Parents and Guardians: Information You Need to Know

As a parent or guardian of a youth in the Department of Juvenile Justice system, there are many questions that you may need answered which can found here.

Parents and Guardians: Information You Need to Know

Why Parents Are Important

Parents and guardians are pivotal in the growth and rehabilitation of young people. Their involvement is essential for their child's success. Research shows that a youth's primary influence is a stable home environment. Yet, some families face challenges like abuse, neglect, substance abuse, or lack of parental engagement, impacting their effectiveness. Additionally, a youth's surroundings, such as a neighborhood plagued by negative influences and delinquency, can affect their behavior. Peer pressure in such environments may hinder a youth's resolve to rise above violence and crime. Although moving might not be an option, parents and guardians are encouraged to seek support from available resources.

You may have many questions if your child has been placed in a DJJ facility.

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What is an RYDC and YDC?

A RYDC (Regional Youth Detention Center) is a secure short-term facility for young people who are waiting for court decisions regarding community placement, long-term facilities, or other dispositions. Each RYDC follows departmental policies and procedures and provides high-quality medical, educational, behavioral health, nutritional, and general programming services.

The YDCs (Youth Development Camps) are for young people committed to the custody of the DJJ (Department of Juvenile Justice) for long-term services and treatments.

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Does DJJ Have A School?

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is the School District #891 in the state of Georgia and is accredited by Cognia.  Georgia Preparatory Academy (GPA) is the middle school and high school within the DJJ School System. There are 28 GPA campuses across Georgia located in Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs), Youth Development Campuses (YDCs), and Education Transition Centers (ETCs). An online program, Georgia Preparatory Academy Online, is available for students to complete their high school diploma, if they meet enrollment criteria.

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The Criminal Justice Process for Juveniles

When a youth is taken into custody, there is a specific timeline that takes place before a judicial hearing is heard.

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Where Do I Find Visitor Information?

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) offers visitation hours for parents, guardians, and family members at secure facilities statewide. Personnel from DJJ secure facilities will contact parents and legal guardians to arrange visitations with youths.

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Can You Offer Any Parenting Resources?

Sometimes parents or guardians can be overwhelmed by the behavior of a juvenile offender or an at-risk youth. There are many resources available that can help both individuals and families. Below is a brief list of potential resources that might be useful to parents and guardians. Individual facilities may be able to provide parents and guardians with additional resources.

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Other Questions For Parents/Guardians

Your child has been detained in a Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) for either a violation of law, or a violation of conditions set forth by his or her Court Probation Officer, Department of Juvenile Justice Juvenile Probation Parole Officer (JPPS), a Juvenile Court Judge or a Department. Here are some of the more frequently asked questions by parents and guardians.

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