RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY HELD FOR EVENING REPORTING CENTER IN VALDOSTA

Lowndes County, GA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) and the Southwest Key Programs held a ribbon-cutting ceremony today for a new rehabilitation center for at-risk youth in the Valdosta area. Named the Evening Reporting Center, the program will offer after-school educational assistant and counseling to non-detained DJJ youth.

“A year ago, when I appointed to this position, Governor Brian Kemp gave me a mission not only to hold youth accountable for their actions but also to deter them from gangs and criminal activities,” said DJJ Commissioner Tyrone Oliver. The Evening Reporting Center will help fulfill that mission in southwest Georgia.”

The Evening Reporting Center is an evidence-based program designed to provide structure and supervision to system-involved youth (ages 12-17) at medium to high risk of reoffending. The goal of the Evening Reporting Center is to keep youth engaged in pro-social learning opportunities, including homework assistance, work-readiness training, recreation, and family engagement. Youth are enrolled for 90 days and are referred to the program by DJJ.

“We are excited to be able to educate and provide counseling services to the children here at the Evening Reporting Center,” said Joella L. Brooks, CEO of Southwest Key Programs. I look forward to the continuation of this partnership as we together will change the lives of children and families.”

The first enrollment of youth begins on August 17th. To learn more about DJJ, visit our website at www.djj.georgia.gov or follow us on social media @GeorgiaDJJ.