JUSTGeorgia will conduct several initiatives focused on ensuring success of the coalition's goals and objectives.
A Report on the Impact of Today’s Juvenile Code.The Georgia Juvenile Code, as written, creates concerns both for the youth in its jurisdiction and the professionals who administer it.Some problems are easily observable in reading the code.Other problems are experienced more personally by the individuals who encounter the Code as offenders, parents, enforcement officers, lawyers, judges and social service workers.
To substantiate the concerns of all parties, JUSTGeorgia is developing a comprehensive report summarizing the strengths and weaknesses of the Code and its enforcement and offering practical and realistic recommendations that will improve outcomes for youth.The Report Project is led by Georgia Appleseed, using the pro bono services of hundreds of lawyers who will interview key stakeholders in the ten judicial districts of the state. Currently, thirteen of Georgia's top law firms have offered to coordinate and lead the interviews as well as assist with drafting a final report.
Juvenile Code Revision Project - Another critical element to JUSTGeorgia's success is the Juvenile Code Revision Project. The goal of this project is to create a comprehensive code for the state based on research and evidence. JUSTGeorgia endorses the need for a comprehensive revision of the Georgia Juvenile Code.Enacted over 35 years ago, the Code has been revised in piecemeal fashion since then, resulting in contradictions within the document and disorganized statutes.There is evidence that federal law has not been incorporated for the protection of children and that some policies counter current knowledge about effective approaches to youth development.
JUSTGeorgia respects the early commitment and leadership of the Younger Lawyers Division of the State Bar of Georgia in initiating the development of a model juvenile code in 2004.The Coalition supports the YLD financially in the development of the Code and will work closely with the State Bar in promoting a recommendation to the legislature for a new law in 2009-10.
