Which entity is responsible for the intake process for juvenile cases in Georgia?

The entity responsible for the intake process for juvenile cases in Georgia is the Department of Juvenile Justice Intake Officers. These officers play a crucial role in the initial assessment of juvenile cases after a youth has been referred to the juvenile justice system.

During the intake process, Intake Officers evaluate the allegations against the juvenile, gather relevant information, and determine the appropriate course of action—such as whether to divert the case, refer it for further action, or handle it through the court. Their goal is to assess the needs of the youth and the circumstances of the offense while considering the best approaches to rehabilitate the young individual and ensure community safety.

Understanding this distinction is vital, as other entities like the Juvenile Court manage cases post-intake when matters proceed to legal hearings, while the Superior Court typically handles more serious offenses and adult cases. On-call Officers may assist in emergency situations but do not have the specific responsibilities that intake officers do concerning the systematic intake process.