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
PERSONAL INFORMATION

• Stacy Weaver
• Married for 27 years, have one son, and a 4-year
  grand daughter
• Worked for Service Merchandise-20 years
• Substitute Teacher- Clayton College State
  University
• Internship at Juvenile Court
• Part Time- September 1999
• Full Time-June 2001
• Hours 8am-5pm, Monday-Friday, some overtime. May
  begin 4-10 hour day shift.
• Starting pay- 32,995.00 Top- 49,716.00

3
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

4
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.

5
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

6
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)

7
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

8
The Seven Deadly Sins(the adult system)

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

9
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

10
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

11
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.

12
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
13
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)

14
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

15
SCHOOL BASED PROBATION

• Established to improve the learning environment
  within the school system by assisting school
  personnel in the supervision of youth placed on
  probation and attending public school.
• Probation officers are assigned to a specific
  school.
• They are to work in the school approximately 20
  hours a week
• Designed to improve the childs grades,
  discipline, and attendance
• Ensures that child is receiving special education
  services as designed in their IEP
• Proposition- on a monthly basis the probation
  officer, parent, counselor, and a school
  administrator reviews the childs grades,
  discipline, and attendance.

16
PROGRAMSPARENT/ CHILD ATTEND TOGETHER

• 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
• ANGER MANAGEMENT -the Child is taught skills to
  control his/her anger. The parents are taught
  skills to control the childs anger
• PARENTING WITH LOVE AND LIMITS- teaches parents
  new parenting skills to control childs
  disruptive and disrespectful behaviors.

17
ONLY CHILD ATTENDS

• BABY THINK IT OVER- child experiences the
  responsibility of being the sole care taker of an
  infant (computer based doll) for a week-end
• AWESOME INCORPORATED-MENTORING- Male/Female
  mentoring program. Teaches child to be
  independent of peer pressure and focuses on
  education and leadership roles.
• GIRLS OF PROMISE-(PURPOSEFUL ,RELATIONSHIPS
  creating, ONENESS, changing MINDS and
  IGNITING,SISTERHOOD through, EXCELLENCE
• (2 GROUPS)- GIRLS CIRLCE- allows girls to freely
  express themselves in a safe environment and
  encourages self confidence and enhances judgment
  skills. VOICES- Journaling group
  that encourages girls to seek and celebrate their
  true selves. It assist the girls in identifying
  and applying their power and voices as
  individuals and as a group.

18
CONTINUED

• PAATH PROJECT- teaches anger management, HIV/AIDS
  prevention, and substance abuse prevention.
• PROJECT PRIDE- (Males Only)- teaches
  communication skills, anger management, stress
  management, social skills, male/female
  relationships, adolescent development, emotional
  health issues, and the school and legal system.
• TYC TUTORING- 20 sessions of tutoring. Child is
  tested before and after he/she completes the
  session.

19
DRUG PROGRAMS

• RIVERWOODS
• MCINOSH TRAIL
• CLAYTON CENTER
• All groups meet one-two days a week. The children
  are educated in drug use, discuss reasons why
  they choose to use drugs, and are held
  accountable by random drug screens.

20
SENATE BILL 134

• If a child is found to have committed a
  delinquent act, the court may, in addition to any
  other treatment or rehabilitation, suspend the
  drivers license of the child for any period not
  to exceed his 18th birthday.
• Can detain a child up to 60 days if the child is
  adjudicated on a delinquent act, a felony, or an
  offense of a high and aggravated nature and has
  not responded to graduated sanctions.
• A child ordered to a Youth Detention Center will
  be given credit for time served at a secured
  facility.
• The Department of Juvenile Justice and the
  Council of Juvenile Court Judges shall establish
  and monitor a graduated alternative sanction
  program for children on probation.

21
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

22
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
• WRAP AROUND SERVICES- CHILDREN AND TEENS
  FOUNDATION, FAMILY VALUES, KIYA CLUB-
  Pre-Disposition- provides in home services,
  behavioral aid, and family assessments

23
DIVERSION

• PROJECT HIP- in conjunction with the Sheriffs
  Dept. A recently released inmate tells his story
  of his criminal and incarcerated life. The
  Sheriffs Dept. CERT Team demonstrates their
  emergency response drill.
• SCHOOL CONFLICT- discuss conflict resolutions
• CHOICES- drug and alcohol education program
• THEFT PREVENTION- discuss the consequences of
  theft related offenses and the impact it has on
  society.
• PERSONAL SPACE- discuss boundaries of others

24
COUNSELING

• MEDLIN-KIYA HOUSE- therapy provided for sex
  offenders and sexual abuse victims
• 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, ADVANTAGE COUNSELING,
  ATTACHMENT AND BONDING, FAMILY INTERVENTION
  SPECIALIST, NEW VISION- IN HOME- intensive family
  intervention, community support team, family
  enrichment, support groups, empowerment

25
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

26
CHILDREN WITH CHILDREN

• ABCS OF PARENTING- parenting class that
  involves the mother of a child and her child.
• CHILD TEC- provided by the Board of Education and
  DFCS that enables the mother of a child to attend
  specific schools that provide child care.
• HOUSE OF DAWN- group home for the mother and her
  child.

27
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

28
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

29
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.