Byron Cuthbert

The Safe Harbor Commission convened to discuss the conclusion of multi-year litigation regarding funding for organizations supporting sexually exploited children. The meeting featured a presentation from the Department of Revenue concerning the tax collection process for the adult entertainment industry, specifically detailing how establishments are identified and assessed. Commissioners and the Department of Revenue representative discussed the challenges of identifying unlicensed or underground establishments and explored the potential for future legislative action or enhanced enforcement strategies to address this issue. Additionally, the commission addressed the request for applications for the distribution of grant funding to eligible entities.

The board meeting covered several key updates and initiatives across multiple divisions. The Office of Family Independence provided reports on the On Demand program and the SNAP Payment Error Rate, including strategies for mitigation and future cost sharing requirements. The Child Welfare division presented data on adoption and foster care, and recognized Social Work Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month. The Division of Aging Services discussed the State Plan on Aging, emphasizing community input and future planning. The Division of Child Support Services reviewed intergovernmental case processing and caseload data. Additionally, the Office of General Counsel presented proposed rule changes regarding Child Support Services and Outdoor Child Caring Programs, detailing procedures for public comments and seeking final approval or authorization to publish notices for these amendments.

The board received presentations from the Office of Family Independence, the Office of Child Welfare, the Division of Aging Services, the Division of Child Support Services, and the Office of General Counsel. Additionally, the board approved a rule change for the Division of Child Support Services and authorized the publication of proposed amendments for Outdoor Child Caring Programs for a public comment period.

The board received several departmental presentations covering the Office of Family Independence, the Office of Child Welfare, the Division of Aging Services, the Division of Child Support Services, the Offices of Facilities and Support Services, and the Office of General Counsel. Board business included the approval of a resolution regarding a Cherokee County easement and the authorization to publish proposed amendments to Division of Child Support Services rules for a 30-day public comment period.

The commission reviewed and approved the fiscal year 2025 Safe Harbor Commission grant program competitive funding recommendations. Key discussion topics included the de-obligation of funds for Micah's Promise due to duplicate appropriations and the allocation of remaining grant funds to various youth support and training initiatives, including organizations like Youth Spark, Thea's Place, Children's Advocacy Centers of Georgia, and the University of Georgia Research Foundation. The board also requested an accounting of remaining funds in the Safe Harbor account.