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Spalding County juvenile court reports low recidivism from diversion programs, seeks volunteer and grant support
Summary
Judge Ott and juvenile court staff told commissioners the court filed 500 new complaints in 2024, enrolled 45 youth in the Ignite diversion program (2 reoffended) and had 23 peer-court participants with no new charges; the court asked commissioners to support volunteer recruitment, foster/adopt consideration and help with grant pursuit.
Judge Ott presented the Spalding County Juvenile Court annual report to the Board of Commissioners on April 21, highlighting diversion programs, partnerships with local police and a low return-to-court rate for participants.
The judge said 500 new complaints were filed in 2024. He described peer court — a program run in partnership with Griffin College and Career Academy — as having 23 participants last year, none of whom returned with new charges. On diversion, Judge Ott said 45 young people were referred to a locally supervised program called Ignite; two of those 45 later returned with new charges.
Judge Ott credited partnership efforts, noting the court has worked with the district attorney’s office and local schools to build restorative and diversion programming. He said the Griffin Police Department has offered community-service opportunities: since October, 29 youth performed community service at the Griffin Police Department, which the judge said creates “a very positive atmosphere with law enforcement.”
Judge Ott and juvenile court staff also described a new restorative justice program called RED to be implemented in 2025. He asked commissioners to consider nonfinancial support — volunteer recruitment for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), fostering and adoption awareness and assistance pursuing grants — and said the court is meeting with the county’s grant manager and others to identify funding. Judge Ott said some mentoring providers have been contributing personal funds; the court is seeking ways to capture and grow that work with grants so programs are sustainable.
Judge Ashman and juvenile court staff emphasized the programs’ effect on recidivism and on relationships between young people and law enforcement. Ms. Silver Jones, who supervises diversion services, and the judges said the court is pursuing additional grants and coordinating with school and community partners to expand successful interventions.
Commissioner Flowers Taylor and other commissioners urged the county to consider funding or other support for mentoring programs given early results. The judges said they will continue to pursue grant opportunities and work with community partners to scale effective programs.
The presentation concluded without a formal funding request at the meeting; court staff said they will return with grant proposals or specific requests if and when funding needs are identified.
