ADMISSION PROCEDURES

HOW TO RECEIVE AN APPLICATION

Upon request to the Social Service Office at any of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes, an application will be sent to any person who feels they have a child between the age of 6 - 16, who could benefit from group living at one of the Youth Homes

COMPONENTS OF AN APPLICATION

The application consists of a psychological evaluation, a social summary, school transcripts, a physical and dental examination, a certified copy of the birth certificate, copy of social security card, copy of any insurance card, the Sheriffs’ signature of approval and a recent picture of the child.

If possible, we would prefer the local Department of Family and Children Services to assume custody of the child.  However, if this is not possible, a Placement Agreement must be signed by the child’s legal guardian.

WHAT TYPE OF CHILD IS ACCEPTED

Age requirement - 6 -16
I.Q. requirement - 75 or above
Delinquency factor - Child cannot be an adjudicated delinquent

Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Homes are open to children of all races and religions.  Only children between ages 6 - 16 will be accepted.  (However, the child may remain with Youth Homes as long as they are enrolled in school, be it high school, college or vocational).  The majority of children accepted are from families where they have either been abandoned, neglected, abused, or where one or both parents are in prison.  In essence, they are not problem children, but are children from problem families.  Only children who it is felt will benefit from the program offered at the You Homes are accepted.  The children at the Youth Homes attend public schools and churches in the community.  The Youth Homes are not staffed to provide help for children with I.Q.’s below 75, or children who are adjudicated delinquent, or children with severe emotional problems, or severe physical handicaps.

IF A CHILD IS ACCEPTED

After the completed application is returned to the Youth Homes, it is then reviewed by an admissions committee, to determine if the child is in definite need of placement, and if he/she will be able to benefit from the program offered at the Youth Homes.  If so, he/she is then asked to come for an interview and pre-placement visit.  If the child meets the qualifications, he/she will be notified of acceptance and will be admitted as soon as a vacancy occurs.  In the case where there is a waiting list, the child who is considered to be in the most urgent need of a home will be accepted first.  Otherwise, a “first come, first served) basis will be applied.