the delivery of training by outside entities.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Knowledgeable of the Family Connection planning and results accountability framework; assist in strategic and AOP planning process in assigned counties.
Skills in facilitation and assessing technical assistance and/or training needs.
Familiar with the plans, evaluation, and collaborative structure of each county in the assigned region; maintain county files.
Provide orientation and support to new collaborative coordinators and chair.
Encourage all counties to submit plans, reports and other requests for information in a timely manner and monitor contract compliance.
Participate, as needed, in staff technical assistance meetings; identify and broker technical assistance requests for counties.
Build relationships with colleagues of other state partners in the region; participate in and/or convene region discussions.
Support regional chair with regional peer-to-peer meetings.
Communicate Partnership information to counties and bring county information to the Partnership.
Represent the Partnership at state initiative meetings as requested; knowledgeable about state-level initiatives potentially impacting counties; connect counties to needed information about state-level initiatives that support county-level plans.
Regular contact with collaboratives (at least monthly or as negotiated with the collaborative), which may be via phone, face-to-face, collaborative meetings, etc.
Return all phone and written inquiries from counties within 48 hours.
Submit monthly schedule of activities via e-mail to the Director of Community Support on the first Monday of every month; submit revisions as applicable.
Attend monthly staff meetings and other events as requested by the Partnership.
Submit reports in a timely manner to the Director of Community Support (quarterly report, leave requests, expense reports, etc.).
Adapt to change, open to new ideas, take on new responsibilities, volunteer for additional work if needed, handle pressure effectively, adjust plans to meet the changing needs of the organization.
Communicate well with others both orally and in writing.
Demonstrate loyalty and dedication to the FCP goals and mission.
Respect peers and superiors alike. Perform all duties in a highly professional manner.
Maintain standards of dress, appearance and manner appropriate to assignment.

OTHER DUTIES
Serve on committees, task forces, and work groups as appropriate and assigned. Upon request, conduct presentations related to Family Connection.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Flexibility in interacting with others.
Ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent communication skills.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.
3 - 5 years of related experience.

16 June 2006: NASW Lunch and Learn on Eriksonian Developmental Stages in Treatment, 2 CEUs

June 16th

Dr. Daphne Stevens, ACSW, LCSW

11 :00AM - 1 :00PM

"Everyone Rides the Carousel-Applications of Eriksonian Developmental Stages in Treatment"

2 CEU's

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN

COLISEUM PSYCHIA TRIC CENTER, MACON, GA

Please call by noon of the Wednesday prior to the presentation days to reserve a space or a space and lunch. Please call 478-464-8264 so we can have the room adequately set up for the expected number of people.

Jan Yates, LCSW Education Coordinator

19 May 2006: Lunch and Learn, 3 CEUs

19 May 2006

12PM to 3PM

3 CEUs

Presentation of "The Snake Pit" preceded by panel discussion of the changes in mental health treatment in Georgia

NASW LUNCH N' LEARN
COLISEUM PSYCHIA TRIC CENTER, MACON, GA

As we wrap up the licensure cycle we have two opportunities for those individuals who may find themselves short of CE credits to catch up with five hours of CE's. May 19, 2006, in recognition of Mental Health Month, from 12:00-3:00 PM, we will have a special presentation of "The Snake Pit" a movie from 1948 that helped shape some of our societies most widespread beliefs about mental health institutions and treatment.

From 12:00-1:00 PM, we will have a panel discussion about the changes in mental health treatment in Georgia followed by the movie. Those individuals who cannot stay the full three hours can leave at 1 :00 PM; the rest will stay for movie and discussion for three CEU's.

June 16th Dr. Daphne Stevens, ACSW; LCSW will present from 11 :00-1 :00 "Everyone Rides the Carousel-Applications of Eriksonian Developmental Stages in Treatment" for two CEU's.

***Please call by noon of the Wednesday prior to the presentation days to reserve a space or a space and lunch. Please call 478-464-8264 so we can have the room adequately set up for the expected number of people.***

Jan Yates, LCSW
Education Coordinator

New Hope needs fans

New Hope Center, a 11 bed nonprofit personal care home for the mentally ill, needs some extra floor fans for the residents. The group home is located at 100 Story Road, Warner Robins, and is operated by NAMI-Central GA. The home is air-conditioned, but extra fans add comfort. If you have an extra floor fan (box or rotating kind), call Kathy Herrick at 929-3266.

Submitted by: Kristina Simms, NAMI member, Perry GA.

Suicide Prevention Seminars

The Division of MHDDAD is pleased to continue the Suicide Prevention Training Series with five sessions of the Foundations Seminar. These sessions will take place in Marietta, Morrow, Savannah, Macon & Tifton between May 31 and June 6, 2006. Dr. Paul Quinnett of the QPR Institute will be our trainer for this series.

TRAINING ANNOUNCEMENT

Preventing Suicide Among Georgia's Consumers of MH & AD Services:
Foundations Seminar - FY'06 Training Series

To: Community Providers for Mental Health and Addictive Diseases Disorders
Regional Coordinators
Regional Hospital Administrators

From: Cherry Finn, Acting Director, Office of Mental Health, Division of MHDDAD
Neil Kaltenecker, Director, Office of Addictive Diseases, Division of MHDDAD

CC: Division Management Team
Date: May 2, 2006

The purpose of this memo is to provide details about the remaining seminars in the FY06 Suicide Prevention training series for providers of Mental Health & Addictive Diseases Services.

Title: Preventing Suicide Among Georgia's MH & AD Consumers: Foundations Seminar for the FY06 Training Series

Background: Suicide is preventable, yet it is the third leading cause of death in young adults and has a higher than average prevalence rate among older adults, people with illnesses and people with addictive diseases. Please refer to the attached list of annotated websites for further information. As an FY06 training/technical assistance priority, the Division is continuing its partnership with the QPR Institute. This nationally recognized organization has expertise in designing and implementing clinical and community systems of suicide prevention and risk reduction. The Division of MHDDAD is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to increase competency and capacity to prevent and reduce the risk of suicide among persons with mental illness and addictive diseases.

The Foundations training builds on the training conducted in early 2005. The purpose of this training will help strengthen staff competencies and build Georgia's capacity to sustain a future focus on suicide prevention/risk reduction. The training will be offered in six locations to a broad range of community providers and hospital staff.

Audience: Those who are encouraged to attend the Foundations Training include:
* Administrators and managers of community and hospital services for MH and AD Consumers
* Supervisors and clinicians serving persons with MH & AD needs
* Regional and State Office staff of the Division of MHDDAD

PREVENTING SUICIDE AMONG GEORGIA'S CONSUMERS OF MH & AD SERVICES: FOUNDATIONS NOTE: The training will begin at 9:00 and conclude at 4:00. On-site registration starts at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday March 23, 2006 Session already conducted DOUGLASVILLE

Wednesday May 31, 2006
Please register by May 24, 2006
MARIETTA
Workforce Development Conference Ctr. Bldg. H
Chattahoochee Technical College
980 South Cobb Drive, SE,
Marietta, GA 30060,
(770) 528-4550

Thursday June 1, 2006
Please register by May 25, 2006
MORROW
Downs Continuing Education Center
Clayton College and State University
5900 North Lee Street, Morrow, GA 30260,
770-960-4207

Friday June 2, 2006
Please register by May 31, 2006
Savannah
Coastal Georgia Center (Meeting Room 111)
305 Fahm Street, Savannah, GA 31401,
912-651-2844

Monday June 5, 2006
Please register by May 29, 2006
MACON
River Edge Behavioral Health Center (Located in the Health Plaza)
175 Emery Highway, Macon, GA 31217,
478-751-4514

Tuesday June 6, 2006
Please register by May 30, 2006
TIFTON
UGA Tifton Conference Center
15 RDC Road, Tifton, GA 31793,
229-386-3416

Description: The Foundations training will provide a broad range of information tailored especially to the clinical and administrative needs of leaders, managers and supervisors, as well as clinicians. Topics to be addressed include:
* Scope of the suicide problem
* Strategies for suicide prevention and risk reduction
* Relationship of mental illness and substance abuse to suicide
* The role of gatekeepers: recognition and referral
* Risk assessment strategies and tools
* A systems approach to suicide risk reduction: frameworks and tools

Presenter: Paul Quinnett of the QPR Institute is a nationally recognized leader in this field. QPR Institute's website is located at www.qprinstitute.com <http://www.qprinstitute.com>

Paul Quinnett, Ph.D., is the President and CEO of the QPR Institute. A clinical psychologist and trainer with 31 years of suicide prevention experience, Dr. Quinnett has developed and managed a suicide prevention hotline, an outpatient emergency services department and dozens of mental health service delivery programs. He is the author of seven books and many professional articles, including the classic Suicide: The Forever Decision, now published in several languages. A keynote speaker and strong advocate for the survivors of suicide, he has served as the Chief Psychologist for the Spokane Mental Health APA-approved psychology internship program for more than 20 years. He served as the chair of the Strategic Planning Committee for the American Association of Suicidology, and as the past Editor-in-Chief of Preventing Suicide: The National Journal. He currently serves as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science at the University of Washington, School of Medicine.

CEUs: Application has been made through the University of Georgia, School of Social Work for continuing education credits for Social Workers, Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists. This CEU certificate qualifies for Psychology CEUs in Area III. All others may utilize the certificate from the UGA School of Social Work for their attendance documentation.

Registration: Those identified above may register for this session; several participants from an organization are encouraged to attend in order to promote dissemination of the information from this training.
* Registrations will be screened to ensure that as many organizations as possible participate. If limits on registrants per organization are necessary, we will contact you by email.
* Confirmation of registration will be provided by the Division of MHDDAD Training staff via e-mail. Please be prepared to present a printed copy of your registration confirmation upon sign-in for the training.
* NOTE: The easiest and preferred way to register is to REGISTER ON LINE at: <http://www.cviog.uga.edu/training/dhr>.
Please register on line if possible - it's quick and easy!
* The Carl Vinson Institute of Government (CVIOG) at UGA will coordinate registration for this series.
* If you are unable to access the Internet to register on line, you may FAX the attached Registration Form to Michael Moryc at 404/463-6808.

Please note: While there is no fee for this training, participants are responsible for their own meals, travel and lodging arrangements. Please note that no refreshments will be served, but participants are welcome to bring a beverage or snack.

Contact: For more information about the content or registration approval, contact Tracie Al'Belar, Training Coordinator at 404-657-2291 or via email at RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us <mailto:RegistrationMHDDAD@dhr.state.ga.us>

AN ANNOTATED LIST OF WEBSITES

The national impetus for the development of suicide prevention strategies came from the 1999 Surgeon General's Call To Action to Prevent Suicide. There are several connections to Georgia around the document. The Call to Action came out when Dr. David Satcher, now Director of the National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse School of Medicine, was Surgeon General and Representative John Lewis of Georgia was one of the original sponsors of a congressional resolution calling for the development of a national strategy to prevent suicide. You can read the document in your preferred format at:
<http://surgeongeneral.gov/library/calltoaction/default.htm>

The National Strategy for Suicide Prevention (NSSP) represents the combined work of advocates, clinicians, researchers and survivors around the nation. It lays out a framework for action to prevent suicide and guides development of an array of services and programs that must be developed. It is designed to be a catalyst for social change with the power to transform attitudes, policies, and services. The NSSP Goals and Objectives for Action were published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in May of 2001, with leadership from the Surgeon General. Goals 6, 7, and 8 specifically relate to professional training and practice for mental health and substance abuse professionals. Find the Summary of the Goals and Objectives of the National Strategy at:
<http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/publications/allpubs/SMA01-3518/default.asp>
A rich website, a collaborative effort of SAMSA, CDC, NIH, HRSA, and HIS, supports the work related to NSSP at <http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention/strategy.asp>. On this website there is a very useful fact sheet that focuses on the relationship of suicide to both mental health and substance abuse. Particularly interesting is the incidence data relating to suicide and particular mental health diagnoses and substance abuse. <http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/suicideprevention/suicidefacts.asp>
SPAN USA, founded in 1996 by Gerald and Elsie Weyrauch of Marietta, Georgia, has been influential in developing and influencing both national and state policy relating to suicide prevention since its founding. SPAN USA is a 501(C)(3) organization dedicated to preventing suicide through personal and community action grounded in best practices and collaboration. Their goal is to create a way for survivors of suicide - those who have lost someone to suicide - to transform their grief into positive action to prevent future tragedies. Read about past and current legislation around suicide prevention and explore the website at <http://www.spanusa.org>.
Georgia specific information, Suicide in Georgia 2000 and the Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan can be accessed on this site at <http://www.spanusa.org/GSPP.html>

The Georgia Suicide Prevention Plan was presented at the Rosalyn Carter Georgia Mental Health Forum on May 21, 2002. The 2002 Mental Health Forum Program Report, Suicide Prevention in Georgia: Healing and Hope, containing the remarks of both national and local Georgia presenters, is available online at <http://www.cartercenter.org/documents/1261.pdf>

The QPR Institute, the organization presenting this Suicide Prevention for Georgia MH & AD Consumers training, is dedicated to "saving lives through excellence in education" and has a website full of information. You can find out more about the varied work of the QPR institute at <http://www.qprinstitute.com>

Register for Afterschool Day in Georgia (5/19)

Announcing

Afterschool Day In Georgia

Recognizing and celebrating programs that serve school-age children

Childcare organizations across the state of Georgia will join together to declare May 19, 2006 to be Afterschool Day In Georgia. On this day organizations across the state will showcase programs in the community that are working to meet the needs of school age children during out of school time. In today's society parents are working outside of the home at an alarming rate leaving parents struggling to find dependable, high quality care for school age children. Quality Care for Children, the Childcare Resource and Referral Agency of Central Georgia recognizes the need for quality school age programs and is working to help provide children with environments in which they can grow and excel. On May19th we will host a Community Resource Fair highlighting programs in the Middle Georgia community that are meeting the needs of school age children. The event will be held at the Macon Mall, located at 3661 Eisenhower Parkway, Macon, GA from 3: 00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Organizations throughout the Central Georgia area will present parents and children with resource information on quality after-school programs and enriching out-of-school time activities that will help parents make well informed decisions regarding school-age care.

Quality Care for Children is seeking participation in this event from community partners and child care centers that may provide services and information to parents in our communities. We are inviting your organization to join with us and showcase the services it offers. This is a family event so please feel free to provide an activity for the children that will be in attendance. This is not a requirement, however it will attract more visitors to your table.

Please look over the enclosed information and return the enrollment sheet by Thursday, May 4^th to secure a spot in this event. Due to limited space, booths will be reserved on a first come first serve basis. Child care centers interested in attending will be contacted and asked to provide additional information to reserve a booth. Please complete the sign-up sheet and return it as soon as possible to secure your place in Georgia's first Afterschool Day In Georgia.

Feel free to contact me at (478) 752-7800 ext. 106 with any questions you might have or for further information.

We look forward to partnering with you for this exciting event.

Sincere regards,

Sharlene Abraham
Quality Care For Children
Early Care and Education Specialist

_________________________________
Jason Hobbs, LCSW, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
Wellston Behavioral Medicine
404 Corder Road, Suite 100
Warner Robins, GA 31088
(478) 322-1113
FAX (478) 322-1114
http://jasonhobbs.blogspot.com

Gang Workshop 5/8-5/9

GANG AWARENESS EDUCATION WORKSHOP
(The Basics)

Facilitated by Marc Fomby, Prevention Outreach Coordinator
DREAM, Inc of Jackson, MS
*
Also Included A Local Perspective
*
Sponsored by
Douglass High School Alumni Association
*
In Partnership With
Region Four MHDDAD Office of Prevention Services and Programs

Workshop Focus:
        *       Bullying in Schools- School Climate
        *       Street Gangs; The Social Ills And Issues They Bring to your community
        *       Latino/Hispanic Gangs; Recognizing and Identifying Their Affiliations
        *       Identifying Folk Nation And People Nation (gang affiliation nationally)
        *       Gang Styles, Traditions, Customs, And Changing Trends
        *       Gangs Active In Local Communities and Schools
        *       Risk and Protective Factors
        *       Community Intervention Strategic Plan Development
   
 May 8 & 9, 2006
8:30am Daily Registration
9:00am - 4:30pm Workshop (Monday)
9:00am- 3pm (Tuesday)

Location
Douglass High School Auditorium
115 Forrest Street
Thomasville, Georgia

*Continental Breakfast
* Lunch Will Be Provided * Refreshments at Scheduled Breaks

No Cost > First Come First Serve > Pre-registration Required
*Please RSVP No later Than May 3rd

RSVP by calling Lauretta Gibbs @ 229-551-0848
E-Mail: Douglass@rose.net <mailto:Douglass@rose.net> or families@rose.net

Psychotropic Meds/Unit Meeting April 21 at 12noon

From Mitch Mitchell, LCSW, Unit Chair and Jan Yates, LCSW, Education Coordinator:

"Please join us April 21st from 12-1PM at Coliseum Psychiatric Center's ground floor Conference Room for a luncheon presentation by Dr. Cesar Figueroa, Medical Director of Coliseum Psychiatric Center, of "Everything You Wanted to Know about Psychiatric Medications but Were Afraid to Ask."

Please call (478) 464-8264 by noon April 19th to reserve a place or a lunch.

We need volunteers/suggestions for May and June. A two-hour presentation either or both times could be an option to help people get their hours in for licensure renewal. The licensure cycles ends June 30th, so be sure the Composite Board has your correct mailing address."

Section 8 Availability in Houston Co

There are still available applications for callers 62 years of age or
older and live or work in HOUSTON COUNTY.

Applications are taken by PHONE ONLY!!!! and will be taken for the next
30 days or until all 33 applications have been accepted.
Call: 1-888-340-6112 or 478-374-6961

Anna Loggins
Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator
478-329-0320
478-329-0559 fax

Volunteer Houston County/Communities in Schools

From Joanne Alford-Robinette:

"I am with Volunteer Houston County/Communities In Schools of Houston County and we offer volunteer opportunities to youth and adults. We have a summer Youth Corps that serve our community, they have a variety of opportunities available in the summer. All they have to do is contact us to sign up for these programs. All of our programs are supervised. If you would like more information please feel free to contact me either by phone or e-mail. We would also like to have a link to our website http://www.vhc-cishc.org/ ."

Joanne Alford-Robinette
CISHC, Program Director
Volunteer Houston County
Communities In Schools of Houston County
Ted Wright Park Building
2841 Moody Road
Bonaire, Georgia 31005
478-929-5464
478-929-5427 fax
www.vhc-cishc.org

Beginnings

We're experimenting with linking the social workers of this unti via email and web-based communications. This blog can serve as a sort of bulletin board for announcments about agency programs, continuing education opportunities, and other information that may be of use or concern.

If you have a link that you'd like to see included on the list to the right, please send that too!

Any suggestions are welcome.

Jason
__________________________________________
Jason Hobbs, LCSW, MDiv
Pastoral Counselor
404 Corder Road, Suite 100
Warner Robins, GA 31088
office tel: (478) 322-1113
office fax: (478) 322-1114
http://jasonhobbs.blogspot.com