Juvenile and other courts, and law enforcement and other public agencies maintain a variety of records regarding juveniles who become involved in the juvenile justice system and the criminal justice system—including arrest records, school records, medical or behavioral health records, and family and social history. Many states have laws that restrict access to these records to protect youth from the stigma of a record in the juvenile justice system or criminal justice system. The confidentiality of juvenile records is in contrast with the open records laws that apply to adults in the criminal justice system. Laws regarding access to juvenile records, sealing of juvenile records, and expungement (destruction or deletion) of juvenile records vary from state to state, and are usually located in a state’s statutes.

In Georgia, juvenile records are protected under the Georgia Juvenile Code, which restricts public access to these records to safeguard the privacy of minors. Access to juvenile records is generally limited to certain parties, such as court officials, law enforcement, and specific agencies involved in the juvenile's care or treatment. These records include data on arrests, school performance, medical or behavioral health, and family or social history. Georgia law allows for the sealing and expungement of juvenile records under certain conditions, which can include the completion of a diversion program, the passage of a specified period without further legal issues, or reaching a certain age. The intent behind these protections is to prevent the long-term negative impact of early interactions with the justice system on a juvenile's future, including education and employment opportunities. However, serious juvenile offenses may be treated differently, and in some cases, records may be accessed or retained for longer periods. It's important to consult with an attorney for specific guidance on how these laws may apply to an individual case.