O.C.G.A. § 49-5-18

The commissioner is authorized to institute or to intervene in any legal proceedings necessary to the performance of duties and responsibilities of the department and to the enforcement of this article and provisions of policies, standards, rules, and regulations established by the board in conformity with this article as may be commensurate with the legal status of the department to a child or youth committed to the care, custody, or control of the department or as may otherwise be specifically provided for in this article.