Recruiting the next generation of parent leaders

Each February, the Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) joins the nation in recognizing Parent Leadership Month. We use this time to recognize the important role parents and caregivers hold in their homes and communities, encourage parents to take advantage of leadership opportunities, and honor parents for the efforts and sacrifices they make to create stronger families across the state.

Throughout the month, we also highlight the opportunities available for parents to partner with the child welfare system to educate others on the programs and services that support safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments. When parents contribute their expertise and experience, DFCS gains invaluable knowledge that is used to improve policies that strengthen and support families. 

In June 2019, DFCS formed the Georgia Parent Advisory Council (GAPAC) to cultivate and encourage parent partnerships. The GAPAC was created to advise DFCS about changes needed within child welfare services and systems, particularly child abuse prevention programming. The council is comprised of a diverse group of parents from various communities across the state and helps serve as a sounding board for ideas and questions related to child welfare. These individuals have a range of personal experiences within the child welfare system and/or success using community support services to strengthen their own families.

Since the creation of the GAPAC, council members have been active participants in division meetings, child welfare conferences, presentations, focus groups, and provided guidance on agency projects that have improved the child welfare system.

We are currently accepting applications for the GAPAC and encourage applications from:  

• Fathers
• Kinship caregivers
• Parents with experience using community-based prevention services such as parent support groups, home visiting programs, family or community resource centers, etc.
• Parents with previous involvement in the child welfare system with a case that has been closed for a minimum of 8-12 months
• Parents in recovery for 18 months or more
• Foster and adoptive parents

More information about the GAPAC and the application process can be found here.  

Related to: 

• Division of Family & Children Services