“At the Friday-Johnson Home,
kids allow themselves to be kids again."
The Friday-Johnson Home, located in a bucolic setting in rural Brooks, GA, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide a safe home away from home for children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or family instability. The structure of the program along with consistent therapeutic interactions and, most importantly, lots of hugs, allows children to feel safe, and their confidence begins to grow. At the Friday-Johnson Home, kids allow themselves to be kids again.
The Friday-Johnson home accommodates up to 10 children ages 6-17 with two emergency beds and 8 extended care beds. Children may reside at the home anywhere from a week to several years, depending on the needs of the individual child. The average length of stay is 8 months. The court and the DFCS caseworker determine the next placement for each child. The child could be placed in a foster home or with a relative. In most cases, the plan is for reunification with family, if at all possible. At all times, the best interest of the child is considered.
A typical day at the Friday-Johnson Home consists of activities, meals, group meetings, studying/tutor time, individual time with staff, and peer interaction. Children in residence share the responsibility for chores, and each child maintains his/her room. Each child has a “Plan of Care” which outlines goals while the child is in residence. Goals include behavioral and personal growth in family, educational, psychological and spiritual areas. Youth in extended care receive counseling services. They attend Fayette County schools and participate in community activities. The children regularly attend a local church. Tutors come several times each week to assist children with their homework. Medical and dental services are provided by a number of local professionals. Activities include recreation, art, music, and a variety of outings and field trips. Civic clubs and church groups assist by providing special events and activities for the residents throughout the year.
