In 2000, there are about 1,300 children in the legal custody of the DeKalb County Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) at any one time due to abuse or neglect by their parents. The Permanent Homes for Children in Georgia Program was established on the belief that these children need stability as soon as possible so they are not further traumatized by separation from their families.

Each one of these children's cases is reviewed every six months in Juvenile Court while they are out of their homes. Volunteer citizen panel review programs have been formed in over 60 Georgia counties. Panel members meet with the parents, children, DFCS caseworkers, foster parents and other family members and professionals to determine what progress has been made the previous six months. The volunteers record their findings and submit their recommendations to the Juvenile Court Judges regarding the children's placement and the goals that must be accomplished before it is safe or appropriate for the children to return home. If reunification is not possible, other permanency options are explored (e.g., guardianship or adoption).

Volunteer citizen panels in DeKalb County began reviewing local cases in March, 1991. We have about 160 volunteers who comprise 16 different "panels." Panel members represent a wide cross-section of the community. Each panel meets one day a month to review several cases. Each volunteer is assigned to one or two panels that meet the best days of the week/month for that person.

We ask panel members to make a one-year minimal commitment to the program, and they may be re-appointed for as long as they wish to remain active. Volunteers who want to contribute more time than one or two days a month to the program may choose to help advocate for children in additional ways: educating the public, helping identify and develop community resources for families, serving on the Child Advocacy Advisory Board, organizing activities for children, etc. New panel members must complete a two-day training course, submit to a criminal records check, provide references, and be sworn in by the Judge of Juvenile Court. On-going training is also provided. Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and live or work in DeKalb County.

Our Citizen Panel Review Program and CASA Program were awarded the United Way's "Crystal Angel Award" for out-standing community service to DeKalb County. Participation in the Panel Program benefits not only the deprived children involved, but volunteers also gain useful experience and have pride in knowing they've made a real difference.