OFFICE OF THE OMBUDSMAN

Before contacting the Ombudsman, you should try to resolve the complaint through the DJJ grievance process. If the problem remains unsolved, contact the Ombudsman's office for further assistance. If you feel you have a legitimate concern about the care and safety of a youth to include physical and sexual abuse, threats, harassment, medical or mental health treatment, please contact the Ombudsman for immediate assistance.

Many concerns can be addressed by the youth's counselor or the facility director. If you need further help, the Office of the Ombudsman will make every effort to address your concerns.

The Ombudsman's Office shall not be used to by-pass or avoid using the grievance process. If you have attempted to resolve your complaint with DJJ Staff and did not reach a satisfactory resolution, then you may submit your complaint by written letter or by calling the Ombudsman. Once your complaint is received and reviewed, the Office of the Ombudsman will further assist you and make every effort to address your concerns.

Every complaint is reviewed and assessed. A return phone call, a letter, or a visit is made to anyone who contacts the Ombudsman to inform them of actions taken to resolve an issue or address a concern.

No one can intimidate you for making a complaint. If you feel you are being targeted, bullied or harassed for making a complaint, report any retaliation to the Facility Director or Office of Ombudsman immediately.

Yes. As Georgia's 181st school district, we offer youth in our custody the opportunity to earn a high school diploma from a system accredited by both the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and Correctional Education Association (CEA). Students can also earn a GED, Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) certificates and college credit hours.

Yes. All DJJ detention facilities have a behavioral health program. From the moment a youth enters a detention center, the process for assessing their mental health needs begins. Your child will be evaluated by a masters-level mental health clinician and by a psychiatrist and you will be contacted to discuss your child's medications.

A youth's attendance in religious services within facilities is voluntary. DJJ employs a full-time non-denominational chaplain.

A youth's juvenile record may be sealed. Once the youth's case has been closed, the youth will need to demonstrate two years of behavior without any further law violations or pending proceedings against them for conviction or adjudication for the youth to be deemed rehabilitated. At this time of rehabilitation, the youth may petition the juvenile court to seal the record.

DJJ participates in the National School Lunch Program, the School Breakfast Program, and the Wellness Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. We provide youth with three meals a day, as well as a mid-morning snack, after school snack and a bed-time snack.

Medical information is confidential and protected by various laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). You may request a copy of your child's medical information by completing an Authorization for Release of Health Information form, which the facility can provide to you.

Denial of visitation will occur when staff members have reason to believe the safety and security of the youth, staff, the general public, or the facility may be in jeopardy. DJJ has the right to refuse visitation to anyone who is suspected of, or caught on the premises with contraband, attempts to introduce contraband into the facility, is deceptive on the Significant Other form, has been repeatedly warned about a particular action, such as inappropriate clothing and touching. DJJ may also suspend visitation privileges to meet the unique security needs of the facility. If you have questions regarding visitation, you may contact the youth's counselor or visit our website.