Juvenile Justice, Georgia Department of - DJJ

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is a multifaceted state agency dedicated to serving justice-involved youth up to the age of 21. It operates across 26 secure facilities and 92 community services offices statewide. DJJ employs over 4,000 professionals committed to guiding young individuals toward accountability and positive societal contributions.

Mission and Vision

DJJ's mission is to protect and serve Georgia's citizens by holding young offenders accountable through appropriate services and sanctions. The agency supports youth in their communities to become productive and law-abiding citizens.

The vision is to lead the nation in preparing young people in their care to develop and sustain productive lives.

Core Services

DJJ offers a comprehensive range of services designed to rehabilitate and support youth, including:

• Secure Facilities: Operates short-term and long-term facilities for youth awaiting trial or committed to DJJ custody by Juvenile Courts. Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs) serve as secure short-term centers, while Youth Development Campuses (YDCs) provide long-term rehabilitation.
• Community Services: Manages intake, case management, probation, detention planning, residential care, re-entry services, and aftercare supervision via 78 Community Services Offices and the Office of Residential and Community-Based Services.
• Educational Programs: Functions as Georgia's 181st school district, offering youth in custody the chance to earn a high school diploma from an accredited system.
• Behavioral Health Services: Provides mental health treatment, counseling, and substance abuse programs to address psychological needs.
• Re-entry Services: Supports youth transitioning back into the community with individualized transition plans and support for up to 60 months.

Locations

DJJ operates facilities and offices throughout Georgia, including key locations in Atlanta, GA, USA:

• Atlanta Youth Development Campus: Offers educational programs such as Georgia Preparatory Academy (6th - 12th grade), Pathway to Success (GED), and Connections Graduate Program (CGP).
• Youth Development Campuses (YDCs): Six campuses including Augusta, Eastman, Macon, Milledgeville, Muscogee, and Sumter YDCs providing specialized care and rehabilitation.
• Regional Youth Detention Centers (RYDCs): Twenty-two centers across the state serving as secure short-term detention facilities.
• Additional office locations in Atlanta, GA, USA include multiple facility points enhancing statewide coverage.

Through these comprehensive services and facilities, the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice strives to transform young lives. They ensure youth receive the necessary support and guidance to reintegrate successfully into society.