Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County

Today, Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon joined the South Memphis Alliance for its National Foster Care Awareness Month Community Fair, where community members, service providers, and advocates came together to support children and families across Memphis and Shelby County.

At Juvenile Court, we know that children thrive when they are surrounded by caring adults, strong support systems, and a community willing to invest in their future. That is why we continue to strengthen partnerships, expand resources, and create opportunities for more voices to advocate for youth in foster care.

One way you can make a difference is by joining our Foster Care Review Board. Volunteers work alongside Court staff, attorneys, and child welfare professionals to help ensure the needs of children in foster care remain at the center of important decisions.

It takes a village to support the next generation.

What role will you play?

Register here: bit.ly/fosterjc




ChildrenNowAdultsLater

4,398 dependency and neglect hearings.

That is how many times children came before Juvenile Court in fiscal year 2024-2025 because safety, stability, or support was missing at home.

Behind every hearing is a child whose future can change based on whether adults choose to show up.

This National Foster Care Awareness Month, Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County is calling on dedicated community members to join our Foster Care Review Board. Volunteers work alongside Court staff, attorneys, and DCS professionals to review cases and make recommendations that can directly impact a child’s future.

Memphis cannot afford for more children to fall through the cracks. It takes a village to protect the next generation.

Register TODAY - bit.ly/fosterjc

Today, we honor and remember the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

Juvenile Court is closed today in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen tomorrow during normal business hours.

Wishing all families a safe and meaningful holiday.

Memphis families deserve leaders who understand the weight of this work.

Yesterday, Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon officially swore in Magistrate Vivian Pyatt as one of Juvenile Court’s newest magistrates, and we are proud to welcome someone whose career has been deeply rooted in advocating for children and families across Tennessee.

With nearly 20 years of experience in child welfare and family law, Magistrate Pyatt has spent her career navigating some of the most difficult and sensitive moments families can face. From dependency and neglect matters to termination of parental rights proceedings, her work has centered on protecting children, supporting families, and understanding the systems that impact both.

That experience matters here in Memphis.

At Juvenile Court, the majority of our work involves child welfare. Every day, families enter our court carrying challenges tied to instability, trauma, and crisis. They deserve a court led by people who not only understand the law, but also understand the human impact behind every case.

Magistrate Pyatt brings that perspective to the bench. Her extensive experience with the Department of Children’s Services and family advocacy work will strengthen the Court’s continued commitment to rehabilitation, intervention, and supporting better outcomes for children and families throughout Shelby County.

This work is not easy. It requires compassion, wisdom, patience, and leadership. We are excited to welcome Magistrate Pyatt to Juvenile Court and look forward to the impact she will make on behalf of the children and families we serve.

Welcome to Juvenile Court, Magistrate Pyatt. ❤️

Memphis continues to show up for its children.

Today, four extraordinary individuals were sworn in by our Honorable Judge Tarik B. Sugarmon as CASA of Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County, TN volunteers — choosing to use their time, talent, and heart to advocate for children in foster care.

And this class? Truly something special.

We’re talking about:
An Olympian training for the 2028 Games.
A scientist at St. Jude working to develop treatments for rare cancers.
A 30-year Navy veteran and future school leader.
A truancy advisor serving students daily in one of the largest school districts in the country.

These are individuals with full lives, demanding careers, and big responsibilities — and still, they made the decision to step forward and serve.

Because for them, this work isn’t optional. It’s personal. It’s purposeful.

Each volunteer completed a rigorous selection process and an intensive training led by our incredible CASA team, preparing them to stand in the gap for children who need consistent, trusted advocacy.

A special thank you to our mighty CASA team — Michelle Childs, Renee Bond, and Katie Graffam — for continuing to build and lead a program that equips volunteers to make a real difference in the lives of children and families across Shelby County.

Different paths.
Different professions.
One mission: showing up for children when it matters most.

This is what Memphis looks like.

Juvenile Court will be closed on Friday, April 3, and will reopen on Tuesday, April 7.

We look forward to resuming normal operations then.

UPDATE: Juvenile Court will reopen and resume full operations on Thursday, February 5.

All dockets impacted by the weather closure will be reset, and Notices of Hearing will be mailed to the address on file.

We appreciate the patience our community has shown over the past two weeks. We’re ready to be back, serving families tomorrow.

The Juvenile Court building will remain closed on Wednesday, February 4. As a result, all court dockets will be canceled for the day, except for the following that will be heard virtually.

All Day | Custody and Visitation (excluding first-setting)
All Day | Dependency and Neglect
9 a.m. | Preliminary
1 p.m. | Detention/In-Custody Delinquency

If a family is unable to attend virtually, the case will be reset to the next available docket date, and a Notice of Hearing will be mailed to the address on file.

The Court building will reopen and resume full operations and dockets on Thursday, February 5.

We appreciate our community's flexibility and cooperation during this closure.