Georgia Children and Youth Coordinating Council Transformation

In January of 2008 Georgia's Governor Sonny Perdue wanted to ensure that citizens of his state were using an effective child welfare service. He wanted those child welfare resources, along with its' associated funding, policy and personnel, to become united and consistent throughout the state. The initiative coordinated the efforts of The Children and Youth Coordinating Council (CYCC) with the Children's Trust Fund Commission (CTFC) and created the Governor's Office for Children and Families (GOCF).  The GOCF will fund an array of prevention, intervention, and treatment services for all children in the State of Georgia.

The GOCF is in the process of developing a community-based system of prevention and intervention services. The goal of these services is to strengthen and support families in order to improve the outcome of the lives of Georgia's youth. Developing a solid, consistent approach to helping local communities, child advocacy groups, and families is their focal point to the success of the program.

The main goal of GOCF is to build communities and offer positive activities for their residents. GOCF places heavy use on assessment and evaluation tools to ensure that they are properly evaluating and funding effective programs. Programs designed to prevent child abuse and treat juvenile delinquency are the most effective tools that help communities.

Ms. Jen Bennecke currently serves as the Executive Director for the CYCC. She, along with her Administrative Assistant Ms. Tonia Poole, help oversee the staff, their activities and the overlaying goals of the GOCF.

Governor's Office for Children and Families - Services

The GOCF offers several free educational services to Georgia youth and families. A series of educational videos which address high-risk behaviors of youth and booklets that discuss the statutory rape laws in Georgia are just a few of the ways the GOCF is educating the public. Free educational training for the juvenile justice field staff and law enforcement personnel is offered as well.

Contact the Children and Youth Coordinating Council

Governor's Office for Children and Families
55 Park Place, NE
Suite 410
Atlanta, GA 30303

Phone:

(404) 656-5600
1-800-Georgia (1-800-436-7442) is a toll-free service for citizens who are seeking state services but don't know who to call.

Fax:

(404) 656-5601

Email:

Email your questions, comments, or suggestions to Ms. Jen Bennecke, Executive Director at Jennifer.Bennecke@children.ga.gov.