Frequently Asked Questions

• Dress appropriately for Court. DO NOT wear shorts, tank tops, or ball caps. Collared shirts, slacks, nice jeans (no holes or fraying in fabric), and other business casual attire is generally acceptable).

• Upon entering the Courthouse you will need to go through the security screening station. Once through security, you can procced to the elevators or the staircase to reach the third floor. There is a sign that says “Juvenile Court/Programs” There is a window where you can ask how to get to your hearing or appointment. 

• The Juvenile Court of Douglas County is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

• If your child is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, or if they have lost control and are destroying property, CALL 911. The police are trained to bring such situations under control. Once the situation is stabilized, any resulting charges will be forwarded to Juvenile Court for later action.

• If a juvenile is taken into custody by the police for a delinquent or CHINS charge, they will be held at a Regional Youth Detention Center until their first appearance in Court. Operated by the Department of Juvenile Justice, there are detention centers in Rome and Marietta. 

• If you suspect a child is abused or neglected report this to the Douglas County Department of Family and Children Services. Your identity will be kept confidential. 

• If your child has been taken into emergency custody because of an unsafe situation, they will be in the temporary custody of the Division of Family and Children Services until an emergency court hearing is held. 

• Matters involving permanent custody of children are under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. In some cases, a Superior Cout judge may refer a case to Juvenile Court for a determination of what is in the best interest of the child. All custody matters must first be filed in Superior Court.

• To submit a record request, please send an email to juvenilecourtclerk@douglascountyga.gov. The request should include name, date of birth, file number if known, and what records are needed.

If you need an interpreter or special assistance for court, please call the Clerk at 770-920-7245 forty-eight hours prior to your court date.

Si usted neccesita un interprete o la ayuda especial en la corte, por favor de llamar al 770-920-7245 cuarenta ocho horas antes de su cita la corte.