🌱Harsh Reality Of Hoteling Foster Children +Mall Of America Shooter

Greetings everyone and happy Thursday. I'm back in your inbox to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town today. In this issue, you'll find:

• Candice Broce addressing the harsh reality of "hoteling"
• DeKalb County's deputy ethics officer position may face elimination
• Mall of America shooter, caught right here in Decatur

But first, today's weather:

A shower and thunderstorm. High: 68 Low: 40.

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Here are the top stories in Decatur-Avondale Estates today:

1. The state budget hearings took place at the state Capitol on Tuesday. Candice Broce, director of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, was one of the attendees. She addressed the harsh reality of "hoteling," a term used to describe children and other youth in foster-care being placed in hotels and offices due to a lack of adequate placements. Reports state that an estimated 50-70 children within the foster care system are faced with this issue on a nightly bases and many of these children suffer with behavioral health issues. Broce stated during the hearing that it cost the state more than $28 million in the fiscal year of 2022. Since joining DFCS she and her team have started programs that enhance the rates paid to care givers and have provided emergency grants as well. It has been stated that this new initiative is working with numbers as low as 20 children per night being placed in hotels due to a lack of adequate placements. (Northwest Georgia News)
2. Commissioner Robert Patrick has been re-elected as presiding officer and Commissioner Mereda Davis Johnson as deputy presiding officer for 2023. The DeKalb County Commission made the announcement along with announcing the Public Works & Infrastructure Committee, which includes Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, Ted Terry, and Robert Patrick. (Decaturish.com )
3. A 17-year-old suspect, who's name has yet to be released due to his age, was arrested in Decatur on Tuesday. The minor faces charges of second-degree murder and second-degree assault stemming from the shooting death of 19-year-old Johntae Hudson. Hudson was shot eight times inside of the Mall of America and died due to his injuries on Dec. 23. Two other 17 year olds and an 18-year-old, Taeshawn Adams Wright, have also been arrested. (WPVI-TV)
4. DeKalb County's deputy ethics officer position may be eliminated soon. The Ethics board will weigh in on the issue this week. Currently the position is occupied by LaTonya Nix Wiley. Wiley is currently on paid administrative leave due to an internal investigation she brought about against her former boss last August. (The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

Today in Decatur-Avondale Estates:

• What's Your New Year's Resolution? — DeKalb County Public Library (10:00 AM)
• DeKalb Chamber 85th Annual Meeting & Business Luncheon (11:30 AM)
• Employment Assistance with the IRC — DeKalb County Public Library (12:00 PM)
• Webinar — Imagine Starting & Growing an Online Business. It's Easy if You Try (12:00 PM)
• Art History Club — DeKalb County Public Library (3:15 PM)

From my notebook:

• Foodies can order online from 5-9 and get 33 percent off their purchases at the Emory Village Chipotle, with promo code. Funds go directly to GRC ATL. (Girls Rock Camp ATL via Facebook)
• Fresh veggies are blooming at Avondale Estates Farmer's Market. Avondale Estates Farmers Market is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Avondale Estates Farmer's Market via Facebook)
• The Green Team Summit sign up is live. Georgia Interfaith Power & Light has an event taking place on Feb. 26 from 2-8 p.m. at Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. Attendees must register. (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light via Facebook)

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• Lift Every Voice and Sing (January 20)
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• 2 Burial Lots in Historic Decatur Cemetery For Sale (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed. I'll see you around!

— Cherryl Young/ MamaNyeMatters

About me: Cherryl Young DBA MamaNyeMatters. I was born in Providence, Rhode Island and moved to Georgia in 2017. My first children's book, You Are the Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow was published in 2021. https://www.mamanyematters.com... I've worked in Atlanta and Gwinnett County Public Schools assisting children who have special needs. I studied Community Development @ Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. My Purpose In Life Is To Connect, Create, Inspire, Write, and Expand and I am ELATED to Be Here as a Contributing Writer @ Patch! Journey With Me...

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Decatur-Avondale Estates Daily? Contact me at Decatur@Patch.com