Press Releases

(Decatur, Ga.) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a graduation ceremony for 28 newly-trained Juvenile Correctional Officers (JCO) on Friday, August 26, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga. The cadets will join the ranks of other JCOs at secure facilities across the state.

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is deeply saddened by the passing of one of our youths. We send our heartfelt condolence to the youth's family, friends, and loved ones, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Decatur, GA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Rockdale Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), located in Conyers, Ga., obtained reaccreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facility for justice-involved youth underwent robust operations and treatment service audits, receiving reaccreditation during the ACA's 152nd Congress of Correction, August 4-7, in New Orleans, La. 

Decatur, GA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held its annual spring high school commencement ceremony for youth enrolled in the DJJ School System on Friday, May 27. Twenty-four high school diplomas and 15 General Equivalency Degrees (GED) diplomas were awarded to qualifying students.

(Decatur, Ga.) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) held a graduation ceremony for 41 newly-trained Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) cadets on Friday, May 20, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Ga. The cadets will join the ranks of other JCOs at secure facilities across the state.

(Decatur, Ga.) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today the expansion of the agency's career opportunity program F.R.E.S.H Start Youth Initiative. DJJ is now partnering with the Stephens County Development Authority (SCDA) to help ensure justice-involved youth in Northeast Georgia have access to gainful employment.

(Decatur, GA) – The Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is pleased to announce that the DJJ School System scored 100 percent on the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Special Education evaluation, reflecting the agency's dedication to providing special education programs and services to students with disabilities.

Decatur, GA - February is Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) Month and the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is joining other secondary-educational institutions to raise public awareness of the achievements of youth enrolled in CTAE programming.

Decatur, GA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is pleased to announce that Anthony B. Kinnel was named 2022-2023 DJJ Teacher of the Year. Kinnel, a mathematics and science teacher at the Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) in Clayton County, Ga., was recognized for his achievement during a special presentation at the DJJ Board Meeting on January 27.

Decatur, GA – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) announced today that the Macon Youth Development Center (YDC) and Macon Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC), located in Macon, Ga., have obtained accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The secure facilities for justice-involved youth underwent robust operations and treatment service audits, receiving accreditation on January 8 at the ACA Winter Conference in Phoenix, Az.