ATLANTA (AP) -- The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice is adding an ombudsman's office in an effort to ensure the rights and safety of young people in custody.<br />
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Commissioner Avery D. Niles said in a news release that the new Office of the Ombudsman is part of his work to restructure the agency to comply with best practices under the state's recent Juvenile Justice Reform Law.<br />
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Niles said the office will provide a neutral party to objectively and impartially review complaints and allegations.<br />
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The department says the office will be a single point of contact for family members, advocates and others who may want to report complaints on behalf of committed young people or to inquire about their wellbeing.<br />
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Inquiries and complaints can be submitted by email or by phone.
