Juvenile Justice

Unit Overview

Juvenile justice research, state and federal law, and best‐practice all support the premise that youth are fundamentally different than adults, in both their level of responsibility as well as their potential for rehabilitation. To this end, the State of Georgia has established a juvenile justice system that is distinct from the adult criminal justice system and provides procedures that are unique to the treatment of juveniles. Stakeholders that work with the youth and families involved with Georgia's juvenile justice system require ongoing support to meet the needs of this distinct population.

​For more information, please contact the Juvenile Justice Program Director. 

Unit Goals

The Criminal Justice Coordinating Council's Juvenile Justice Unit:

  • Provides funding for programs that demonstrate a clear commitment to the accountability principles of restorative justice for youth;
  • Strategizes to ensure that local communities are able to meet the needs of Georgia’s youth and families;
  • Provides technical expertise to ensure compliance with federal and state laws concerning juvenile detention and confinement in order to secure funding for the state's juvenile crime reduction efforts;
  • Maintains Georgia's compliance with the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act resulting in keeping Georgia eligible to receive federal juvenile justice funds;
  • and manages the Juvenile Justice Incentive Grant Program and initiatives, including evaluating model fidelity adherence to evidence-based programs;

Unit Staff:

  • Serve as stewards of federal and state Juvenile Justice funds;
  • Develop, manage, and monitor Georgia's statewide Juvenile Justice Plan;
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to provide support in the Juvenile Justice field;
  • and serve as statewide experts on Juvenile Justice & Criminal Justice Issues.

For more information, please contact Juvenile Justice Program Director Stephanie Mikkelsen at [email protected].