About Us
Afterschool Services
The Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR) recognizes that positive youth development practices are effective strategies for helping youth prepare for and transition into young adulthood. Youth development practices delivered in afterschool and summer learning programs, as well as through employment opportunities, play a vital role in motivating youth to achieve success not only in schools, but in their personal lives as well.
The mission of the Afterschool Services Program is to contribute to the development of a network of quality afterschool and summer learning programs in Georgia. Administered by the Division of Family and Children Services' (DFCS), Office of Family Independence, the Afterschool Program is designed to support DHR's broader goal of promoting self-sufficiency within families and ending intergenerational poverty. Georgia currently ranks 44th in the nation in the well being of children. Now more than ever, DHR sees a real need to create safe afterschool environments for young people that enable them to build positive relationships with adults, remain physically fit, and gain experiences that will help them prepare for future success in our technologically-based society and economy.
To address these needs, DHR funds afterschool and summer programs across the sate of Georgia for youth across the state of Georgia. The majority of youth served come from low-and moderate income families. The primary components of DHR funded summer and after school programs include academic enrichment activities, health education, physical activity and teen employment opportunities.
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Department of Human Resources
As a part of Governor Jimmy Carter's overhaul of state government, the Georgia General Assembly passed the Government Reorganization Act, of 1972, Among other things, this Act created the Georgia Department of Human Resources (DHR). DHR is a comprehensive health and social services agency.
The Department is one of the largest agencies in state government with 19,000 employees and a budget of $2.8 billion. It serves all Georgia citizens through regulatory inspection, direct service and financial assistance programs. The Department's four divisions are: Aging Services; Public Health; Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Addictive Diseases; and Family and Children Services. The Department also includes the Office of Regulatory Services, the Office of Adoptions and the Office of Child Support Services.
To learn more, visit the DHR website.
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Division of Family and Children Services
The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is the part of the Department of Human Resources which investigates child abuse, finds foster homes for abused and neglected children; helps low income, out-of-work parents get back on their feet, subsidizes child care costs for low income parents who are working or in job training, and provides numerous support services and innovative programs to help troubled families.
To learn more and to locate a DFCS office that serves your area,
visit the DFCS website.
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Family and Economic Support Services
The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) is the part of DHR which investigates child abuse, finds foster homes for abused and neglected children; helps low income, out-of-work parents get back on their feet, subsidizes child care costs for low income parents who are working or in job training, and provides numerous support services and innovative programs to help troubled families.
Some frequently asked questions about services DFCS offers, such as Medicaid, Foodstamps and childcare assistance appear below:
Q. To whom do I report child abuse?
A. You can call your local police department or the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in your county.
Q. I don't have any health insurance. What is available?
A. For children in families who meet the income requirements, the PeachCare For Kids program provides low cost children's health insurance. This program is sponsored by the Georgia Department of Community Health. Visit http://www.peachcare.org or call 1-877-GAPEACH for more information. Right from the Start Medicaid pays for medical care required by pregnant women for up to 60 days after they give birth, and for delivery and medical care required by their children. For more information, visit the Right From the Start Medicaid web site at http://www.rsm.dhr.state.ga.us/ or call the Right From the Start Medicaid Project office at 1-800-809-7276.
Elderly or disabled adults should call their local DFCS office to see what is available.
Q. How do I apply for Food Stamps?
A. Contact the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in your county. For more information about food stamps, visit the food stamps section of the DHR web site.
Q. How do I apply for Medicaid?
A. Contact the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in your county. For more information about Medicaid, visit the Medicaid section of the DHR website.
Q. How do I apply for childcare assistance?
A. Contact the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) office in your county. For more information about subsidized child care assistance, visit the Childcare and Parent Services section of the DHR website.
Q. How do I file a complaint about the service I have received from DFCS?
A. You may contact DHR Constituent Services at (404) 651-6316 or via e-mail at dhrconstituentservices@dhr.state.ga.us
