Cobb judge to form new youth court in January

Cobb Juvenile Court judges include (L-R) Judge Amber Patterson, Judge Wayne Grannis and Judge-Elect Kareem West. Grannis will establish a new specialty court - called R.I.S.I.N.G. - in mid-January to assist first-time, gang-related offenders and high-risk youths and offer counseling services and life skill resources for them and their families. Courtesy of Cobb County

Cobb Juvenile Court judges include (L-R) Judge Amber Patterson, Judge Wayne Grannis and Judge-Elect Kareem West. Grannis will establish a new specialty court - called R.I.S.I.N.G. - in mid-January to assist first-time, gang-related offenders and high-risk youths and offer counseling services and life skill resources for them and their families. Courtesy of Cobb County

In response to rising gang-related offenses in Cobb County, Cobb Juvenile Court Judge Wayne Grannis will establish a new specialty court - called R.I.S.I.N.G. - in mid-January.

This court will assist first-time, gang-related offenders and high-risk youths and offer counseling services and life skill resources to them and their families.

R.I.S.I.N.G. stands for each phase of the court process: Rebuild, Invest, Support, INtegrate and Graduate.

The new court will involve ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement, school officials, the District Attorney’s office and other support agencies.

“Cobb Juvenile Court is dedicated to the welfare of the youths in our community. By working collaboratively with these organizations, we are able to serve these children better,” Grannis said.

“An important part of R.I.S.I.N.G will be the family component,” Grannis added. “Keeping the families involved ensures youths will continue to receive support and encouragement from the home which is an integral part of this process.”

Cobb County Juvenile Court serves Cobb residents by hearing all cases involving allegations of dependency of children under the age of 18 or unruly conduct, delinquency or traffic violations concerning children under the age of 17 found within Cobb.