Open Records Request

DJJ Media Policies

Georgia Open Records Act Requests

Under the Georgia Open Records Act (“ORA”), the public can inspect and copy Department of Juvenile Justice records unless the law specifically exempts them from disclosure. 

Where to send your request:

Submit an ORA request directly to the DJJ Office of Legal Services (OLS).  Although a verbal request is acceptable, please submit your request in writing so the Department can respond accurately and track it.

Email: [email protected]

Fax: 404-508-5108

Mail:  Department of Juvenile Justice

Office of Legal Services

3408 Covington Hwy.

Decatur, GA 30034

Telephone: 404-508-7243

What to put in your request

To assist you in obtaining the information you need, please provide the following information in your request:

  • Your full name
  • Your contact information, such as email address, telephone number, or mailing address
  • Where you want us to send any records
  • A description of the specific records for which you are asking
  • The timeframe of the records requested.
  • OLS will contact you if it needs further clarification.

Juvenile Records

Juvenile records are confidential; therefore, exempt from disclosure under Georgia’s open records statute.  Ga. Code § 50-11-72(a)(2) (exempting information that invades personal privacy).  Accord:  Ga. Code § 50-11-72(a)(1)(exempting records required by federal statute or regulation to be kept confidential) and 34 USC § 11133(a)(17) (requiring States participating in federal juvenile grant program to maintain the confidentiality of youth records).  See also:  Ga. Code § 49-4A-8(d) (DJJ records regarding committed youths “shall not be public records but shall be privileged records.”).  Therefore, the Department cannot confirm or deny whether a youth is in our system.