This legislation is a comprehensive rewrite of the entire juvenile code and significantly changes how both dependency and delinquency cases are handled in the State of Georgia.  There will be costs to local government for additional hearings, prosecutors and additional attorneys to represent children.  The effective date is July 1, 2013, with the intention that funds can be made available during the next budget cycle to meet the requirements of the new statute.  While most expense is a state responsibility, if funding is not allocated it will fall to the counties to provide the funding.