Prevent Child Abuse in Georgia
How do I get online child abuse prevention training and background checks?
Compass Abuse Prevention Services offers online child abuse prevention training and background checks.
What is child abuse and neglect in Georgia?
The State of Georgia Mandated Reporter Law of 2016 defines child abuse as:
- Physical injury or death inflicted upon a child by a parent or caretaker thereof by other than accidental means; provided, however, that physical forms of discipline may be used as long as there is no physical injury to the child;
- Neglect or exploitation of a child by a parent or caretaker thereof;
- Endangering a child;
- Sexual abuse of a child; or
- Sexual exploitation of a child.
2020, a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 children. Of these children, 55% were neglected, 11%
were physically abused, and 8% were sexually abused.
Who is a mandated reporter according to GA state requirements?
According to Georgia law, certain professionals are designated as mandated reporters of child abuse or neglect.
The following professionals are mandated reporters in Georgia:
- Attorney
- CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate
- Call Center Agents
- Case Manager
- Child Service Personnel
- Child Service Personnel Volunteer
- Child counseling Personnel
- Clergy
- Community Agency
- Counselor/ Social Worker
- Court
- DHS Staff
- Daycare Facility/Provider
- Dentist
- Doctor
- EMT/EMS
- Family Violence Shelter
- Financial Institute
- Foster Parent
- Foster/Adoptive Parent
- GAL Atty/ non Atty
- Guidance Counselor
- Hospital or Medical Personnel/Volunteer
- Hospital/ Clinic
- Institution
- Intake Case Manager
- Intern
- Judge
- Law Enforcement Personnel
- Lawyer
- Medical Facility Staff
- Mental Health Personnel/Professionals
- Nurse
- Other Mandated Reporter
- Other Shelter
- Other State Agency
- Parole /Probation Officer
- Parole/Probation DJJ/Officer or Staff
- Physician
- Physician Assistant or Intern/Resident
- Podiatrist
- Pregnancy Resource Center Personnel
- Psychiatrist Registered Nurse/ Nurse Aide
- Religious Leader
- School Administrator/School Guidance Counselor
- School Personnel
- School Psychologist
- School teacher / Visiting teacher
- Service Provider TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/DHS-OFI)
- Staff Reproductive Health Care Personnel
- Therapist
- Volunteer Reproductive Health Care Facility
- Volunteer School Social Worker
- Volunteer to Psychologist
If you are a mandated reporter and have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused, you must make a report, immediately but no later than 24 hours, to your local DFCS office or law enforcement and are subject to criminal penalty for failing to do so.
How do I report child abuse in Georgia?
Child abuse and/or neglect should be reported to the 24/7 hotline at 1-855-GACHILD (+1 855-422-4453).
Contact your local DFCS office for general inquiries. Here are common questions you should expect when making a report.
Mandated reporters can take free online training to become familiar with signs of child abuse and neglect. Once you complete the mandated report training, you will receive an access code to use the online mandated reporting portal.
How do I contact the GA Department of Human Services?
Contact the Georgia Department of Human Services
Division of Family and Children Services
2 Peachtree St NW
19th Floor
ATLANTA, GA 30303
(404) 657-3433
Disclaimer: Please ensure the information and courses meet requirements for your organization and circumstances and align with what your state Department of Human services requires. The state requirements and child abuse and human trafficking statistics listed on this page are current as of February 20th, 2023 to meet the best information available. State requirements may change and it is your responsibility to know your state mandated reporter requirements and the process for online child abuse prevention training. Compass Abuse Prevention Services can not guarantee acceptance by your school, organization, or state Department of Human Services. If there is a child abuse emergency, call 911 immediately.