Tianna Baez sworn in as chief judge of Augusta judicial circuit’s juvenile court

Tianna Baez was sworn in as chief judge of the juvenile court for the Augusta judicial circuit on Dec. 24 in a nontraditional ceremony held with juvenile court children present. The event combined the formal oaths required by Georgia law with a holiday gathering for the children served by the court.

Baez took the standard oath of office and the loyalty employment oath, repeating the statutory language that she will “duly and faithfully perform all of the duties required of me” as chief judge of juvenile court for the Augusta judicial circuit and that she will support the constitutions of the United States and the state of Georgia. After the oath, those gathered offered congratulations as Baez was robed.

In brief remarks after the oath, Baez said she planned the event so children served by juvenile court could participate and receive gifts: “I’m going to be very brief because I am the only thing standing between my kids and their gifts.” She thanked family members, judges and court staff by name and described the children who appear in court as “some of the brightest, toughest, most resilient future leaders of Augusta.”

Baez acknowledged community partners and local nonprofits that support juvenile-court work, naming the Hawk Law Group, Thrive, Richmond County School System, Keller Williams, Augusta Partners, Cares for Kids and Teens, and local sorority and health‑leadership groups for their contributions. She also thanked superior-court judges and court staff who assist with operations and budgeting.

A short invocation preceded the conclusion of the program, which Baez described as both a swearing-in and a Christmas party for the children. Before adjournment she invited Mayor Johnson to offer remarks; the mayor praised Baez’s service and urged attendees during the holiday season to “pay it forward,” offering the city’s congratulations on behalf of the commission.

No formal votes or policy actions were taken at the event. The program combined the legal formalities of swearing in a judge with a community‑focused reception and activities for juvenile‑court clients.