Georgia Reporting Law
Report And To Whom:
A report of child abuse should be made when a person
has “reasonable cause to” believe that a child under the age of 18 has been
abused by a parent or caretaker. “Reasonable cause” means a suspicion founded
upon circumstances sufficiently strong to warrant a reasonable person to
believe that something is true.
A report of suspected child abuse is a request for an investigation. It is not
an accusation and a reporter does not have to be absolutely certain of their suspicion.
The Department of Family and Children Services has the responsibility for
evaluating the report and determining whether an investigation is warranted.
The department is also responsible for conducting the investigation and taking
appropriate action to protect the child.
An oral report must be made as soon as possible by
telephone or otherwise. The report is made to the Department of Family and
Children Services, Child Protective Services Section. If Child Protective
Services is not available the report should be made to the appropriate police
authority or the district attorney.
All reports of child abuse are forwarded by the agency
to the jurisdictional police authority.
1. Content of the report:
At a minimum, the report should contain the names and addresses of the child
and the child’s parents or caretakers, if known, the child’s age, the nature
and extent of the child’s injuries, including any evidence of previous
injuries, and any other information that the reporting person believes might be
helpful in establishing the cause of the injuries and the identity of the
perpetrator.
2. Failure to report:
In Georgia, any person who is required by law to report and who knowingly
willfully fails to report shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.
3. Immunity:
The State grants immunity for any civil or criminal liability for the making of
a report based on the requirement that the report is made in good faith.
[source: Child Abuse Reporting Law, Georgia Code
Section 19-7-5, Department of Family and Children Services]
Who Must Report:
In Georgia any person may report a case of suspected child abuse. By State Law,
the following persons must report abuse:
physicians licensed to practice
medicine
hospital or medical personnel
interns or residents
licensed psychologists or persons in
internship to be licensed
registered professional nurses
licensed practical nurses
professional counselors/therapists
child counseling personnel
law enforcement
dentists
marriage and family therapists
school administrators
school teachers
visiting teachers
school guidance counselors
school social workers
school psychologists
child welfare personnel
child
service organization personnel
social
workers; podiatrists