News + information from the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS), which comprises Aging Services, Child Support Services, and @GADFCS.

Georgia, USA
Joined February 2009
The DHS team is grateful for @VP, @OIGUSDA, @NDGAnews, and @FBI for their work prosecuting Mercedes New, a.k.a. Shawty Dred, accused of stealing over $4 million in taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits meant for vulnerable Georgia families.
Vice President JD Vance on alleged fraudster Shawty Dred: “This is a man that we have connected to $4.4 million in fraud against the SNAP program. A guy who is quite literally taking food from the mouths of children so that he can enrich himself… We have prosecuted this guy and prosecuted so many other fraudsters, and we’re going to keep on doing it. Because one of the most important lessons we can send is that you shouldn’t be able to, and you can’t get rich off of fraud. SNAP exists to help hungry children eat. It does not exist to provide private jets to a guy like Shawty Dred.”
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Meet Marina, today’s #WednesdaysChild! This future cosmetologist loves to visit with friends and help her foster mother cook. She enjoys dance, cheerleading, and gymnastics. Learn more about Marina and how to adopt in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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Did you know that people who intentionally violate the SNAP program can be permanently disqualified from participating in the program, be required to pay back all SNAP benefits, and/or face criminal charges? Learn more: dfcs.ga.gov/stop-snap-fraud.
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Meet Kainon, today’s #WednesdaysChild! Kainon loves watching basketball and football and is a big fan of the @AtlantaFalcons. He also enjoys spending time with friends at school and studying math. Learn more about Kainon and how to adopt in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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DHS offices are closed today in observance of Columbus Day. Regular business hours will resume tomorrow, Oct. 13.
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Meet Lacie, today’s #WednesdaysChild! Lacie enjoys going to school and wants to attend college in the future. She loves doing arts and crafts, and learning new recipes to cook with her foster parents. Learn more about Lacie and adopting in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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Eligibility fraud happens when a SNAP applicant or recipient intentionally provides false information about their financial or household situation to receive SNAP benefits they are not entitled to. Violations may result in program disqualification, financial penalties, and/or criminal prosecution.
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Meet Kalvin, a future firefighter who loves art, and his younger siblings, twins Kendrick and Olivia. Kendrick loves cooking, and Olivia enjoys playing outside with her brothers. Learn more about these siblings and adopting in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adoption! #WedesdaysChild
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Each September, we recognize Kinship Care Month and celebrate the grandparents, relatives, and family friends who provide a stable, loving home while parents are working toward reunification. Learn about kinship care and our 2026 Kinship Caregivers of the Year in our spotlight: dhs.georgia.gov/spotlight/20…
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Meet Kaliyah, today’s #WednesdaysChild! Kaliyah is outgoing and loves board games, dancing, and playing outside. She also enjoys spending time with her peers at school. Learn more about Kaliyah and how to adopt in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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Make a positive difference for people living with dementia in your community by becoming a Dementia Friend! Join our Dementia Friends session on September 25 at noon to learn more. Register here: forms.cloud.microsoft/g/rsBc…
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Our team at DHS wishes Georgia families observing Yom Kippur a meaningful fast and a peaceful holiday of prayer and reflection.
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Meet today’s #WednesdaysChild, Indigo! She likes to spend time with her friends, watch Disney movies, and listen to pop music. She also enjoys studying math at school. Learn more about Indigo and how to adopt in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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As Rosh Hashanah begins this evening, DHS wishes all families celebrating across Georgia a peaceful and prosperous new year. Shanah Tovah!
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On the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 innocent lives taken from us and honor the first responders and countless Americans whose courage and selflessness defined that tragic day.
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During National Kinship Care Month in September, DFCS is facilitating webinars every Thursday from 6-7 p.m., covering topics on child safety, the legal system, and advocacy. No registration is required. Click here to learn more: dhs.ga.gov/kinship
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Meet Tristen, today’s #WednesdaysChild! He enjoys spending time with his friends at school, studying math, and playing cards. He also enjoys listening to music and playing football and basketball. Learn about Tristen and how to adopt in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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DHS offices are closed today in observance of Labor Day. We wish all Georgia families a safe and happy celebration! Regular office hours will continue tomorrow.
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Meet Angel, today’s #WednesdaysChild! He enjoys spending time with other kids at school, watching the @dallascowboys, and listening to gospel music. Angel also loves building with blocks and playing outside. Learn more about Angel and adopting in Georgia at dfcs.ga.gov/adopt!
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As National Child Support Awareness Month comes to a close, remember that DCSS is here to help. Call DCSS at 1-877-GADHSGO (1-877-423-4746) or visit your local office during lobby hours. For more information, visit childsupport.georgia.gov.
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