Q. What does CHINS mean?
A. CHINS stands for Children In Need of Services. Other commonly used words and their definitions can be found in the Juvenile Legal Glossary.
Q. Why can’t the Juvenile Court lock my kid up? He/She needs it.
A. Children have constitutional and legal rights just like adults do. A government agency like the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Juvenile Justice, or even the Judge generally cannot place a child in a secure government detention facility unless that child committed a violation of the criminal laws of the State. Usually, the violation needs to be serious in nature for detention to occur.
Q. My child has been detained. How do I get information on their whereabouts or next steps?
A. If a juvenile is taken into custody by the police for a delinquent or unruly charge, they will be placed in a Regional Youth Detention Center that is in our catchment area until their first appearance in Court. Please contact the Forsyth County Department of Juvenile Justice at 770-781-6804 to find out more information.
Q. What happens if I refuse to take my child home if the police arrest him/her or he/she commits a crime?
A. As a parent, you are legally responsible to provide all the necessities for your child until he/she reaches the age of 18 or is otherwise emancipated. As such, you can be charged with crimes such as child abandonment if you refuse to take your child back.
Q. I need emergency assistance with my child. Who can I contact?
A. If your child is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, or if he/she has lost control and is destroying property, CALL 911.
Q. How do I report a runaway?
A. Contact the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office at 770-781-3087.
Q. I got a notice in the mail with my child’s Court date for their delinquency, CHINS, or traffic offense, and I need it to be reset for another date. What can I do?
A. The Court cannot grant continuances to parents or children. You will need to contact the Juvenile Assistant District Attorney’s office at 770-781-2125 ext. 2132
Q. My child under 17 years of age got a traffic ticket, and the date on the citation doesn’t match the date on the letter I received in the mail.
A. The letter you received in the mail has the correct date. The Sheriff’s office citations are pre-filled with the Court date for adult traffic court. Please go by the letter you receive from Juvenile Court for your date to appear for Traffic Intake.
Q. Does the Court provide work/school excuses for hearings?
A. Yes. Please go to the front window in Juvenile Court to obtain a work/school excuse for the period of time you are at the Juvenile Court.
Q. My child was ordered to pay a fine/restitution. Where and how can I pay the amount ordered?
A. Restitution and fines are payable at the Forsyth County Juvenile Clerk of Court’s Office.
Q. I am a victim. How do I find out what’s going on in my case?
A. Please contact the Forsyth County Victim’s Advocate office for assistance at 678-455-8458.
Q. How do I report child abuse/neglect?
A. Call the Child Protective Services (CPS) Central Intake Center at 1-855-422-4453.
Q. How can I become emancipated?
A. The Law Library has an emancipation petition that you will need to complete in order to apply for emancipation. In order to file the petition, a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate must be attached along with proof of housing and employment (or other means of support besides TANF or SSI). The petition must be accompanied by three affidavits from adults who believe that emancipation is in the best interest of the child. The minor must be a resident of Georgia and live in Forsyth County.
Q. What if I need special assistance for my hearing?
A. If you have a disability or require accommodations in the courtroom, please call 770-781-3099 prior to your hearing. For interpreting services, please visit our interpreter page.
Q. How can I get copies of documents in my case?
A. Copies of case documents can be obtained from the Juvenile Clerk of Court.