Section 15-11-19 - Rights of parties to proceedings(a) A party has the right to be present, to be heard, to present evidence material to the proceedings, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine pertinent court files and records, and to appeal the orders of the court; provided, however, that the court shall retain the discretion to exclude a child from any part or parts of any proceeding under Article 3 of this chapter if the court determines that it is not in such child's best interests to be present. An attorney for an excluded child shall not be excluded from the proceedings.(b) A person afforded rights under this chapter shall be advised of such rights at that person's first appearance before the court.Added by 2013 Ga. Laws 127,§ 1-1, eff. 1/1/2014.