---
title: O.C.G.A. § 42-7-4. Studies and diagnoses; placement of youthful offender by department.
collection: code
id: 42-7-4
cite_as: O.C.G.A. § 42-7-4 (2025)
canonical_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7-4
md_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7-4.md
text_url: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7-4/text
source_url: https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/document/docs/default-source/joint-features-document-library/t41-t42-(v29a)-2023-pdf.pdf?sfvrsn=4afea80d_0#page=378
date: 2025
status: active
corpus_version: 2025-supplement-89aa39ab3c68
license: CC0-1.0
publisher: Georgia Commons, an independent project of Georgia Civic Data. Not the State of Georgia. Not legal advice.
up: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7.md
previous: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7-3.md
next: https://georgiacommons.org/code/42-7-5.md
index: https://georgiacommons.org/code/index.md
version: the only printed version
in_force: true
current_through: Including Acts of the 2025 Regular Session of the General Assembly
heading_path: PENAL INSTITUTIONS / TREATMENT OF YOUTHFUL OFFENDERS
---

# O.C.G.A. § 42-7-4. Studies and diagnoses; placement of youthful offender by department.

(a) The commissioner shall cause to be made a complete study and diagnosis of each youthful offender, including a physical examination and, where possible and indicated, a mental examination. In the absence of exceptional circumstances, each study and diagnosis shall be completed within a period of 60 days from the date of commitment.

(b) Upon the receipt of all reports and recommendations required by subsection (a) of this Code section, the department shall:

(1) Allocate and direct a transfer of the youthful offender to an institution or facility for treatment; or

(2) Order the youthful offender confined and afforded treatment under such conditions as are necessary for the protection of the public.

## History

Code 1981, § 42-7-4, enacted by Ga. L. 1985, p. 420, § 1.