Ga. R. Juv. Ct. A
Revised October 23, 2017
Uniform Juvenile Court Rule 5 requires that each juvenile court clerk keep juvenile docketing information. The juvenile docketing information must include a completed complaint form (Forms JUV-1, JUV-2, JUV-3) for each new case referred to the court. The clerk is required to follow the instructions below in completing the docket forms and maintaining the docketing information.
The clerk shall make docketing information available for review by a representative of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges upon the Council's request. The information may be maintained in a juvenile docket book or may be maintained electronically in a format approved by the Council.
1. Case Number.
a. Procedure. Enter the case number assigned by the court for each child referred to the juvenile court by way of a complaint.
i. A case is opened when an offense or group of offenses (delinquency or Children In Need of Services (CHINS) offenses) are referred to the court against the child. A case contains all offenses arising out of the same conduct, transaction, or event within the same jurisdiction, regardless of the number of offenses involving the same child.
ii. A case is opened when a complaint is filed alleging dependency.
iii. A case is opened when a petition for termination of parental rights is filed.
iv. A case is opened when a motion or petition defined as a special proceeding is filed.
v. A case is opened when a traffic citation is filed.
b. Specific Information and Examples.
i. Several children who participate in one or more offenses together should be counted separately. Make a separate case entry for each child. Each child is assigned a separate case number. Every hearing date is given a suffix as -01. Arraignment is case number #101-01, Adjudication is #101-02, Disposition is #101-03, CHINS review hearing is #101-04.
ii. Multiple offenses within the same case must be docketed. For example, Adam Smith is charged with two counts of burglary. One case number is assigned: Count 1 is listed as #101-A, Count 2 is listed as #102-B.
iii. The most serious offense out of series of connecting offenses dictates if the case will be classified as delinquency, CHINS, or traffic. If a youth is charged with DUI (delinquency charge) and Following too Closely (traffic charge), both offenses will appear on a delinquency petition and it will be counted as a delinquency case.
iv. Violations of probation are considered new cases and are assigned new case numbers. Petitions to revoke probation shall reference the original case number, and the revocation hearing shall be given an additional suffix.
v. A termination of probation order is not assigned a new case number and is not assigned a suffix number unless a hearing occurs.
vi. In dependency cases involving more than one child, separate case entries and case numbers are assigned for each child even though the children are listed on the same petition. This enables one to track individual case dispositions on each child. Each hearing is given a suffix as outlined below. For instance, the court enters a Dependency Removal Order for one child. That child is assigned case #202. The Preliminary Protective Hearing (PPH Hearing) is assigned #202-01, the adjudication is assigned #202-02, the disposition is assigned #202-03, the initial periodic review hearing is assigned #202-04, a motion for modification is assigned #202-05. The case number stays with the child until the dependency matter is closed or a termination of parental petition is filed.
2. Name. Enter the full name of the child in the following order: last name, first name, and middle name.
3. Address. Enter the child's complete address.
4. Race. Mark the appropriate box.
5. Age. Enter the age of the child as shown on the complaint form.
6. Date of Birth "DOB". Enter the child's date of birth.
7. Gender. Mark the appropriate box.
8. Parents' Names. Enter each parent's complete name (if known). Include the mother's maiden name.
9. Complaint Procedure. The complaint includes proceedings against or on behalf of a child, regardless of whether a petition has been filed.
a. Delinquency, CHINS, or Traffic Offenses. Enter the written description of the offense and reference the relevant section of the Official Code of Georgia, local ordinance or federal statute. Example: O.C.G.A. § 16-8-2
b. Dependency Cases. Enter a written description as to how the child is abused or neglected. In the event a Dependency Removal Order has been filed outlining the dependency issues, "see attached order" may be stated.
c. Termination of Parental Rights Cases. Enter a written description as to the circumstances that bring the child before the court for a termination of parental rights hearing. If a petition for termination of parental rights is being filed at the same time as the complaint, "see attached petition" may be stated.
d. Special Proceedings. Enter a written description as to the circumstances that bring the child before the court for a special proceeding. If a petition or motion is filed outlining those circumstances, "see attached petition" or "see attached motion" may be stated. Specify the type of special proceeding, as defined in 11(e)(i) listed below, that is being filed.
10. Type of Case.
a. Procedure. Mark the appropriate box that classifies the case type. All cases must be classified as one of the following types:
i. Delinquency (include whether offense is a felony or misdemeanor).
ii. CHINS.
iii. Dependency.
iv. Termination of Parental Rights.
v. Special Proceedings.
vi. Traffic.
b. Only one type may be designated per complaint. The most serious offense shall determine case type. Example: If a youth is charged with a delinquency offense and traffic offenses, the matter shall be considered a delinquency offense.
11. Opening of a Case and Hearing Count.
a. Delinquency Cases.
i. The following occurrences will result in the opening of a delinquency case:
1. A complaint alleging delinquency is filed.
2. A Georgia Natural Resources/Game and Fish Division Notice of Summons is filed.
3. A delinquency case is received from the superior court by superior court order or transfer by the district attorney pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-560 and § 15-11-567 for either adjudication or disposition.
4. A delinquency case is received from another juvenile court (within Georgia or another state) for disposition pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-490.
5. A delinquency case is received from another juvenile court (within Georgia or another state) for supervision of probation.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03, and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. The following matters are examples of hearings that will be given a hearing suffix:
1. Detention Hearing.
2. Adjudication Hearing.
3. Disposition Hearing (if separate from adjudication).
4. Any hearing that resulted in a continuance order.
5. Any review hearing conducted by the court.
6. A hearing as to a petition to modify/vacate a previous order arising out of a delinquency case, including a petition to revoke probation.
7. A hearing as to a motion to extend probation arising out of a delinquency case.
8. A hearing on any post-dispositional motion arising out of a delinquency case, excluding contempt.
b. Children in Need of Services "CHINS" Cases.
i. The following occurrences will result in the opening of a CHINS case:
1. A complaint alleging CHINS conduct is filed.
2. A CHINS case is received from another juvenile court (within Georgia or another state) for disposition.
3. A CHINS case is received from another juvenile court (within Georgia or another state) for supervision of probation.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03, and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. The following matters are examples of hearings that will be given a hearing suffix:
1. Continued Custody Hearing.
2. Adjudication.
3. Disposition (if separate from adjudication).
4. CHINS review.
5. Any review hearing conducted by the court, such as truancy review.
6. Any hearing that resulted in a continuance order.
7. A hearing as to a petition to modify/vacate a previous order arising out of a CHINS case, including a petition to revoke probation.
8. A hearing as to a motion to extend probation arising out of a CHINS case.
9. A hearing on any post-dispositional motion arising out of a CHINS case excluding contempt.
c. Dependency Cases.
i. The following occurrences will result in the opening of a dependency case:
1. A complaint alleging dependency is filed.
2. Upon the court sua sponte issuing a dependency removal order.
3. A determination is made pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 1511-14 (c) that requires the transferred probate court case proceeding as a dependency matter.
*Note: Any review of the original dependency complaint or petition shall NOT result in the opening of a new case or assigning a new case number. The initial periodic review, the four-month review, all permanency hearings, and any motion for review filed shall not generate a new case number.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03, and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. The following matters are examples of hearings that will be given a hearing suffix:
1. Preliminary Protective Hearing.
2. Adjudication.
3. Disposition (if separate from adjudication).
4. Initial Periodic Review.
5. Citizen Review Panel Hearing.
6. Four Month Review.
7. Permanency Hearing.
8. Any hearing that resulted in a continuance order.
9. A hearing on any motion filed by any party, including a motion to intervene.
10. Over 18 reviews.
d. Termination of Parental Rights Cases.
i. The following occurrences will result in the opening of a termination of parental rights case:
1. A complaint seeking termination of parental rights or a petition for termination of parental rights is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-280.
2. A complaint seeking reinstatement of parental rights or a petition for reinstatement of parental rights is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-323.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03 and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. The following matters are examples of hearings that will be given a hearing suffix:
1. Pre-Trial Hearing/Status Hearing as the Petition of Termination of Parental Rights.
2. Hearing on the petition for termination of parental rights.
3. Any continued court reviews as required by O.C.G.A. § 15-11-322.
4. Citizen Review Panel Hearing.
5. Any hearing on a petition to reinstate parental rights.
6. Any hearing that resulted in a continuance order.
7. Over 18 reviews.
e. Special Proceeding Cases.
i. The following occurrences will result in the opening of a special proceeding case:
1. A motion for contempt is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-31.
2. A motion/request to inspect court records is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-704.
3. A case is transferred to juvenile court pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-15 for determination or investigation of custody and support.
4. A case involving temporary guardianship received upon transfer from probate court pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-14.
5. A legitimation petition is filed in juvenile court pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-11.
6. A legitimation petition is transferred to the juvenile court by order of the superior court.
7. A court order finding a child unrestorably incompetent pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-658.
8. An application to marry is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-10 (3)(A).
9. An application to enlist in the Army is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-10 (3)(A).
10. An application to unseal a child's previously sealed records is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-701.
11. A petition for waiver of parental notification requirement for an abortion is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-682.
12. A petition for return of personal property is filed.
13. A request for records for statistical purposes is filed pursuant to Article 9 of the Juvenile Code.
14. A petition to proceed against a parent or guardian pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 20-2-766.1 is filed by a local school board. (See O.C.G.A. § 15-11-10 (3)(G).)
15. A petition for permanent guardianship is filed pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-241.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03, and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. Any further review hearings shall be provided a hearing suffix.
f. Traffic Cases.
i. The following occurrences result in the opening of a traffic case:
1. A uniform traffic citation is issued or a complaint alleging a traffic violation is filed. O.C.G.A. § 15-11630.
ii. Each hearing conducted shall be assigned a hearing suffix listed after the case number as -01, -02, -03, and so forth until the matter is closed or transferred. Hearings that are rescheduled shall NOT be assigned a new hearing suffix. The following matters are examples of hearings that will be given a hearing suffix:
1. Adjudication.
2. Disposition (if separate from adjudication).
3. Hearings on petitions to modify/vacate a previous order arising out of a traffic case.
4. Any review hearing conducted by the court.
12. Referral Source. Enter the referral source for the complaint, such as "Atlanta PD," "DFCS," "Parent," "Court," etc. This information is also contained on the complaint form under "complainant."
13. Child's Attorney Type. Indicate the child's attorney type by checking the appropriate box (appointed or retained).
14. Date, Type, and Amount of Bond. If the court sets bond for the child, indicate the date, type, and amount. Example: Date: 01/10/91, Type: Cash, Amount: $150.
15. Date Complaint Received. Enter the date the complaint was physically received by the court.
16. Date Child Taken Into Custody. Enter the date that the child was physically taken into custody by law enforcement or DFCS. If the child was not taken into custody, leave the space blank.
17. Date and Location Where Child was Detained or Placed. Enter the date the child was detained or placed, and place an "X" in the appropriate box: ( ) RYDC, ( ) Non-secure placement, ( ) Foster Care, ( ) Shelter Care, ( ) Other.
18. Detention Hearing/Continued Custody Hearing Date. If a detention hearing or continued custody hearing was held, enter the date.
19. Released to. If the child was taken into custody, enter the date and to whom the child was released, regardless of whether or not there was a detention or continued custody hearing.
Example: Date child was taken into custody: 04/11/91
Released to: Jane Smith
Relationship: Mother
20. Date Petition Filed. Enter the date the petition was filed in the clerk's office.
21. Date of Arraignment. Enter the arraignment for delinquency and CHINS offenses. If the court has a judicial process, other than a separate formal arraignment hearing, in which the child is informed of the charge(s) against him/her, his/her rights are explained, and a plea is entered, this can be considered an arraignment for practical purposes and the date of that proceeding should be entered. If the case is dismissed or withdrawn prior to adjudication, enter the date of dismissal or withdrawal.
22. Adjudicatory Hearing Date. Enter the date of the adjudicatory hearing or the first date of a multi-day adjudicatory hearing.
23. Date of Disposition. Enter the date the court makes a final disposition. If the court orders that the child be placed on probation in a delinquency or CHINS case, enter the date the child is placed on probation as the date of disposition.
24. Case Disposition. Check the appropriate box to indicate the case disposition or court action for each offense.
a. If the case type is delinquency or CHINS, the case disposition will be one of the following:
i. Adjudicated. Check this option if the court finds the child committed the offense (by admission or after trial).
ii. Dismissed. Check this option if the complaint or petition is dismissed for any reason prior to trial or the court finds at trial that the child is not delinquent or a CHINS.
iii. Examples: (1) If the court found the child delinquent but found that the child was not in need of rehabilitation and dismissed the case. (2) If the court held the disposition open for a period of time and eventually dismissed the case. (3) If the court diverted the case.
iv. Transferred to Another Juvenile Court. Check this option if the court transfers the case to another juvenile court for trial.
v. Transferred to Superior Court. Check this option if the court transfers the case to superior court for trial.
vi. Informal Adjustment. Check this box if the offense is disposed of informally. If this option is selected, the "case disposition" will also be "informally adjusted."
vii. CHINS. Check this box if the offense is handled through the CHINS protocol and no petition is filed. If this option is selected, the "case disposition" will also be "CHINS protocol."
b. If the case type is dependency, the case disposition will be one of the following:
i. Adjudicated. Check this option if the court finds the child is dependent.
ii. Dismissed. Check this option if the court dismisses the case for any reason prior to trial or finds that the child is not dependent at trial.
iii. Order entered. Check this option if the court enters an order following any hearing, other than the adjudication hearing, on a dependency case.
c. If the case type is termination of parental rights, the case disposition will be one of the following:
i. Granted. Check this option if the court grants the petition for termination of parental rights.
ii. Denied. Check this option if the court denies the petition for termination of parental rights.
iii. Dismissed. Check this option if the petition for termination of parental rights is dismissed for any reason prior to trial. Example: Petition is withdrawn by DFCS.
iv. Order Entered. Check this option if the court enters an order following a review of the matter.
d. If the case type is special proceedings, the case disposition will be one of the following:
i. Granted. Check this option if the court grants the petition.
ii. Denied. Check this option if the court denies the petition.
iii. Dismissed. Check this option if the court dismisses the petition for any reason prior to hearing the petition on the merits.
iv. Order Entered. Check this option if the court enters an order following a review of the matter.
e. If the case type is traffic, the case disposition will be one of the following:
i. Adjudicated. Check this option if the court finds the child committed the offense (by admission or after trial).
ii. Dismissed. Check this option if the complaint or petition is dismissed for any reason prior to trial or the court finds at trial that the child has not committed the traffic offense.
iii. Informal Adjustment. Check this box if the offense is disposed of informally. If this option is selected, the "case disposition" will also be "informally adjusted."
25. Offense Disposition. Mark the appropriate box to indicate the type of disposition for each offense.
a. For CHINS offenses, mark the appropriate box(es) to indicate the type of disposition for each offense:
i. Informal Adjustment. Check this box if the case is informally adjusted and no petition is filed.
ii. CHINS Protocol. Check this box if the case if handled through the local CHINS protocol and no petition is filed.
iii. Dismissed. Check this box if the offense was ultimately dismissed by the court. Example: Any individual count of a multi-court petition is dismissed pursuant to plea negotiations or the State cannot prove an individual count.
iv. Home Without Conditions. Check this box if the child remains with his or her caregiver without limitations or conditions.
v. Home With Conditions. Check this box if the child remains with his or her caregiver subject to limitations and conditions as the court may prescribe.
vi. Probation/Supervision. Check this box if probation or supervision with official court action is ordered by the judge.
vii. Community Service. Check this box if the child is ordered to complete community service.
viii. Restitution. Check this box if the child is ordered to pay restitution.
ix. Fine. Check this box if the child is ordered to pay a fine.
x. Local Court Approved Program. Check this box if the child is ordered to attend a local court approved program. *Note: Each local jurisdiction may have additional, more specific offense disposition codes dependent upon the services available in their community.
xi. Protective Order. Check this box if the court issues a protective order under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-29.
xii. Counseling/Counsel and Advice. Check this box if the child is ordered to participate in counseling or in counsel and advice.
xiii. High School Diploma/Equivalent. Check this box if the child is ordered to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent.
xiv. License Suspension. Check this box if the child's license is suspended.
xv. Transferred to Other Juvenile Court. Check this box if final disposition is to transfer the case to another juvenile court. If the case is transferred to another juvenile court, enter the name of the court.
Example: Fulton County Juvenile Court.
xvi. Dismissed - Unrestorably Incompetent. Check this box if the court dismisses the petition and finds the child unrestorably incompetent pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-658.
xvii. Competency Remediation. Check this box if the child is found incompetent to proceed but the child's incompetence may be remediated.
xviii. Custody Other. Check this box if custody is granted to a person or agency other than DFCS and indicate the name of the person or agency to whom custody is granted. If custody is granted to a person, specify his/her relationship to the child.
xix. Custody to DFCS. Check this box if the court orders that the child be placed in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services.
xx. Appealed. Check whether or not the disposition was appealed and enter the date the notice of appeal was filed with the court.
xxi. Date of Remittitur. Enter the date the remittitur is received if case is being appealed.
xxii. Judgment on Appeal. Enter the judgment on appeal. Example: Affirmed in part.
b. For delinquency offenses, mark the appropriate box(es) to indicate the type of disposition for each offense:
i. Informal Adjustment. Check this box if the case is informally adjusted and no petition is filed.
ii. Dismissed. Check this box if the offense was ultimately dismissed by the court. Example: Any individual count of a multi-count petition is dismissed pursuant to plea negotiations or the State cannot prove an individual count.
iii. Counseling/Counsel and Advice. Check this box if the child is ordered to participate in counseling or in counsel and advice.
iv. Probation/Supervision. Check this box if probation or supervision with official court action is ordered by the judge.
v. High School Diploma/Equivalent. Check this box if the child is ordered to obtain a high school diploma or its equivalent.
vi. Community Service. Check this box if the child is ordered to complete community service.
vii. Restitution. Check this box if the child is ordered to pay restitution.
viii. Fine. Check this box if the child is ordered to pay a fine.
ix. License Suspension. Check this box if the child's license is suspended.
x. Detention under O.C.G.A. § 15-11-601. Check this box if the court orders that the child be detained for up to 30 days in a Youth Detention Center (YDC).
xi. Committed - Check this box if the child is committed to Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ), regardless of whether the child is placed in a YDC or alternative placement with the exception that if the child is committed under the designated felony statute, check the box "Committed--Designated Felony."
xii. Committed - Designated Felony with no Restrictive Custody. Check this box if the child is committed to DJJ as a designated felon and no restrictive custody is ordered by the court.
xiii. Committed - Designated Felony with Restricted Custody. Check this box if the child is committed to DJJ as a designated felon. Enter the number of months of restrictive custody ordered by the court.
xiv. Transferred to Superior Court. Check this box if the court orders that the case be transferred to the superior court.
xv. Dismissed - Unrestorably Incompetent. Check this box if the court dismisses the petition and finds the child unrestorably incompetent pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 15-11-658.
xvi. Competency Remediation. Check this box if the child is found incompetent to proceed but the child's incompetence may be remediated.
xvii. Custody Other. Check this box if custody is granted to a person or agency other than DFCS and indicate the name of the person or agency to whom custody is granted. If custody is granted to a person, specify his/her relationship to the child.
xviii. Custody to DFCS. Check this box if the court orders that the child be placed in the custody of DFCS.
xix. Appealed. Check whether or not the disposition was appealed and enter the date the notice of appeal was filed with the court.
xx. Date of Remittitur. Enter the date the remittitur is received if case is being appealed.
xxi. Judgment on Appeal. Enter the judgment on appeal. Example: Affirmed in part.
c. Traffic. Check this box if the court finds that the child has committed the traffic offense.
i. Reprimand/Counsel/Warn. Check this box if the child is reprimanded, counseled, or warned.
ii. Probation/Supervision. Check this box if probation or supervision with official court action is ordered by the judge.
iii. License Suspension. Check this box if the child's license is suspended.
iv. Traffic School. Check this box if the child is required to attend a traffic school approved by DDS.
v. Substance Abuse Program. Check this box if the child is required to attend a substance abuse clinic or program.
vi. Fine. Check this box if the child is ordered to pay a fine.
vii. Community Service. Check this box if the child is ordered to complete community service.
Ga. R. Juv. Ct. A