Community Input Forum - Family Connection 5 Year Plan for Advancement of Children
February 1, 2012

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Family Connection presented a wide range of data that describes conditions for families and children in Pickens County. This data includes the results from the Community Survey, results from the Key Informant Interviews, and statistical data describing over 100 indicators of children/family well being (Pickens County Consolidated Data Report.)

Pickens County Consolidated Data Report
on Children, Families, and Neighborhoods

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Pickens County Family Connection, Inc.
VISION, MISSION, GOALS, TARGET GROUPS, DESIRED OUTCOMES, STRATEGIES: 2008-2011

OUR VISION: All Pickens County children:

Will be born healthy

Will be reared in nurturing, safe, self-sufficient, and literate families

Will be provided with and will utilize quality health care, child care, and educational, recreational, spiritual opportunities

Will grow into educated, productive, and involved citizens of the community.

OUR MISSION: Pickens County Family Connection is a non-profit community partnership that strengthens families and children by identifying challenges and solutions, and measuring change in Pickens County.

CORE MISSION-BASED FUNCTIONS:

Assessing the risk conditions (needs) and protective conditions (resources) for children, youth, and families in Pickens County

Developing universal, measurable outcomes for children and families (preferably identified target groups), and a universal plan of action to achieve the outcomes;

Identifying and procuring resources to implement the Plan;

Promoting the implementation of the universal plan of action, which includes inclusive, coordinated, connected actions to achieve outcomes;

Data based measurement of progress toward outcomes;

Reporting the status of the Plan, actions, and progress to the community.

Goal #1 - All families will be stable and self-sufficient

Target Groups: Families, with children age 0-5, who do not have a high school diploma, live in a low income environment, or who are experiencing family management and family nurturing challenges.

Desired Outcomes:

150 families provide improved nurturing contexts for children age 0-5 (annually).

Annually, 250 children age 0-5 improve and maintain age appropriate cognitive and social development levels, and will be "ready" for kindergarten.

75 parents of children age 0-5 attain the High School General Equivalency diploma (over three years).

Strategy: Provide sustained, comprehensive services and support to the target group of parents to help them to develop the ability and motivation to nurture their children; and to inspire and help the parents to further their education. The Strategy will be planned and implemented by the Thrive to Five - Pickens Pathway to Family Success which includes: Pickens Family Partners, Pickens County Head Start, North Georgia Pregnancy Center, Pickens County Department of Family and Children Services, Adult Education Program of Chattahoochee Tech, Pickens County Resource Center, Collaborations for Resiliency in Children, Jasper United Methodist Church Preschool Program, North Georgia Mountain Crisis Network, Appalachian Children's Center, Pickens County Department of Public Health, Highland Rivers, CARES, CASA, Appalachian Children's Emergency Shelter, Quality Care for Children. These organizations work through Thrive to Five - Pickens Pathway to Family Success.

Goal # 2 - All children and youth will live a drug free lifestyle

Target Groups: Fifth grade students (priority #1); middle school and high school students (#2); elementary school students (#3)

Desired Outcomes:

In 2011, 80% of 10th graders will not use alcohol/drugs, compared to 70% in 2006.

Each year, 350 5th grade students will be fully aware of the dangers of drugs and alcohol; will know how to resist peer pressure to use drugs/alcohol; and will know how to have fun, enjoy life, and nurture positive personal relationships without the distraction and distortion of drugs and alcohol. Strategy: Provide target groups of students with a wide array of programs and support to help them value and live a drug/alcohol free life style. The strategy will be planned and implemented by the Pickens County Anti-Drug Coalition.

Goal #3: All children will graduate from high school on time

Target Group: Middle school students who are experiencing low grades, low test scores, low attendance, or social/behavior challenges

Desired outcomes:

In 2012, 85% of 2008 eighth grade students will complete high school, compared to 78% of the 2003 eighth grade students in 2008.

Each year from 2008-2011, 100 middle school "at risk" children will improve their grades, test scores, school attendance, and school behavior

Strategy: Provide at risk middle school students with a support system to succeed in school, at home, and in the community. The strategy will be planned and implemented by the Success in School Strategy Team. Partners include: the School Attendance Support Team (Pickens County Schools), Boys and Girls Club, Mountain Mentors, and Collaborations for Resiliency in Children.

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