Fayette County School Employees Receive Psychology Advocacy Award

The Georgia Association of School Psychologists has recognized two Fayette County Public School employees for their efforts in encouraging the state to keep psychologists in public schools.

School Superintendent Dr. John DeCotis and Fayette County Alternative School principal Tim Carter were presented certificates of Excellence in Advocacy during a school system administrative meeting. Association president Deborah Crockett, who is also a school psychologist for the school system, surprised the two recipients with the awards.

“Last year when the state was considering removing school psychologists, I asked Dr. DeCotis and Mr. Carter to write letters of support emphasizing the value of school psychologists. Both of them did and we are still here thanks to their efforts,” says Crockett.

School psychologists are state and nationally certified professionals. They help students who are having learning, behavioral and emotional problems by conducting comprehensive psycho-educational assessments and interventions. They also serve the school system by consulting with teachers, parents and administrators, aiding them with information and recommendations; conduct research to help promote effective forms of learning, discipline and social interaction; and are liaisons and effective personnel in the event of a crisis, helping to alleviate the stressors and promote a healthy transition in the schools and community.

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DFCS case worker Rita Goodman receives National Adoption Award

Rita Goodman, a Clayton County adoption case manager for the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), has received the prestigious Adoption Excellence Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for her successful work with Georgia’s foster children.

Goodman was honored August 4 in Washington, D.C., along with 16 other award recipients. She was recognized for finding permanent homes for more than 110 foster children, including some who faced enormous challenges to adoption.

“As the first Georgian ever to win this coveted award, we are all proud of Rita’s great work,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “Her efforts on behalf of Georgia’s children reflect the state’s commitment to find a loving home for every child.”

Goodman, who works for Clayton County DFCS, was named “Queen of Adoptions” for metro Atlanta in 2006 and 2008. Her accomplishments include finding permanent homes for more than 18 sibling groups and more than 17 children aged 14 to 18 years old.

“We’re very proud of Rita, especially her work with children who face obstacles to a permanent home,” said B.J. Walker, commissioner of DHS. “Georgia is making real progress for foster children. Fewer kids are entering foster care. For those in our care, we are developing permanency plans that include a time table for when we hope to have each child matched with a safe and caring family.”

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