2006 Georgia Code - 49-4A-3

49-4A-3. (a) There is created the Department of Juvenile Justice and the position of commissioner of juvenile justice. The Department of Juvenile Justice shall be the successor entity to the Department of Children and Youth Services and the change is intended to be one of name only; and the commissioner of juvenile justice shall be the successor to the commissioner of children and youth services and the change is intended to be one of name only. The commissioner shall be the chief administrative officer of the Department of Juvenile Justice and shall be both appointed and removed by the board, subject to the approval of the Governor. The commissioner of human resources may not also serve as the commissioner of juvenile justice. Subject to the general policy and rules and regulations of the board, the commissioner of juvenile justice shall supervise, direct, account for, organize, plan, administer, and execute the functions of the Department of Juvenile Justice. (b) The department shall provide for supervision, detention, and rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents committed to the state´s custody. The department shall also be authorized to operate prevention programs and to provide assistance to local public and private entities with prevention programs for juveniles at risk. Additionally, the department will be authorized to provide for specialized treatment for juvenile offenders, in lieu of commitment, who have been found to be sex offenders or drug abusers and who may have behavior disorders. The department´s organization, operation, and implementation shall be based on the following: (1) Development of a comprehensive continuum of service options through flexible funding to allow providers to respond to the unique needs and capabilities of individual children and families; (2) Services implemented so that each child and family served can have a personal relationship with staff, providers, and workers, which staff, providers, and workers shall be trained and treated as professionals, have a range of multidisciplinary skills, and have manageable caseloads; (3) Services shall be community centered and responsive to local needs with state and local and public and private entities forming cooperative partnerships that enhance informal support systems for families; (4) Systems that are accountable, with desired outcomes specified, results measured and evaluated, and cost-efficient options maximized; (5) Intersystem communication and collaboration that are encouraged and facilitated through coordination of systems so that gaps and unnecessary duplications in planning, funding, and providing services are eliminated; (6) The department shall be consumer driven and responsive to the changing needs of individual communities; and (7) The department shall encourage the central location of various services whenever possible.

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