Topics to be discussed

1
Clayton County Juvenile Court

• Topics to be discussed
• Differences between the adult and juvenile
  systems
• Juvenile justice terminology
• The juvenile justice process
• Probation/supervision
• Programs

2
A Quick Look at the Criminal Justice System

• The Adult System
• Protect the community
• Prevent crime through incarceration and
  punishment
• Limited efforts at treatment or rehabilitation
• The Seven Deadly Sins
• 17 years old The Age of the Majority

• The Juvenile System
• Protect the community
• Prevent crime through treatment, rehabilitation
  and supervision
• Punishment is not used as a means to prevent
  crime
• Status Offenses, Delinquent Offenses and
  Designated Felonies

3
Status Offenses

• An act, that if committed by an adult, would not
  be considered a crime.
• Status offenses include truancy, running away
  from home, curfew violation and unruly child.

4
Delinquent Offenses

• Misdemeanors
• A criminal/delinquent act of a less serious
  nature.
• Common misdemeanors Affray, Disrupting a Public
  School, Criminal Trespass, Shoplifting,
  Possession of Drugs or Alcohol, Battery, Simple
  Assault

• Felonies
• A criminal/delinquent act of a more serious
  nature.
• Common felonies Theft of a Motor Vehicle,
  Battery on a Family Member or Teacher,
  Terroristic Threats, Child Molestation, Second
  Possession of a Firearm, Distribution of Drugs

5
Designated Felonies

• Designated felonies are crimes for which the
  penalties could include restrictive custody in a
  Youth Development Campus for up to 60 months (5
  years)

6
Designated Felony offenses Ages 13-17

• Murder/Attempted Murder
• Kidnapping/Attempted Kidnapping
• Arson-1st and 2nd Degree
• Aggravated Battery or Aggravated Assault
• Robbery/Robbery without a Firearm
• Carrying a Weapon at School or School Function
• Battery on School Teacher or Personnel

• Second Car Theft
• 2nd Possession of GUN by person under age 18
• Drug Trafficking
• Any Combination of 4 or more Felony Charges
• Hijacking a Motor Vehicle
• Any offense transferred to the Juvenile Court
  from Superior Court

7
The Seven Deadly Sins(the adult system)

• Murder
• Voluntary Manslaughter
• Rape
• Aggravated Sodomy
• Aggravated Child Molestation
• Aggravated Sexual Battery
• Armed Robbery with a Firearm

8
REVOCATION

• When a child demonstrates his or her refusal to
  cooperate with the Probation Order, the state may
  choose to file a Petition for Revocation instead
  of a Violation
• If the Revocation is granted, the child will be
  re-disposition on the originally probated offense
• Revocations are usually filed where the probated
  offense is a Designated Felony and the probation
  officer is concerned for the communitys safety
• When probation is revoked, it often results in
  the child being committed to DJJ with restrictive
  custody

9
COURT PROCEDURES

• COMPLAINT- a document filed by the police or
  private citizen alleging that an offense has
  occurred.
• 48 Hour Hearing ? Arraignment
• ?
  ?
• Rights are presented ? Formal Plea of Admit
  or Deny
• ?
  ?
• DENY- Adjudication ? Admit-Probable
  Cause Found
• ?
• Prepare for Disposition- Court Officer/Social
  History
• Judge may order Alternative to Detention
• Consent- Agree to the recommendation of the
  court without a hearing
• ?
• . Placed on an Order of Probation, Suspended
  Probation, Abeyance, Commitment to Department of
  Juvenile Justice
• Treatment Plan/Probation Officer- monitor
  child for a period of 3 months to 2 years

10
SOCIAL HISTORYCOURT OFFICER

• PARENTS/SIBLING/OTHER SIGNIFICANT ADULTS
  INFORMATION- Name, Date of Birth, Employment,
  Education, Criminal History, Marriage
  Information, Drug, Physical, Mental Abuse, Health
  Issues ,Relationship with the child
• CHILDS INFORMATION- Same as above PLUS- Sexual
  Behaviors, Friends, Gang Activity in
  Neighborhood, Trauma History, Behavior at Home,
  Attitude-Demeanor During Interview, Methods of
  Discipline, Hobbies and Interest, and Plans for
  the Future.

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PROBATIONFIELD OFFICERJ.A.R.I.S- Juvenile
Assessment Risk Instrument SystemRisk and
Needs AssessmentRISK- the childs score on this
instrument determines the minimum contact
standard 0-8 Low Contact- at least 1 face to
face visit every 60 days9-15 Medium Contact- at
least 1 face to face every 30 day16-24High
Contact- at least 2 face to face every 30
daysAll levels must have at least 4 collateral
contactsNEEDS- used to identify the needs of
the juvenile and is the basis for the treatment
planTREATMENT PLAN- outlines the goals or needs
and the steps necessary to achieve those goals
and who is responsible for taking those steps
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J.A.R.I.S RISK ASSESSMENT

• CURRENT OFFENSES- Status Offense only (0) 1 or
  2 delinquent adjudication (1) 3or more
  delinquent adjudication (2)
• PRIOR DELINQUENT OFFENSE- No prior delinquent
  adjudications (0) 1 or 2 delinquent
  adjudications (1) 3 or more delinquent
  adjudications (2)
• DETENTION- Never been detained (0) 1 time
  detained (1) 2 or more times detained (2)
• AGE AT FIRST DELINQUENT - 14 Years or older (0)
  13 years or older (1)
• ATTITUDE TOWARD AUTHORITY- Respectful,
  remorseful, and cooperative (0) Usually
  respectful, remorseful, and cooperative (1)
  Generally disrespectful, shows no remorse, not
  cooperative (2)
• SUBSTANCE ABUSE- Has never used alcohol or drugs
  (0) Experimental, isolated, or occasional use (1)
  Offense linked to alcohol/drug use, history of
  substance abuse treatment or current need of
  treatment (2)
• PEER ASOCIATIONS- Very few or no delinquent
  associates (0) Some delinquent associates (1)
  Mostly delinquent associates, gang member or
  socially isolated (2)
• LESIURE TIME ACTIVITIES- Involved in supervised ,
  structured activities (0) Not involved in
  supervised, structured activities, but not
  pursuing delinquent interests (1) Child actively
  pursues delinquent interests (2)
• Family Functioning- Family generally along, no
  serious problems (o) Some conflict, problems not
  properly addressed, some DFCS involvement (2)
  Conflict often, serious problems not addressed,
  current deprivation issues, DFCS involvement (2)
• RUNNING AWAY- Child has never run from home (0)
  Child has run away 1-2 times (1) Child has run
  away 3 times (2)

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J.A.R.I.S NEEDS ASSESSMENT

• SCHOOL ISSUES CRITICAL- tribunal, expulsion,
  performing below grade level, inappropriate
  educational placementMAJOR- poor academic
  performance, truancy, serious discipline problem,
  special educationMINOR-multiple school transfers
• EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES- CRITICAL- gang member
  or involved in gang activity, involved in
  pro-criminal activity
• HEALTH OF CHILD- CRITICAL- untreated/minimal
  treatment of identified/unidentified mental
  health issues, suicide thoughts or
  attempts/treatment of same, noncompliant with
  medical mental health treatment, emotional,
  physical, sexual abuse in home past or present,
  presence of untreated STDsMAJOR-current grief
  and loss or abandonment issuesMINOR- short or
  long-term disability or illness, compliant with
  medical or mental health treatment
• SEXUAL BEHAVIORS-SCRITICAL- struggles with sexual
  identity, uses coercion to obtain sex, exchange
  of sex for money or material goods, multiple sex
  partners, Red Flag behaviors, 5 year difference
  in sex partnerMAJOR- same sex attraction, sexual
  touching, sexually active with one partnerMINOR-
  pregnant or parent of a child
• ALCOHOL DRUG INVOLVEMENT- CRITICAL- extensive
  substance abuse, alcohol-drug related offense,
  use of hard drugs, history of selling
  drugsMAJOR- experimental or isolated drug or
  alcohol use, history of drug/alcohol abuse with
  successful treatment, involvement in a drug
  subculture, parental suspicion of drug/alcohol
  use
• FAMILY OF RESIDENCE- CRITICAL- physical/sexual/emo
  tional abuse present in the home, family does not
  cooperate with the court, family member is a
  current drug/alcohol abuser, family member is
  currently incarcerated or has a serious criminal
  history, family is homeless, transient, or
  eviction is imminent, childs basic needs arent
  being met, family member suffers from mental
  illness, caretaker provides insufficient
  consequences and does not hold child accountable
  for inappropriate behavior, strained parent-
  child relationshipMAJOR- Family cooperative, but
  unsupportive of court involvement, family
  supportive, but lack resources to fulfill
  obligations, family moves frequently and problem
  has been identified, family member has serious
  health problem
• FAMILY OF ORGIN- CRITICAL- history of
  physical/sexual/emotional abuse, history of
  drug/alcohol useMAJOR-history of eviction,
  history of incarceration or serious criminal
  history, history of DFCS involvement, history of
  mental health or serious health problems

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PROGRAMSPARENT/ CHILD ATTEND TOGETHER

• BOYS GROUP- helps with abandonment issues in a
  boys life. Helps the parent understand how
  abandonment issues affect the childs life
• CAP- sessions are interactive and concentrates on
  communication between the generations.
• CHOICES- for families who are known to have or
  suspect of having a history of using illegal
  substances
• FAMILY OREINTATION- 4-part series explaining
  mental health issues, adolescent development, and
  court procedures
• UNITY- 7 part series explaining information on
  HIV, alcohol and drugs, being a strong and caring
  parent, building self-esteem, feeling good about
  being you, the role of the media
• ANGER MANAGEMENT -the Child is taught skills to
  control his/her anger. The parents are taught
  skills to control the childs anger

15
ONLY CHILD ATTENDS

• AMACHI- brings community and faith based
  institutions together to provide mentoring for
  children whos parent/caregiver has been
  incarcerated
• BABY THINK IT OVER- child experiences the
  responsibility of being the sole care taker of an
  infant (computer based doll) for a week-end
• BOUNDARY GROUP- MALES ONLY- who have received a
  charge for inappropriate touching or one who
  needs guidance in relating to others in an
  acceptable manner
• GIRLS GROUP- GIRLS ONLY- with abandonment issues
  or that have been victimized

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CONTINUED

• GRIEF AND LOSS- to help those who have lost a
  parent/someone close to them due to death
• ON POINT- GIRLS ONLY- Girls Scouts-targeted
  toward first time offenders in an effort to
  reduce recidivism
• PARC- those that have received traffic violations
  or DUI. Child experiences life in a wheel chair
  and safe driving techniques
• SAVVY-Standing Against Violence and Victimization
  of Youth- work with children from 330pm-800pm
  (High Risk Hours) tutoring, workshops, mentors,
  character development, parenting skills,
  counseling
• TYC TUTORING- 20 sessions of tutoring. Child is
  tested before and after he/she completes the
  sessions

17
ALTERNATIVE TO DETENTION

• ANKLE MONITOR- child wears an electronic device
  on ankle that detects when he/she leaves the home
• FAST PANEL- Finding Alternatives for Safety and
  Treatment/Stabilization Through Assessment and
  Recommendations for Treatment- panel of mental
  health, DFCS, school, faith based, civic
  representatives and volunteers from the
  community. The panel reviews the child that has
  been detained for 24/48 hours. The family
  dynamics and actions that have been taken to help
  the child. Each member of the panel recommends
  what they feel is best for the child and identify
  resources that are available to assist the child
  instead of keeping him/her detained

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CONTINUED

• INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS- Verbal or written
  warnings in regards to child violating his/her
  probation. Example- extra community service
  hours, ankle monitor, tighter curfew, essay,
  group etc
• MULTI SYSTEMIC THERAPY-MST- in home therapy that
  provides the family with counseling, but also
  works with every aspect of the childs life.
  Example- school, church, programs etc. the goal
  is to find safe systems/influences for the child
• TRACKING PLUS- tracks the child on a daily basis
  at home and school. Provides group, family,
  individual counseling, activities for the child
  and parenting classes
• WRAP AROUND SERVICES- Pre-Disposition- provides
  in home services, behavioral aid, and family
  assessments

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COUNSELING

• CLINCAL PARTNERS- provides services for the
  children and the probation officers. Every other
  week 1 of 3 therapist conduct a clinical
  assessment and recommendation for the child
  through a 3 part series. Also provides group
  sessions for probation officers to acquire
  recommendations for difficult cases that they are
  experiencing. Also provides educational lessons
  in regards to psychological therapy and
  disorders.
• MEDLIN- therapy provided for sex offenders and
  sexual abuse victims
• OGEECHEE- residential drug treatment
• OUTDOOR THERAPUTIC PROGRAM- intensive residential
  therapy where children work as a group to ensure
  chores are completed and that their group
  maintains cohesiveness. Provides group,
  individual, and family counseling. Based on a
  rewards and consequences. Usually for anti-social
  behaviors
• PHOENIX BEHAVIORAL- IN HOME- intensive family
  intervention, community support team, family
  enrichment, support groups, empowerment
• RESOURCE GUIDE- listing of different counselors
  in the Clayton County area that work with
  children and their complex behaviors

20
GROUP HOMES

• TWIN CEDARS- FEMALES- 12-17 years old, child
  usually has history of emotional, physical, or
  sexual abuse. DFCS uses as more restrictive
  placement
• SECOND CHANCE HOME, OAK HAVEN, FAMILIES FIRST,
  TAPESTRY HOUSE- homes for pregnant girls and
  their child. Teaches independent living, life
  skills, education, parenting skills, and
  job/economic skills
• GA. BAPTIST CHILDRENS HOMES AND FAMILY
  MINISTRIES- 6-18 years old, lives in groups of
  8-10 and are supervised by group leaders, two
  single adults, or married couple. Provides for
  residential care, diagnostic and assessments,
  maternity care and services for children with
  developmental disabilities
• YOUTH ADULT GUIDANCE CENTER- MALES-13-17 years
  old, helps with moderate mental retardation,
  mental health illnesses, and substance abuse
  problems. Runaway Program- emergency shelter for
  14 days and then try to place into Independent
  Living/Transitional Housing Programs. They have
  therapy, substance abuse therapy, GED
  preparation, employment preparation, economic
  strategy planning, life skills, make health care
  referrals, referral source of legal aide, and
  recreational activities

21
ALTERNATIVES TO PUBLIC SCHOOL

• FAITH ACADEMY- Home School- 35.00 a week.
  Receives High School Diploma
• HEARTS TO NOURISH HOPE- suspension center and
  home school. Receives GED and job training skills
• JOB CORE- low income families. Child can earn a
  GED or receive job skills. Can live on campus or
  home
• FORST PARK STREET SCHOOL- High School program
  registered through Clayton County Public School
  through the Home School Division. Students
  receive high school diploma and provides
  prevention programs
• YOUTH CHALLENGE- military based, where an adult
  High School Diploma is earned in 5 months or may
  earn GED. Life coping skills, work skills, and
  team work are part of the program. Live on base
  at Fort Stewart

22
ADVOCACY

• CASA- Court Appointed Special Advocates- ensures
  that the children have a safe home. Volunteers
  work with DFCS, completes home evaluations, and
  represents the child in court
• PEPP- Parents Education Parents and
  Professionals- advocacy center for special
  education students
• GEORGIA ADVOCACY CENTER- advocacy center for
  childrens rights and special education

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OFFENSES

• STATUS- an act that if committed by an adult
  would not be considered a crime TRUANCY,
  RUNAWAY, CURFEW VIOLATION, UNRULY
• DELINQUENT OFFENSES
• MISDEMEANORS- a criminal act/delinquent act of a
  less serious nature
• AFFRAY, DISRUPTING PUBLIC SCHOOL, CRININAL
  TRESPASS, SHOPLIFTING, POSSESSION OF
  DRUGS/ALCOHOL, BATTERY, SIMPLE ASSAULT
• FELONIES- a criminal/delinquent act of a more
  serious nature
• THEFT OF MOTOR VEHICLE, BATTERY ON A FAMILY
  MEMBER/TEACHER, TERRORISTIC THREATS, CHILD
  MOLESTATION, 2ND POSSESSION OF FIRE ARM,
  DISTRIBUTION OF DRUGS
• DESIGNATED FELONIES- extremely serious
  criminal/delinquent act
• KIDNAPING, ARSON, AGGRAVATED BATTERY/ASSAULT,
  ROBBERY WITH A FIREARM, CARRYING WEAPON AT
  SCHOOL, TRAFFICKING DRUGS, 2ND CAR THEFT,
  COMBINATION OF 4 FELONIES, CAR JACKING, ANY
  OFFENSE TRANSFERRED FROM SUPERIOR COURT
• 7 DEADLY SINS MURDER, VOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER,
  RAPE, AGGRAVATED SODOMY, AGGRAVATED CHILD
  MOLESTATION, AGGRAVATED SEXUAL BATTERY, ARMED
  ROBBERY WITH A FIREARM

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TERMINOLOGY

• COMPLAINT- a document filed by the police or
  private citizen alleging that an offense has
  occurred
• DETENTION HEARING- a.k.a.- 48 HOUR HEARING- court
  proceeding where the judge determines if there is
  probable cause for the charge to proceed and if
  the child will be detained or released, only
  occurs when the child has been detained and can
  serve as an arraignment.
• ARRAIGNMENT- a court proceeding where a childs
  rights are presented and where he/she makes a
  formal plea of admit or deny.
• ADJUDICATION- a trial before a judge to determine
  the childs guilt or innocence. Only occurs when
  the child denied a charge at a detention hearing
  or arraignment
• DISPOSITION- the sentencing phase
• PROBATION- a formal disposition order by a Judge,
  for supervision and treatment of a child that has
  committed a delinquent offense
• SUPERVISION- a formal disposition order by a
  Judge, for supervision and treatment of a child
  that has committed a status offense

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POSSIBLE DISPOSITIONS

• COUNSELED AND DISMISSED- the judge dismissed the
  charge and no further action by the court.. Often
  sent to a Diversion Workshop
• ABEYANCE-SUSPENDED PROBATION- the judge holds
  the charge for a period of 90-120 days with
  certain conditions to complete. If the conditions
  are completed the charge is dismissed.
• PROBATION/SUPERVISION- the judge places a child
  under a formal order of supervision or probation.
• COMMITMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE-
  the judge commits the child to the Georgia
  Department of Juvenile Justice, which may remove
  the child from the home, place the child in a
  treatment facility, or detain in a Youth
  Development Center.
• SPECIFIC CONDITIONS ON AN ORDER OF PROBATION
  SUPERVISION JARIS Treatment Plan, letters of
  apology to the victim, videos, essays,
  supervision fee, restitution, community service,
  protective order, Short Term Order, Electronic
  Monitoring, commitment to DJJ, MST, and Family
  Orientation/Unity
• INTERMEDIATE SANCTIONS verbal/written warning,
  increased reporting conditions, tighter curfew,
  extra community service, additional programming,
  electronic monitoring, written reprimand, and
  administrative hearing
• FORMAL VIOLATIONS continue on probation, Short
  Term Program, additional supervision fees,
  community service, and commitment to DJJ
• REVOCATION if a child demonstrates his refusal
  to cooperate with his/her probation order a
  revocation will be granted and the original
  probated offense will be re-dispositoned. (
  Felony Only)

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TERMINATION

• SUCCESSFUL TERMINATION- the child has
  demonstrated progress at home and school,
  completed the conditions of probation/supervision,
  is in compliance with the general conditions of
  probation and completed his/her treatment plan.
  May have records sealed after 2 years if he/she
  doesnt receive any new charges
• UNSUCCESSFUL TERMINATION- does not comply with
  his/her treatment plan or conditions of
  probation/supervision. Records MAY NOT be sealed
  if terminated unsuccessfully.