Proposed Model Code (PMC)

The Proposed Model Code (PMC) serves as the platform for building SB 292, The Child Protection and Public Safety Act.  The PMC, released in March 2008, is a research and evidence-based best practices model of juvenile law.  The PMC, which represents a comprehensive revision of the current juvenile code, was guided by three overarching themes: develop a new organizational structure, maintain stylistic consistency throughout, and incorporate substantive revisions that reflect best practices.

 

Project Background

 

In 2004, then President of the Council of Juvenile Court Judges, the Honorable Robin Nash approached the State Bar of Georgia Young Lawyers Division (YLD) Juvenile Law Committee.  Judge Nash suggested that Georgia’s Juvenile Code be revised because it did not reflect research-based best practices and does not meet the needs of the Juvenile Courts and those who practice in those courts.

 

The Georgia Bar Foundation awarded grant funds to the YLD to begin the Juvenile Code Revision Project. The YLD hired three code reporters to research, draft and edit a proposed model code. The YLD also held focus group meetings with practitioners to identify specific areas of concern and participated in a legislative study committee on the juvenile code.

 

The research effort investigated the strengths and weaknesses of the current code and explored other model codes and best practices in juvenile law.  Best practices were identified by reviewing academic literature, reviewing laws of other states, and consulting with experts and practitioners from across the US.  The Revision Project gathered suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders involved in the juvenile court system.