Georgia § 15-11-400 - Child in need of services; time limitations for continued custody or temporary custody hearings.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-400 — Child in need of services; time limitations for continued custody or temporary custody hearings., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 15-11-400. Child in need of services; time limitations for continued custody or temporary custody hearings.
The continued custody hearing for a child alleged to be a child in need of services shall be held promptly and no later than: Twenty-four hours, excluding weekends and holidays, after such child is taken into temporary custody if he or she is being held in a secure residential facility or nonsecure residential facility; or Seventy-two hours, excluding weekends and holidays, after such child is placed in foster care. If a child alleged to be a child in need of services was never taken into temporary custody or is released from temporary custody at the continued custody hearing, the following time frames apply: The petition for a child in need of services shall be filed: Within 30 days of the filing of the complaint with the juvenile court; or Within 30 days of such child's release from temporary custody; Summons shall be served at least 72 hours before the adjudication hearing; An adjudication hearing shall be scheduled to be held no later than 60 days after the filing of the petition for a child in need of services; and If not held in conjunction with an adjudication hearing, a disposition hearing shall be held and completed within 30 days after the conclusion of an adjudication hearing. If a child alleged to be a child in need of services is not released from temporary custody at the continued custody hearing, the following time frames apply: The petition for a child in need of services shall be filed within five days of the continued custody hearing; Summons shall be served at least 72 hours before an adjudication hearing; An adjudication hearing shall be scheduled to be held no later than ten days after the filing of the petition for a child in need of services; and If not held in conjunction with an adjudication hearing, a disposition hearing shall be held and completed within 30 days after the conclusion of an adjudication hearing. (Code 1981, § 15-11-400 , enacted by Ga. L. 2013, p. 294, § 1-1/HB 242; Ga. L. 2014, p. 780, § 1-25/SB 364.) Continuance of adjudicatory hearing in Juvenile Court, Uniform Rules for the Juvenile Courts of Georgia, Rule 11.3. Cross references. - Amendment to Juvenile Court petition, Uniform Rules for the Juvenile Courts of Georgia, Rule 6.6. Law reviews. - For article discussing due process in juvenile court procedures in California and Georgia, in light of In re Gault, 387 U.S. 1, 87 S. Ct. 1428 , 18 L. Ed. 2 d 527 (1967), see 8 Ga. St. B. J. 9 (1971). For article, "The Child as a Party in Interest in Custody Proceedings," see 10 Ga. St. B. J. 577 (1974). For article surveying Georgia cases in the area of juvenile court practice and procedure from June 1979 through May 1980, see 32 Mercer L. Rev. 113 (1980). For article, "Termination of Parental Rights: Recent Judicial and Legislative Trends," see 30 Emory L. J. 1065 (1981). For article, "Georgia's Juvenile Code: New Law for the New Year," see 19 Ga. St. B. J. 13 (Dec. 2013). For note criticizing jurisdiction of juvenile justice system over runaways and advocating alternative legal approaches, see 24 Emory L. J. 1075 (1975). For note on the 1994 amendment of this Code section, see 11 Ga. St. U.L. Rev. 81 (1994).
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 15-11-400
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-400 cover?
Section 15-11-400 ("Child in need of services; time limitations for continued custody or temporary custody hearings.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 15-11-400?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 15-11-400" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 15-11-400 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.