Juvenile Court

Juvenile Court Operations During
COVID 19 Pandemic

On June 30, 2021, Georgia Supreme Court Chief Justice Melton’s 15th Order Extending the Statewide Judicial Emergency expired, as did Clayton County Superior Court Chief Judge Carter’s Order Extending the Local Judicial Emergency.  The Clayton Judicial Circuit is now operating under the Clayton Judicial Circuit Comprehensive Court Operations—All Phases Guidelines.

In line with the above Comprehensive Guidelines, all hearings will continue virtually, except for delinquency adjudications wherein the defendant does not waive his or her Sixth Amendment right to confront his or her accuser.  Those hearings will occur in person and in accordance with the provisions outlined in the above Comprehensive Guidelines for in-person hearings.

The following rules and operating procedures apply to all persons entering upon the premises of the Clayton County Juvenile Court:

1)  No person (public or employee) shall be permitted entry to maintain entry into a courthouse within the Clayton Judicial Circuit:

a.  Who has tested positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) and has not subsequently been medically cleared or has symptoms thereof;

b.  Who has within the past 14 days (a) been notified of his/her contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, (b) traveled to a country, state, or city considered a hot spot for the spread of COVID-19, or (c) has a COVID-19 related symptom (such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking, headache, sore throat, loss of sense of taste or smell, etc.);

c.  Who is not properly wearing a protective face covering over his/her nose and mouth at all times in the public area or any shared private areas of the courthouse premises;

d.  Who refuses to have his/her temperature checked or who has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or more; or

e.  Who refuses to maintain social distancing of at least six feet or upon whose admission would result in the courthouse being at capacity as determined by social distancing recommendations of local public health officials or the CDC.

2)  The Sheriff or his designee, Court Services, and Bailiffs shall document, on a form provided for such purpose, when anyone is refused entry into a courthouse or is removed from a courthouse after initially being permitted entry;

3)  No court may hold a court proceeding or compel the attendance of any person for a court proceeding not authorized by (1) the statewide and local declarations of judicial emergency, if in effect, or (2) the court operations guidelines;

4)  No court may compel the attendance of any person for a court proceeding if the court proceeding or the court facility (courtroom, conference room, or any location designated for court business) in which the proceeding to be held is not in compliance with these court operations guidelines or any modifications thereto;

5)  Courts are prohibited from compelling in-person participation in any court-imposed alternative dispute resolution session that is to be conducted in a manner inconsistent with applicable public health guidelines;

6)  No court, judge, or agency within a courthouse may independently permit any action that is prohibited or restricted under these operations guidelines;

7)  Anyone who works in a court facility with known or suspected COVID-19 shall be isolated and any person with COVID-19 exposure likely to result in infection shall be quarantined in accordance with DPH administrative orders and guidelines and shall not be permitted in or on the premises of the court facility until such person has tested negative for COVID-19, has written documentation from his or her doctor reflecting a clearance to return to work, AND has complied with any additional restrictions as order or recommended by DPH or the local health department; and

8)  Whenever any judge, elected official, or agency sharing space in any court facility has reason to believe anyone who works or has visited a court facility has been exposed to COVID-19, DPH or the local health department shall be notified and notification of persons who may have been exposed shall occur as directed by DPH or the local health department.

Clayton County Youth Development & Justice Center
9163 Tara Boulevard
Jonesboro, Georgia 30236
770.477.3270

Welcome to the official website of the Juvenile Court of Clayton County, Georgia.  Since its inception, Clayton County’s Juvenile Court has been the home of innovative programs and practices aimed at reducing the delinquency and dependency of the youth involved with its juvenile justice and child welfare systems.  The same remains true today, with Clayton County Juvenile Court serving as a leader in innovation and reform within the state of Georgia and across the nation.  Our CASA program and our work with the Clayton County System of Care and Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative are often seen as models for other jurisdictions.

Using the principles of Balanced and Restorative Justice, Clayton County Juvenile Court strives to help produce a safe and secure community that utilizes best practices in prevention and treatment in collaboration with families, community-based organizations, and agency partners to ensure the well-being of our children.

We hope that you find this website helpful, and we invite you to review our latest annual report for a more in-depth look at the structure and work of the Clayton County Juvenile Court.  For the most current information on Juvenile Court programs and happenings, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Empowering the Community | Restoring Families

Related Links

• Clayton County’s JDAI Journey
• Guarding the Front Door