Rule 24.2 Duties of Clerk of Juvenile Court

(a) Custodian of Records

The clerk of juvenile court shall serve as the official custodian of all juvenile court records and shall maintain the integrity, accuracy, confidentiality, and safekeeping of those records.

(b) Filing and Record Maintenance

The clerk, or a person designated by the clerk, shall:

1. Accept, review, file, docket, and maintain petitions, motions, pleadings, and other documents;

2. Assign case numbers and establish and maintain case files; and

3. Record all proceedings of the court in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-11-17(c) and the Uniform Rules of the Juvenile Court.

(c) Docketing and Court Administration

The clerk shall:

1. Maintain the official court docket;

2. Schedule hearings and proceedings as directed by the court; and

3. Prepare, process, certify, and distribute court orders, judgments, notices, and other official court documents.

(d) Issuance of Process and Evidence Management

The clerk, or a person designated by the clerk, shall:

1. Issue and sign summonses, subpoenas, and other court process; and

2. Receive, safeguard, and properly dispose of evidence submitted to the court pursuant to UJCR 18, Maintenance of Evidence.

All subpoenas for records shall be addressed to the clerk of juvenile court.

(e) Financial Responsibilities

The clerk shall collect and receive, account for, disburse, and reconcile court-ordered fees, fines, restitution, and costs in accordance with applicable laws and rules.

(f) Data Entry and Reporting

The clerk shall enter and maintain required case data in state-mandated information systems and ensure accuracy for reporting, audits, and compliance reviews.

(g) Appeals and Transmittal of Records

Upon notice of appeal, the clerk shall:

1. Prepare and transmit certified copies of the record to the appropriate appellate court; and

2. Ensure the proper recording and safekeeping of transcripts of hearings.

(h) Transfer to Criminal Court

Upon the transfer of a delinquent child to criminal court for prosecution as an adult, the clerk shall forward copies of all required court documents to the prosecuting attorney.

(i) General Duties and Professional Responsibilities

The clerk shall:

1. Serve as the primary point of contact for attorneys, agencies, parties, and the public by providing procedural information while refraining from offering legal advice;

2. Ensure compliance with court rules, administrative orders, and established court policies;

3. Uphold neutrality, confidentiality, and ethical standards;

4. Administer oaths to, supervise, and direct deputy clerks and support staff when assigned;

5. Assist with administrative functions, including budgeting support, grant administration, audits, and performance reporting; and

6. Perform such other duties as directed by the court.

(j) Training Requirements

The clerk shall complete all required training in accordance with O.C.G.A. § 15-11-65.