A state judicial oversight body has designated Cobb County's Family Treatment Court as a model program for peer learning. The recognition brought another Metro Atlanta juvenile court to Cobb County in August for a two-day visit.
The Council of Accountability Court Judges of Georgia (CACJ) invited the Family Treatment Court to serve as a peer-review resource earlier this year, according to a Cobb County government announcement published Monday, Aug. 31. The selection was based on the program's collaborative model and its adherence to accountability court standards.
Juvenile Court Judge Jeffrey D. Hamby and Family Treatment Court Coordinator Kayla Webb lead the program, which serves families across Cobb County, including East Cobb. The court uses a multidisciplinary team rather than leaving individual agencies to work with families on their own.
That team draws from the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services, the Cobb Circuit Defender's Office, a designated Special Assistant Attorney General, CobbWorks, treatment professionals and other community partners. CobbWorks is Cobb County's designated Local Workforce Development Board.
During the August visit, representatives from the other Metro Atlanta court observed Family Treatment Court proceedings and staffing sessions. They met with team members and reviewed how Cobb County coordinates treatment, accountability and family support services. The visiting court serves a community with demographics similar to Cobb County's, according to the announcement. Its identity was not disclosed.
The county described collaboration as the program's central strength. Rather than agencies working independently, the court brings child welfare professionals, defense counsel, treatment providers, workforce resources and county staff to the same table to strengthen families and improve outcomes for children.
The exchange also benefited Cobb County. The announcement noted the peer-review process gave both courts opportunities for discussion, reflection and continued improvement.
CACJ, established in 2015, oversees certification, peer review, training and grants for accountability courts across Georgia. The agency's Model Court program recognizes courts that have met and exceeded the state's standards through strong certification and peer-review performance.
The Cobb County Juvenile Court said in its announcement that it looks forward to continuing its partnership with CACJ and other courts throughout Georgia. No follow-up visit or next milestone has been announced.
