WHO MUST REPORT AND WHO MAY REPORT
In Georgia any person may report a case of suspected child abuse. By State Law, the following persons must report child 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 |
WHEN TO 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 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 immediately forwarded by the agency to the jurisdictional police authority.
CONTENT OF 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.
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.
IMMUNITY FOR MAKING THE REPORT
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.
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Atlanta, Georgia 31106
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Decatur, Georgia 30030
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