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Reporting Abuse
WHO MUST REPORT AND WHO MAY REPORT
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 FAILURE TO REPORT IMMUNITY FOR MAKING THE REPORT
The Georgia Center for Children
920 Ponce de Leon Avenue Atlanta, Georgia 31106 404/876-1900 v. 404/876-7558 f. 202 Nelson Ferry Road Decatur, Georgia 30030 404-378-6100 v. 404-377-7005 f. |