The Honorable Chéferre Young, affectionately known as Ché, is making HERstory as she is now the first woman and first African American/Black person to ever serve at the Chief Juvenile Court Judge for the Macon Judicial Circuit.

“This is bigger than me,” said Judge Young. “It represents a lot of progress for our circuit, opportunity and responsibility for me to ensure that I’ll continue to do what’s in the best interest of the child in child welfare and juvenile justice cases.”

She was appointed Chief on February 1, 2025, after serving as a Juvenile Court Judge for the Macon Judicial Circuit for four years. Prior to her appointment in

2021, there had not been a new judge appointed to the Juvenile Court bench in the circuit in nearly 25 years.

“It’s a lot of pressure because I want other women, other black people to be able to come behind me,” said Judge Young. “There’s always this fear that you’re going to let people down or not be the best, but I tell myself another story. Knowing that folks have trusted me, the superior court judges in general, have put a lot of faith and trust in me and I’m going to continue to try to make them proud in everything that I do.”

Before joining the bench, Judge Young served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Crimes Against Children Unit, where she prosecuted child abuse, child molestation, and rape cases. During her tenure, she successfully secured convictions against over 50 sex offenders, protecting vulnerable victims and making the community safer. Recognizing the connection between childhood trauma and juvenile delinquency, Judge Young transitioned to the Juvenile Division, where she worked closely with at-risk youth for 2½ years before being appointed as a Juvenile Court Judge.

“I think it’s a big deal for the children and the families that look like me for when they come into the courtroom. I see it on their faces sometimes, we can’t really speak, but I do think it means a lot to them. I can speak to them in a way they understand.”

Judge Young is a proud graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, GA and earned her law degree from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law in Philadelphia, PA. Her legal career began as a prosecutor, interning at the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office and later working as an Assistant District Attorney in Milledgeville, GA. She also gained valuable experience as a criminal defense attorney and civil litigator before returning to prosecution in 2012.

With a deep passion for advocating for children and families, Judge Young is committed to protecting the community, expanding access to critical resources, and ensuring that every child and family in the Macon Judicial Circuit has the opportunity for justice and support. Her leadership and diverse legal background make her a formidable force in Juvenile Court, where she continues to champion rehabilitation, accountability, and community engagement.