Agency Overview
Wanting to ensure that Georgians are using child welfare resources – funding, policy, and personnel – in a way that is targeted, consistent, and most effective, in January 2008 Governor Perdue took steps to unite and coordinate the efforts of four agencies responsible for serving Georgia’s children and families. This initiative united the Children’s Trust Fund Commission (CTFC) with the Children and Youth Coordinating Council (CYCC), creating the newly organized Governor’s Office for Children and Families (GOCF), which will fund a spectrum of prevention, intervention, and treatment services for all children.
GOCF will support and strengthen families and improve outcomes for Georgia’s children and youth through a community-based system of prevention and intervention services, known as Caring Communities for Children and Families. The result will be a solid, consistent approach to helping local communities, child advocacy groups, and families find solutions to the never-ending challenge of keeping children safe and sound.
GOCF is working to build capacity in communities to enable sustainability of activities and services. By strengthening the use of needs assessment and evaluation tools, GOCF seeks to ensure that we properly evaluate and fund good, effective programs designed to prevent child abuse and treat juvenile delinquency in all at-risk, abused and delinquent children.
Free educational resources are also available for Georgia youth and family service providers. These resources range from a series of educational videos addressing critical high-risk behaviors of youth to cards or booklets on Georgia’s statutory rape law or the rights of teenagers under Georgia law. The agency provides free educational training for juvenile justice field staff and law enforcement personnel as well.
We are committed to “Supporting Communities…Empowering Families...Connecting Youth.” We invite you to submit your comments or suggestions on how we can be of better service to you.
Link to legislation creating the Governor's Office for Children and Families:» House Bill 1054