HR203: HR203 Youth Villages; commend

This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia House of Representatives, not a change to state law. It recognizes Youth Villages, a nonprofit founded in 1986 that provides services to children, families, and young adults across the country and in Georgia since 2009. The resolution highlights Youth Villages' work in Georgia, including its Inner Harbour Campus psychiatric residential treatment facility in Douglasville, its Intercept in-home family program, and its LifeSet program for young people leaving foster care. It notes the organization's partnerships with several Georgia state agencies. The resolution formally congratulates and commends the organization and directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Youth Villages.

• Formally congratulates and commends Youth Villages, its staff, and its volunteers on behalf of the Georgia House of Representatives.
• States the House's recognition of Youth Villages' work in Georgia and nationally over the past and into the future.
• Directs the Clerk of the House of Representatives to prepare and send a copy of the resolution to Youth Villages.
• Does not create, change, fund, or repeal any Georgia law or program.

The resolution directly names Youth Villages, its staff, and volunteers as the honorees. It also references Georgia families and children served by the organization's programs, and the Georgia Departments of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, Community Health, Education, and Human Services, which the resolution says partner with Youth Villages.

Because this is a commendation rather than a law, it has no direct legal or financial effect on Georgians. Its main practical outcome is a formal, on-the-record statement from the House recognizing Youth Villages' services to Georgia children and families.

• The whereas clauses describe Youth Villages' history, founding in 1986, and its reach across 27 states and Washington, D.C.
• Notes Youth Villages began operating in Georgia in 2009 and has served more than 5,500 children, families, and young adults in the state.
• Describes the Inner Harbour Campus in Douglasville and a $70 million construction and renovation investment there.
• Describes the Intercept in-home family program and the LifeSet program for young adults transitioning out of foster care.
• The resolving clause formally commends Youth Villages, its staff, and volunteers for their work.
• A further resolving clause directs the Clerk of the House to send a copy of the resolution to Youth Villages.

1. 2025-02-06House Read and Adopted (House)
2. 2025-02-06House First Readers (House)
3. 2025-02-06House Hopper (House)

• Mary Oliver (D, HD-084)Primary sponsor
• Lee Hawkins (R, HD-027)
• Debbie Buckner (D, HD-137)
• Darlene Taylor (R, HD-173)
• Katie Dempsey (R, HD-013)

• child welfare
• foster care
• mental health services
• legislative commendation