Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice

08/20/2026

On August 1st, Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb was recognized with the Council of Juvenile Justice Administrators - CJJA 2026 President’s Award for her exemplary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing juvenile justice while embodying the mission and values of CJJA.

“Commissioner Reynolds-Cobb leads with courage, wisdom, and compassion, always keeping the mission and the people we serve at the center of every decision,” the award nomination states. “She embodies the very definition of exemplary leadership and represents the values this award seeks to honor.”

The President's Award is presented to an individual whose outstanding leadership, commitment, and service have significantly advanced the mission, values and goals of CJJA. The award also recognizes members who have made significant contributions to CJJA through participation in the organization's activities, including mentoring new directors, participating in semi-annual meetings, and actively serving on regional and standing committees.

08/19/2026

The Department of Juvenile Justice is hiring counselors and therapists! Make a difference in the lives of our youth. Join the DJJ team today. https://djj.georgia.gov/careers

08/18/2026

Congratulations to our DJJ team members for winning various roles in the American Correctional Association (ACA) general elections on August 1st. DJJ is proud of its employees who are making a difference in the field of corrections, both in Georgia and internationally.

08/17/2026

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) celebrated the graduation of 35 new Juvenile Correctional Officer (JCO) cadets during a special ceremony on Friday, July 24, at the Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, Georgia.

These new Correctional Officers play a crucial role in creating a safe and supportive environment for the young people in their care. At DJJ, we are thrilled to welcome them to our team of dedicated professionals.

The graduates completed a comprehensive 200-hour training program that equipped them with essential skills and practices for their roles. They demonstrated their commitment by successfully passing both written tests and hands-on evaluations.

Congratulations to these outstanding graduates as they embark on their important work supporting and positively impacting the lives of our youth. You can view some inspiring moments from the graduation ceremony here:
https://youtu.be/plh803yeuKw?si=3dyaPbBgDL8-Mike

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08/07/2026

Georgia DJJ Detention Center Earns National Accreditation --

(Decatur, GA) – The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is proud to announce that the Martha K. Glaze Regional Youth Detention Center (RYDC) has earned accreditation from the American Correctional Association (ACA). The 70-bed secure facility in Clayton County underwent operational and treatment service audits and received accreditation on August 1 during the ACA 156th Congress of Correction in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

“We are grateful to receive accreditation from the American Correctional Association,” said Georgia DJJ Commissioner Shawanda Reynolds-Cobb. “I thank the Martha K. Glaze RYDC team for their commitment to utilizing best practices to provide a safe and secure environment for the youth in our care.”

The ACA conducted an extensive on-site three-day audit, including an in-depth assessment of the RYDC through staff interviews, a comprehensive facility tour, observation of staff performing their duties, and review of vital files and records. The facility scored 100 percent on the ACA mandatory standards.

This is the first time the facility has obtained this national achievement. Additional Georgia DJJ secure facilities accredited by the ACA are in Bibb, Cobb, Crisp, Floyd, Muscogee, Rockdale, Terrell, Thomas, Whitfield and Wilkes counties.

ACA is the oldest association developed specifically for practitioners in the correctional profession. The ACA standards are considered the national benchmark for the effective operation of correctional systems throughout the United States and are necessary to ensure that correctional facilities are operated professionally. They address services, programs, and operations essential to good correctional management, including administrative and fiscal controls, staff training and development, physical plant, safety and emergency procedures, sanitation, food service, and rules and discipline. Standards reflect practical, up-to-date policies and procedures that safeguard staff and offenders' life, health, and safety.

American Correctional Association

08/05/2026

Congratulations to DJJ Victim Advocate Specialist Kirenski Wilkerson on graduating as a member of the Leadership DeKalb Class of 2026. Throughout the 10-month leadership development program, participants strengthened their leadership skills while exploring issues affecting DeKalb County and collaborating with leaders across multiple sectors.

08/04/2026

— Today, August 4, we recognize National Night Out, a nationwide effort to strengthen partnerships and build safer, stronger communities. DJJ staff from the Dougherty Community Services Office and Intensive Supervision Program joined local partners for Dougherty County's National Night Out, donating more than 3,200 pencils and additional school supplies to help students start the new school year prepared. DJJ is proud to stand alongside our community partners in making a difference.

07/30/2026

is ! Are you looking to make a positive impact on your community? Join us Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. for the Metro RYDC Career Fair. Location: 1300 Constitution Road SE, Atlanta, Georgia 30316. Make a difference in the lives of our youth! Register here:
https://djj.georgia.gov/events/2026-08-20/metro-rydc-career-fair-82026

07/28/2026

The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is proud to congratulate Deputy Compact Administrator Tracy Cassell, Director of CTAE Lorissa Coast, and Assistant Director Jessica Walker for graduating from the Georgia 2Gen Academy Cohort 4. The Academy, created by the Georgia Children’s Cabinet and the UGA Carl Vinson Institute of Government, aims to develop leaders who work collaboratively across agencies and organizations utilizing a two-generation approach to improve outcomes for families in Georgia.

The 10-month program guides participants through a 2Gen-focused curriculum that culminates in a capstone project.

Thank you for your commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and collaboration. Your dedication helps strengthen our agency and the work we do together.

07/25/2026

This on July 25th, we're proud to support our veterans by offering exciting career opportunities at the Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice. Bring your skills, dedication, and discipline to make a real difference in the lives of our youth.

✅ Competitive Salaries
✅ Comprehensive Health Benefits
✅ Retirement Plans
✅ Paid Time Off
✅ Career Advancement Opportunities
✅ Military Salary Incentive

Serve your community and shape the future. Apply Today: http://djj.georgia.gov/careers