The new home to the Bell-Forsyth Judicial Court’s Juvenile Court system, which broke ground in late 2020 adjacent to the previous facility, is approximately 70,000 square feet with three levels including unfinished shell space on the second level for future expansion. The facility includes two courtrooms, conference rooms and administrative offices. The facility is designed to incorporate natural elements and lighting designed to provide a calming effect.

“Juvenile court facilities are unique in that special accommodations must be made for juveniles and their families that are not required at the main courthouse,” said Chief Judge Jeffrey S. Bagley.

“As such, it is preferable to have a separate courthouse for Juvenile Court and even though we have had a separate building for many years, the previous courthouse had significant deficiencies in access, efficiency, security, overcrowding, compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and its physical structure.”

Construction of the new Juvenile Justice Center was provided by Carroll-Daniel Construction. The architect for the project was the Jericho Design Group. Funding for the new center was provided by Capital Outlay Funds and total costs for the project were estimated at $19.9 million.

Juvenile Court handles cases involving juveniles who are alleged to be delinquent, dependent, children in need of services or have committed traffic violations. Juvenile Court is committed to the care, safety and guidance of children; to respectful and just treatment of all involved; to the personal development and accountability of children and their families; to public safety and to restoration of victims and communities. The Bell-Forsyth Judicial Circuit has two full-time Juvenile Court judges.