Adolphus Graves, the Cobb Juvenile Court Administrator, has been awarded the prestigious Exemplary Leadership in Youth Justice Award by the National Resource Center for the Transformation of Youth Justice. This accolade is also known as the Robert F. Kennedy National Resource Center for Juvenile Justice and recognizes exceptional agency leaders who create inclusive environments empowering youth, families, and staff to thrive.
The announcement from Cobb County’s website highlighted Graves’s significant contributions to fostering a supportive atmosphere within the juvenile justice system. The award is given to visionaries who actively transform the complexities of the justice system through accountability, advocacy, and innovative solutions.
In his capacity as the Court Administrator for Cobb County, Graves is responsible for overseeing various non-judicial operations. His duties include fiscal management, strategic planning, and ensuring staff performance, all aimed at guiding the court toward excellence through integrity and innovation.
Graves’s commitment to the youth justice field is evident in his active participation on the Georgia Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group. He is involved with numerous organizations at both national and state levels, such as the Juvenile Court Association of Georgia, the National Association of Court Managers, the American Probation and Parole Association, the National Criminal Justice Association, and the American Corrections Association.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Morehouse College and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Liberty University. Graves’s biography on the Transforming Youth Justice Practice Network outlines his extensive experience and focus on enhancing juvenile and criminal justice systems nationwide.
Before his current role, he served as the Chief Probation Officer for Fulton County Juvenile Court, which encompasses Atlanta and its surrounding municipalities. Over his 15-plus years in the juvenile court and probation service sectors, he has demonstrated unwavering dedication to public service and has received numerous executive and leadership awards.
Graves is deeply committed to promoting adherence to evidence-based practices and maximizing community stakeholder engagement. His efforts reflect a dedication to fostering an efficient and compassionate justice system both locally in Georgia and across the nation.
In addition to his administrative roles, Graves contributes to academia as an Adjunct Professor in the Criminal Justice Department at American Intercontinental University’s Atlanta Campus. He holds a B.A. in Sociology with a Criminal Justice concentration and an M.S. in Criminal Justice with a Public Administration focus.
Judge Amber Patterson, presiding judge of the Cobb Juvenile Court, commended Graves’s contributions, stating, “Adolphus represents the very best of what youth justice leadership should be. His vision and tireless dedication have impacted countless lives and helped shape a more compassionate and effective justice system.”
Graves is also a devoted family man, proudly describing himself as the father of four children.
For more information about Adolphus Graves and the award, please refer to the news release available on the Cobb County website.
image source from：cobbcountycourier
