Division of Family and Children Services Local County Advisory Board

PURPOSE of McDuffie County DFCS Advisory Board 

The purpose of the local county Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) board shall be to support the staff who protect the well-being of this state's children while preserving family integrity.

The Local County Advisory Boards may review the administration of all welfare and public assistance functions for the county, including such programs as temporary assistance for needy families (TANF), supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), employment services, child protective services, foster care, and adoptions.

County Advisory Boards will assess the county’s effectiveness in providing services to the community.

Advisory Board Roles and Responsbilities

The roles and responsibilities of local county board members shall be:

• Serve as an active liaison and a link between the county department and the local community.  
• Advocate on behalf of the local county office concerning DFCS’ legislative priorities and appropriations, and unmet needs in the community.
• Support the overall mission of the Division of Family and Children Services.
• Advocate for additional county funding for specific needs beyond state appropriations, and set standards for expenditures of county funds.
• Acquire knowledge of Division programs and services offered.
• Assess the county department’s provision of services in relation to the needs of the community.
• Assist the County Director in building staff morale and motivating employees.
• Provide recommendations for improving local county operations via annual report.
• Submit Annual Report to the Division Director each year by December 15th.
• Assist the Regional Director in the selection process for the County Director should the position become vacant.

Advisory Board MEMBERSHIP Categories:  

Each local board will have five to seven members.

Per O.C.G.A. § 49-3-2 (amended via SB 138) the governing authority (Local County Board of Commissioners) shall ensure that all appointments made on or after July 1, 2015, are made from the following categories:

(1) Pediatric health care providers;

(2) Appropriate school personnel;

(3) Emergency responders;

(4) Law enforcement personnel;

(5) Private child welfare service providers;

(6) Alumni of the child welfare system;

(7) Mental health care providers;

(8) Former foster parents; and

(9) Leaders within the faith-based community. 

Advisory Board Terms

Updated 7.1.15 1

• Terms of County Board Members are for five years, beginning on July 1st, and are staggered so that one term expires each year.  
• A Board Member whose term has expired may continue to serve until a successor is appointed.
• Appointments   to   fill   vacancies   on   County   Boards   caused   by   death,   resignation,   or disqualification before the expiration of a term are made for the remainder of the term.
• Board vacancies which occur for any reason, including but not limited to expiration of the term of office, shall be filled by new criteria within 90 days.
• No elected officer of the state or any subdivision thereof shall be eligible for appointment to the county board. 
• Public Assistance recipients may not be appointed to the board since the appointment would create an illegal conflict of interest.
• As a matter of policy, the Division does not support the appointment of anyone who has immediate family members on the staff of the local office.  The County Board Chair and/or the County Director shall make the Chairman of the County Commission aware of this policy.
• Any board member in one of the situations defined above is automatically and immediately disqualified for continued membership on the board.  The County Director must advise the County Commission and request another appointment to fill the vacancy.
• All appointments should be reflective of gender, race, ethnic, and age characteristics of the county population.  
• County Directors are responsible for timely notification to the Division Director and Regional Director of any changes to the membership of the county boards. 

For more information please see the State of Georgia's DFCS Local County Advisory Board Charter.