Henry County Times

Special to the Times A milestone was reached re- cently when the Georgia House passed SB 406 by a vote of 163 to 4. The measure had the strong backing of the Georgia Council on Aging and CO-AGE (Coali- tion for Advocates for Georgia’s Elderly.) It requires comprehensive background checks and finger- printing for owners, employees and applicants of nursing homes, personal care homes, as- sisted living communities, pri- vate home care providers or adult day care centers as recom- mended by the Georgia Council on Criminal Justice Reform. It was supported by Governor Deal and was sponsored by Sen. Brian Strickland (R-McDo- nough.) The Governor’s Floor Leader, Rep. Chuck Efstration (R-Dacula) led efforts in the House. “CO-AGE identified the pas- sage of a measure requiring tougher background checks and fingerprinting as one of its top priorities for 2018, so we’re de- lighted that this important bill passed,” said Vicki Johnson, chair of the Georgia Council on Aging. “Both the Council and CO-AGE have worked over the years to ensure that older adults, disabled persons and other vul- nerable populations are safe and protected from exploitation. The passage of SB 406 is a great vic- tory for Georgia’s seniors.” Georgia Bureau of Investiga- tion Director Vernon Keenan has dubbed elder abuse an “iceberg crime,” meaning that only a small percentage of the crimes are reported. Until the passage of SB 406, licensed providers were required to conduct only a state, name-based background check when they hired someone. Because of gaps in that system, individuals with a record of abuse might not be identified. Under the new law, the Georgia Department of Community Health will require all staff with direct access to residents to un- dergo an FBI fingerprint back- ground check prior to employment, thus capturing of- fenders from other states as well as individuals who may have changed their names. SB 406 is the latest in a series of measures that the state has adopted to ensure that Georgia’s vulnerable populations are safe. Among those measures are an increase in the number of GBI agents focused on fighting elder abuse, increased funding for Adult Protective Services and funding for an Elder Abuse At- torney in the Prosecuting Attor- ney’s Council. Page 11 March 21, 2018 In an effort to preserve some of the history of our community, The Times is displaying photos of Henry County from the past. If you can tell us about the photo shown above, write us at editor@henrycounty times.com and tell us. In the next edition, we’ll reveal the details of the picture and notes readers send us. Last Week’s Picture Henry County As It Was Rodney Brooks wrote in to identify (l. to r.) himself, and his broth- ers, Jason and Chad Brooks. They are sons of the late Murphy E. Brooks and Esther Brooks Williams. TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU! Downtown: 101 Macon Street M C Donough, GA 30253 West Campus: 2176 Jonesboro Road M C Donough, GA 30253 770-957-5828 • www.fbcmcdonough.com Listen Sundays at 11:00 AM on WKKP 1410 AM & 100.9 FM A PLACE TO BELIEVE, BELONG, AND BECOME! Senior Pastor - Dr. Charles J. Thomas The Henry County Times Times The Henry County “Celebrating Henry County” Name:____________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Address:__________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ _________________________________ Phone:____________________________ Mail your check and this form: The Henry County Times P.O. Box 2407 McDonough, GA 30253 THE BEST OF HENRY COUNTY Only $33 per year to zip codes 30228, 30248, 30252, 30253 & 30281 and $39 per year to all other zip codes! HOME DELIVERED TO YOUR 770-957-6314 www.TheHenryCountyTimes.com Georgia House Bill SB 406 to help protect elders from abuse Special to the Times Suits for Veterans is a program that helps active duty military personnel transition to civilian work and life. The program is based in Detroit and has been around since 2012. From now through Saturday, May 5 the Brumfield Insurance Agency will be hosting a Suits for Veterans drive. “My daughter is a disabled vet- eran and I want to do anything I can for service members who are serving or have served,” said Phyllis Brumfield, Agency owner. Suits for Veterans has a goal of collecting 50,000 suits annually for service members, to make the transition from active duty to vet- erans in the civilian workforce easier. The community is invited to drop off suits, dresses, shoes, blouses, etc. at the Brumfield Agency office located at 297 Country Club Drive, Stock- bridge. For more information, call 678- 814-4933. Anyone who answers will be able to assist you. Suits for Veterans Drive