He looks at you with an empty stare. Children are taught not to talk to strangers, but as you look into his eyes, you realize there is more than the usual apprehension children have when they meet a stranger. As you look into the eyes of this young child, you can see there is a story he is trying to hide. A story that when told would break your heart and leave you in disbelief. Why would, no, how could anyone do something like that to a child?

As a summer intern in the juvenile court in Floyd County, Georgia, I have looked into the eyes and read the stories of many hurting children. I realize that there is not an easy answer to the question I pose. I have also learned that throughout Georgia there are thousands of children suffering due to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. These children try to keep their painful stories to themselves. They cry in the dark where no one can hear, but a few are called to answer their cry.

Today, there are even more deprived and delinquent children at risk in Georgia. Unfortunately, when children are removed from their homes there are not enough foster homes in which to place them. In addition, counties are simply building bigger detention centers to solve the problem of delinquency among Georgia's youth rather than developing effective prevention programs. A greater problem, however, is that many of the attorneys appointed to represent these children may not have adequate training in child psychology or simply the life experience to effectively represent these children. Therefore, the attorney may know the law, but they may not communicate effectively with the child because of cultural bias, lack of understanding, or representation due to pro bono obligation rather than representation due to desire.

As a participant in the Barton Clinic Intern Program, I wanted to get inside Georgia's juvenile courts, find out what is going on with Georgia's children, and develop a solution to the problems with juvenile representation. I wanted to learn how my law degree could make a difference in their lives. I learned that my race, class, nor gender mattered in the lives of these children. They all wanted the same thing, someone to care and watch over them. My participation in this internship has taught me that the completion of my law degree and my continuation in the field of juvenile law is going to make a huge impact in the lives of Georgia's children.

I worked with a variety of phenomenal professionals dedicated to improving the lives of children in Floyd County, Georgia. Judge Timothy A. Pape is at the helm of the Floyd County Juvenile Court. He has presided as the judge for over twenty years, and many of the people with whom he works have been a part of the juvenile court for just as long.

The most important thing about this court is the sense of family that Judge Pape has developed. From the judge to the court administrator to the clerks to the probation officers, other attorneys involved in this court their primary concern is improving the quality of life for the children of Floyd County. Judge Pape sets the example by developing programs, serving on committees, and working daily to enhance children's lives. He not only knows the law and makes tough decisions based on what is in the best interest of the child, but he also works with families outside of the courtroom to make sure that the decisions he makes are followed and that families succeed.

In conclusion, the Floyd County Juvenile Court has had its share of happy as well as not so happy endings. Children and families can either be torn apart or put back together, but no matter what happens when a child or parent enters the Floyd County Juvenile Court they will receive fair and just treatment by every professional they encounter.