GJSA Awards

HAROLD K. ABLES AWARD

The Harold K. Ables award is presented at the business meeting of the GJSA Annual Conference.  It is award to an outstanding worker in the field of Juvenile Justice.  It is awarded in memory of Harold
K. Ables, who contributed to the founding of  GJSA and it’s given symbolic of the dedicated service and high ideas held by Mr. Ables.  Harold K. Ables (1931-1968) spent eleven years with the Floyd
County Juvenile Court.  He was serving as Chief Probation Officer and Referee at the time of his death on December 16, 1968.  Mr. Ables was educated in the Floyd County Schools, completed a course in
the Juvenile Officers Institute at the University of Minnesota, attended the University of Georgia, and at the time of his death he was working on his degree from Shorter College.  His sincere interest
and concern for his fellow man was seen through his worker with the youth of his community and church.  He was strong believer in the worthwhile work done through the juvenile courts in our state.  
He was very much interested in the formation of an association to bring together those persons working in the broad field of juvenile justice to study and improve services rendered.  In view of his
strong support of the formation of  GJSA and his dedication to his family, worker and community, the Georgia Juvenile Services Association began in 1970 presenting an annual award in Mr. Ables’
name.  This award is made to that person (not necessarily a GJSA member) in our state who has made a significant contribution in the field of services to youth with whom we work.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:  A minimum of three (3) years experience in current position.          Nominee does not have to be a member of  GJSA, but nominator MUST be a current member.  The
nominee may be a parent, clerical staff, law enforcement officer, professional line level worker, supervisor, group home parent, volunteer, etc.



PHILLIP H. GRACE AWARD

Sometimes a youth can make a complete turnaround and become a very productive citizen in the community.  The Phillip H. Grace Award was established to recognize the accomplishments of such a
youth.

CRITERIA FOR THE AWARD:   Youth must be an outstanding youth from the state of Georgia.  Youth may or may not be committed, but must have shown the most change over the past year.

CHARACTERISTICS TO SEARCH FOR:  Personal responsibility – learning to take responsibility for one’s actions and learning from mistakes made.  Showing a sense of maturity and being able to take
care of one’s self and make wise decisions.

NOMINATION LETTER SHOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:   Old behaviors as opposed to new behavior, Placements of the youth, Goals the youth has reached or changes he/she has made, Home
situation if applicable



OUTSTANDING WORKER AWARDS

The following criteria should be considered when making a nomination:  A person that is dedicated and committed to the job at hand, shows a sense of pride and inspires others to do better, and shows
initiative and drive to go above and beyond their required job performance. ***Note: The nominee does not have to be a member of GJSA, but the nominator must be a current member.


INSTITUTIONAL/PLACEMENT:  SECURE
(i.e. RYDC, YDC, Mental Health Hospital)

Outstanding Worker (any job title)
Outstanding Supervisor (anyone in supervisory capacity)


NON-SECURE
(i.e. Residential Community Placement/Program)

Outstanding Worker (any job title)
Outstanding Supervisor (anyone in supervisor capacity)


EXECUTIVE ADMINISTOR/ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT SERVICES
(i.e. Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, RA, DD, ADD, Division Chief, RHA, RC, RSA, Directors, Judges, Superintends, Principals, Training, State Office, Business Office, Clerical)

Outstanding Worker (any job title)
Outstanding Supervisor (anyone in supervisor capacity)


COMMUNITY BASED
(i.e. Probation Officer, Counselor, Case Manager, Teacher, other Field-based staff)

Outstanding Worker (any job title)
Outstanding Supervisor (anyone in supervisory capacity)



GJSA SCHOLARSHIP

We award this scholarship to one deserving individual to help them in their quest to enter the juvenile services field.

KEY BENEFITS:  You do not have to pay this money back; Can be awarded to an immediate family member of an active GJSA member; We will issue a check directly to any accredited four year
institution of higher learning.

REQUIREMENTS:  The recipient must be accepted by an accredited four year institution of higher learning; must major in one of the following fields (Criminal Justice, Human Services, Social
Services); only on scholarship per family can be awarded since we only award one per year.  This is to allow others a chance at this award; Recipient must submit a biography giving information
concerning their goals for the future.
CRITERIA FOR NOMINATIONS