F.R.E.S.H. Partners Testimony

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) F.R.E.S.H (Focusing Resources Effectively to Sustain Hope) Start Youth Initiative provides current and former DJJ youth supervised in the community with career opportunities. The F.R.E.S.H. Business and Community Partners are vital to the success of the program. Below are the most recent testimonies from our F.R.E.S.H. partners.

"Being able to partner with the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice to help kids in our community is what we are about at Slutty Vegan and the Pinky Cole Foundation."

"As workforce needs increase in Toccoa-Stephens County, the Stephens County Development Authority is excited to partner with the DJJ to offer great career opportunities in our local industries to youth in our state that are trying to reenter the workforce. Our industries that have agreed to be a partner in this program firmly believe that past mistakes do not have to define an individual as they move forward in life. They are excited to offer second-chance opportunities, and hopefully, this partnership will prove beneficial to their companies and the young people they will employ."

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in the development and rehabilitation of youth. It is essential for them to be involved and engaged in their child's future to foster success. Studies indicate that a youth's primary influence comes from a stable family or home environment. However, some families struggle to function effectively due to issues like physical or emotional abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or a lack of parental interest in the child's life. A youth's behavior can also be influenced by their environment. For instance, if a neighborhood is rife with negative influences and delinquency, peer pressure may undermine a youth's determination to overcome violence and crime. While relocating may not be feasible, parents and guardians should consider seeking support from available resources.

As your child is placed in a DJJ facility, you likely have numerous questions.

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