Introduction
Clayton County Division of Family and Children Services seeks to address the county’s vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens’ changing needs with various support services and innovative initiatives. The agency expresses its deepest commitment to building and fostering a safe and self-sufficient community and brings the change about through actions and decisions. The scope of the agency’s practice is fairly as it endeavors to tackle child abuse cases, poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. The organization is also responsible for finding foster homes for maltreated and neglected children; for instance, in 2016, Clayton County Division finalized 15 adoptions. On their website, Clayton County Division provides comprehensive information about their services and orders of procedures.
Student-In-Organization Perspective
Clayton County Division of Family and Children Services in Georgia has not put up any job advertisements. However, it is fair to notice that in such organizations, students and recent graduates may fulfill a variety of roles due to the agency’s broad work scope and outreach. Possible positions are a family therapist, family advocate, client assessment management, and grant writing manager. The experience will help them develop a wide range of competences varying from hard to soft skills. The work at such an agency may reveal the reality of a profession that deals with people in need. It may be inspiring if the mission aligns with a participant’s beliefs.
About the Agency
Although the agency boasts a clear mission and vision statement and pursues noble goals, it is not devoid of problems. As of now, customer services leaves a lot to be desired. The agency’s online reputation is compromised by numerous negative reviews that constitute an overall rating of 1,5 out of 5. It is crucial to address the slow processing, employees’ indifference and inaccessibility. A consolidated survey on the 2017-2019 strategy showed that the Department failed to outline how it plans to attain the set goals (Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, 2017b). The strategy’s priorities are confusing, i.e., giving preference to non-safety issues as opposed to dire safety needs.
The Impact of the Agency on an Individual
Clayton County Division of Family and Children Services has the power to make significant positive changes in community members’ lives. According to recent statistics, the poverty rate in Georgia is higher than the country’s average, 18% and 14,2% respectively (Index Mundi, 2013). The situation is looking even bleaker in Clayton that has a poverty rate of 24% (Index Mundi, 2013). With a timely intervention, the agency guides vulnerable citizens on their path to independence, strengthens families, and protects children. If community members volunteer for Clayton County Division, apply for work there, or contribute in any other meaningful way, the agency has an impact on their personal philosophy.
The Impact of an Individual on the Agency
The impact that an individual may have on an organization should never be underestimated. When it comes to personal crises, awareness and determination of the people around an individual in need are relevant as ever. Concerned citizens may facilitate the work of the agency by filing reports. Their participation strengthens the bond between the agency and local communities. Another example is the willingness of the individuals in a decision-making position at hospitals, shelters, and other social facilities to collaborate with Clayton County division. Lastly, every employee in the agency’s workforce matters and is capable of making a significant contribution to attaining the set goals.
More about the Agency
The agency seeks to improve quality of their services so that the changes would comply with the strategy of the State’s Department of Family and Children’s Services. The latter elaborated a comprehensive strategy for the years 2017-2019 in which they set their objective to meet the federal standards and do more than the bare minimum. According to the standard set by Administration for Children and Families, a share of employed adults enrolled in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families needs to reach 50%. The Georgian Department’s goal is to increase the share up to 60% (Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, 2017a). Clayton County Division is taking part in initiatives by the State’s Department, e.g., building State of Hope.
References
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. (2017a). 2017-2019 strategic plan. Web.
Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. (2017b). DFCS stakeholder survey results report. Web.
Index Mundi. (2013). Georgia poverty rate by county.Web.