The purpose of this chapter is to secure for each child who comes within the jurisdiction of the juvenile court such care and guidance, preferably in his or her own home, as will secure his or her moral, emotional, mental, and physical welfare as well as the safety of both the child and community. It is the intent of the General Assembly to promote a juvenile justice system that will protect the community, impose accountability for violations of law, provide treatment and rehabilitation, and equip juvenile offenders with the ability to live responsibly and productively. It is the intent of the General Assembly to preserve and strengthen family relationships, countenancing the removal of a child from his or her home only when state intervention is essential to protect such child and enable him or her to live in security and stability. In every proceeding, this chapter seeks to guarantee due process of law, as required by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Georgia, through which every child and his or her parent and all other interested parties are assured fair hearings at which legal rights are recognized and enforced. Above all, this chapter shall be liberally construed to reflect that the paramount child welfare policy of this state is to determine and ensure the best interests of its children.
History. Code 1981, § 15-11-1 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242.
Cross references.
Programs and protection for children and youth, T. 49, C. 5.
Law reviews.
For comment on Parham v. J.R., 442 U.S. 584 (1979); Secretary of Pub. Welfare v. Institutionalized Juveniles, 442 U.S. 640 (1979), regarding juvenile commitment to state mental hospitals upon application of parents or guardians, see 29 Emory L. J. 517 (1980).
For comment, “Victim Offender Mediation: When Divergent Paths and Destroyed Lives Come Together for Healing,” see 32 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 577 (2016).
For comment, “Pre-Adjudication Access to Counsel for Juveniles,” see 69 Emory L.J. 359 (2019).
Structure Georgia Code
Article 1 - General Provisions
§ 15-11-4. Other Laws Apply to Chapter
§ 15-11-5. Computations of Time
§ 15-11-9. Authority to Issue Arrest Warrants
§ 15-11-10. Exclusive Original Jurisdiction
§ 15-11-11. Concurrent Jurisdiction
§ 15-11-12. Dual Designation of Children; Consolidation of Proceedings; Time Limitations
§ 15-11-13. Appointment of Guardian or Conservator
§ 15-11-14. Transfers From Probate Court
§ 15-11-15. Transfers From Superior Court; Custody and Support
§ 15-11-16. Commencement of Proceedings
§ 15-11-17. Conduct of Hearings Generally; Applicability of Title 24
§ 15-11-18. Subpoenas; Application of Title 24
§ 15-11-19. Rights of Parties to Proceedings
§ 15-11-20. Referral for Mediation
§ 15-11-21. Selection and Appointment of Mediator
§ 15-11-22. Agreement to Mediate; Procedure
§ 15-11-23. Stay of Proceeding Pending Mediation; Time Limitations
§ 15-11-24. Termination of Mediation
§ 15-11-25. Approval of Mediation Agreements; Exceptions
§ 15-11-26. Best Interests of Child
§ 15-11-27. Physical and Mental Examinations
§ 15-11-28. Privilege Against Self-Incrimination
§ 15-11-29.1. Parental Accountability; Court Orders; Enforcement
§ 15-11-30. Rights and Duties of Legal Custodian
§ 15-11-31. Contempt Powers; Other Sanctions
§ 15-11-32. Modification or Vacation of Orders; Retroactive Application
§ 15-11-34. Commitment to Adult Correctional Facility Prohibited
§ 15-11-36. Expenses Charged to County; Payment by Parent on Court Order
§ 15-11-38. Community Based Risk Reduction Programs
§ 15-11-39. Risk Assessments or Risk and Needs Assessments; Case Plans; Issuance of Orders