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News Room

Commissioner Walker makes DHR executive appointment

Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Commissioner B.J. Walker announces the appointment of Mark A. Washington as assistant commissioner at DHR responsible for both the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). The former commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services who helped improve Kentucky’s child welfare system, Washington brings a wealth of government and private sector experience to DFCS. More »

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Mark Washington named DFCS Chief

November 3, 2008

ATLANTA (GA) – Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) Commissioner B.J. Walker announces the appointment of Mark A. Washington as assistant commissioner at DHR responsible for both the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and the Office of Child Support Services (OCSS). The former commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Community Based Services who helped improve Kentucky’s child welfare system, Washington brings a wealth of government and private sector experience to DFCS.

"Mark has been an innovator in child welfare," said Commissioner Walker. "He’s developed award-winning approaches to child welfare case management, including being the first in the U.S. to develop a unique research and evaluation unit for Kentucky’s child welfare system. Mark has the skills and vision to hit the ground running in our mission to strengthen Georgia’s families. His ability to build relationships among stakeholders in the public and private sectors will be a great asset."

"I’m pleased to have Mark come aboard," said David Statton, DHR’s chief operating officer and chief of staff. "His leadership and solution-based management style is a perfect fit for this agency. His dedication to improving child welfare earned him the 2008 Leadership Award, State Level, from Prevent Child Abuse America."

As assistant commissioner, Washington is responsible for a wide variety of programs, including child protective services, economic assistance to families and child support services.

As commissioner of the Kentucky Department for Community Based Services, Washington was responsible for 4,700 employees with a $1 billion annual budget. He joined the agency as executive officer to the Undersecretary of Health but was soon appointed deputy commissioner and then commissioner. In his three years at the agency, Washington developed a vision to coordinate services across the direct services continuum of care and focus on more accessible "front end" services for at-risk families.

He led program and policy development, evaluation, funding, worker safety and modernization efforts. He was part of a leadership team that passed legislation resulting in $6 million in improvements for Kentucky’s state child welfare system. He also streamlined operating procedures, built effective work teams, developed an innovative way to measure the impact of primary prevention services, and addressed Kentucky’s efforts to correct racial disparities.

Prior to his work in human and social services public administration, Washington spent nearly 15 years in the private sector. His business background includes audit, revenue and funds maximization, cost control, and operational efficiency reviews.

Washington and his wife Kristie have four daughters.

To listen to the November 3, 2008 press conference featuring Commissioner B. J. Walker and comments by the new Assistant Commissioner Mark Washington, click here.

Important Information Regarding Child Care Rates

The childcare rate payable for foster children has DECREASED from the provider's actual rate to the

maximum state rate, effective November 1, 2007. Changes will be made as children's cases are re-certified or reviewed.

Providers accepting the maximum state rate as payment are greatly appreciated.

Parents of children who are currently cared for by a provider that is unable to accept the state rate may choose a new provider, if they wish.

Foster parents who wish to continue their foster children's care with a provider that does not accept the state rate will have to pay the difference out of pocket. Requests for a waiver from the State Office are available only in extenuating circumstances.

For your reference, the maximum state rate payable to a child care provider is as follows:

Center Based Care:

6 weeks - 12 Months	$139 per week
13 Months - 36 Months	$129 per week
3 Years - 5 Years	$114 per week
6 Years +	$110 per week (School breaks & summer Vacations)

Family Child Care (no more than 6 children cared for by a provider):

6 weeks - 12 Months	$110 per week
13 Months - 36 Months	$100 per week
3 Years - 5 Years	$96 per week
6 Years +	$80 per week (School breaks & summer Vacations)

Informal Care Arrangements (no more than 2 children cared for by a provider):

6 weeks - 12 Months	$90 per week
13 Months - 36 Months	$85 per week
3 Years - 5 Years	$75 per week
6 Years +	$75 per week (School breaks & summer Vacations)

Before and After School Program Rates:

Center-Based Care	$65 per week
Family Child Care	$51 per week
Informal Care Arrangements	$50 per week

Unfortunately, we know that this change in the daycare policy will cause a number of inconveniences and concerns for those of you who parent children that need daycare or before and after school care. We apologize for the hardship that this will cause your family.

If you have any questions or concerns with this new policy you can call your child's case manager.

Per Diem Rates are Changing

As of July 1st

Per Diem Rates

0-5..... $14.60 per day

6-12.... $16.50 per day

13 and over.... $18.80 per day

Special rate of .50 to $1.75 for a child whose care demands more time & skills

Some children may be eligible for a higher rate, state office approves this rate not case manager

Children w/HIV.... up to $60 per day

Initial clothing

0 - 12..... $200.00

13 and over.... $300.00

for the first 6 months a child is in care

County Seasonal Clothing Allowance

Ages	Fall	Winter	Summer
	Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov	Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar	Apr, May, Jun, Jul

Birth - 3 yrs	$60	$65	$60
4 - 6 years	$80	$100	$80
7 - 12 years	$120	$160	$120
Over 12 years	$200	$250	$160

State Annual Clothing

$300.00 per fiscal year

Sibling Incentive

3 Siblings in your home $100 per child - $300

4 Siblings in your home $100 per child - $400

5 Siblings in your home $100 per child - $500

This amount is not pro-rated and you will only receive it if the children are

in your home from the 1st - the 30th/31st of each month.

Incidentals - These are other types of things the children may need depending on their age.

How does the Initial Clothing allowance and the seasonal allowance work?

Answer: Children are eligible for the initial clothing allowance for the first 6 months they are in care. Children become eligible for seasonal clothing after they have been in care for a full 3 months. For the first 6 months, I apply all clothing purchases to initial clothing as long as the child has money left. After that, I start applying the purchases to seasonal clothing.

If you have any questions that you are not getting an answer to or don't have the time to ask, let me know and I will find out for you. If its something that will help other foster families I will post the answer here for others to read. Click this link to ask your question. Feedback!

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FOR FOSTER CARE ON THE ROAD

Beginning in January 2007, foster/adoptive parents can receive applications for the foster care specialized license plate, fill out the application that you can obtain either from your local county tag office or from the department of motorized vehicles and pay $25 with a $20 renewal cost.

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