A Turning Point for Georgia's Children: New Juvenile Code Signed into Law
Culminating seven years of effort by GA Appleseed and the JUSTGeorgia coalition, Gov Nathan Deal signed Georgia's new juvenile code into law on May 2nd in Dalton, Georgia.
Leaders of JUSTGeorgia, a statewide coalition working since 2006 to update the juvenile code, called the new law a pivotal moment for Georgia's children and families.
"Georgia's new approach to juvenile law has the potential to have positive impact on generations to come," said Sharon Hill, executive director of Georgia Appleseed, one of three lead partners in the JUSTGeorgia coalition. "This is truly a turning point for our children."
Georgia Appleseed's report, Common Wisdom: Making the Case for a New Georgia Juvenile Code (2008) provided stakeholder input imperative to development of the new code legislation. Thirteen major law firms and more than 260 pro bono volunteers participated in the effort.
Sharon Hill joined with other lead advocates to witness the bill signing. Watch it here.
2013 Good Apple Awards
This year's Good Apple Awards on April 10th celebrated the work of DLA Piper and Shunta Vincent McBride, Esq. on behalf of our Heir Property Project. Special guest speakers included national Appleseed Founding Board Member Professor Arthur Miller (New York, NY) and Mayor Teresa Tomlinson of Columbus, site of our first satellite Georgia Appleseed office.
Another highlight of this year's Good Apple Awards was the video debut of "Unlocking Heir Property." We extend our sincerest appreciation to David Hughes Dukes, John Dukes and their company, Living Stories, for this moving production.
Have You Read Georgia Appleseed's FY12 Annual Report?
Georgia Appleseed is proud to present its 2012 Annual Report highlighting projects, accomplishments and financials, and recognizing our contributors and supporters.
Many thanks to UPS Brand Communications for their generous report design work.
School Tribunal Attorney Manual Published
Georgia Appleseed's Young Professionals Council is proud to announce publication of Representing Students in School Tribunals in Georgia Attorney Training Manual, 2nd ed. This educational manual is presented as a public service to pro bono attorneys representing clients in school tribunal disciplinary hearings. Access the manual here.
Unlocking Heir Property Ownership Report Released
Georgia Appleseed is proud to announce the release of its report, Unlocking Heir Property Ownership: Assessing the Impact on Low and Mid-Income Georgians and Their Communities. Based on the efforts of hundreds of pro bono volunteers, this report highlights the results of original tax data base research that supports Georgia Appleseed's continuing efforts to create an independent legal clinic focused on the needs of low and moderate income owners of heir property and on the communities impacted by vacant heir property.
Caring for Georgia's Unbefriended Elders: Report Released
Georgia Appleseed is proud to announce the release of its report, "Caring for Georgia's Unbefriended Elders; Views from the Probate Bench on the 2010 Amendments to the Surgical and Medical Consent Statute." Led by Alston & Bird volunteers, this project report explores implementation issues arising out of a state law providing health care legal protections for older Georgians who become incompetent to give informed consent to health care providers. Sincerest thanks to the Alston & Bird team and the Safeguarding Seniors Advisory Board.
"GaAppleseed: Georgia Appleseed's growing presence in Columbus, Georgia flourishes. Columbus Office Takes Root