The Emanuel County Juvenile Court exercises jurisdiction over cases involving children who are alleged to be a Child in Need of Services (CHINS) due to truancy, runaway, chronic disobedience, curfew violation, or any other child-related matters not reserved for superior court. The court also exercises jurisdiction over cases involving allegations of child abuse, neglect, delinquency, and traffic offenses.
The juvenile court is presided over by a judge appointed by the chief superior court judge of the Middle Judicial Circuit. The Honorable Judge Sherri McDonald sits the bench for the Middle Judicial Circuit.
Her court works with Department of Juvenile Justice, the Department of Family and Children Services, the board of education and local schools, and the Special Attorney General for Juvenile Court, along with special guardians when needed.
In Emanuel County, juvenile court is in session on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at 10 AM and by special setting by the juvenile court judge.