06 LC 33 1506
House
Resolution 1939
By:
Representatives Loudermilk of the
14th,
Jones of the
46th,
Coan of the
101st,
Burmeister of the
119th,
Reese of the
98th,
and others
A
RESOLUTION
Urging
and requesting the Department of Human Resources to conduct a multiday
state-wide conference to discuss the values and beliefs which should form the
foundation for
Georgiás
child welfare system as determined by the
department́s
Division of Family and Children Services, Georgia citizenry, legislators, other
leaders, and other interested parties; and for other purposes.
WHEREAS,
the State of Georgia places great value in the family unit and in our children;
and
WHEREAS,
the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human
Resources has a vital and challenging role in the protection of
Georgiás
children; and
WHEREAS,
the mission and core values and beliefs of the division with regard to
supporting
Georgiás
families and keeping children safe drive the child protection policies and
procedures of the division; and
WHEREAS,
a discussion of the values and beliefs underlying the foundation of the child
welfare system is necessary; and
WHEREAS,
a number of best practices such as family team meetings and citizen review
panels are currently used in parts of the state and other parts of the state may
benefit from state-wide implementation.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that this body hereby
urges and requests the Department of Human Resources to conduct a multiday
state-wide conference to discuss the values and beliefs which should form the
foundation for
Georgiás
child welfare system. The scope of the conference should include but not be
limited to discussion relating to the feasibility and efficacy of instituting
citizen review panels, conducting family team meetings, and exploring other
issues deemed appropriate and relevant to the purpose of the conference. The
multiday conference shall include three representatives from each of the
judicial, legislative, and executive branches of state government as well as
local level judicial officers and representatives from academia and service
providers, other appropriate personnel, foster families, and advocates. The
Speaker of the House of Representatives shall recommend to the department three
representatives to participate in the conference. The department is urged and
requested to conduct this conference and make recommendations, including
possible legislation, to the General Assembly on or before December 31,
2006.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House is authorized and directed to
transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the commissioner of the
Department of Human Resources.