Mandatory Reporting
Professionals Required to Report
Ann. Code §§ 19-7-5; 16-12-100
The following persons are required to report:
Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused may report.
Standards for Making a Report, Ann. Code §§ 19-7-5; 16-12-100:
A report is required when:
No privileged communications are permitted for mandatory reporters.
Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report:
The reporters is not specifically required by statute to provide his or her name in the report.
Disclosure of Reporter Identity, Ann. Code § 49-5-41:
Any release3 of records shall protect the identity of any person reporting child abuse.
Research Supporting Children's Courtroom Bill of Rights
Summary Regarding the Presence of a Support Person for Child Witnesses
GA. CODE ANN. § 17-8-55 (d) (2007)(5) In the court's discretion, any person whose presence, in the opinion of the court, contributes to the well-being of the child, including a person who has dealt with the child in a therapeutic setting concerning the crime. The defendant and defendant's counsel shall be notified at least 24 hours before the closed circuit testimony as to the prosecution's representatives and any other persons who shall be present in the room with the child victim during the child's testimony.
Summary Regarding Intimidation of Children During Questioning
GA. CODE ANN. § 24-9-62 (2007) It shall be the right of a witness to be examined only as to relevant matter and to be protected from improper questions and from harsh or insulting demeanor.
Know the legal requirements for reporting.
All 50 states require that professionals who work with children report reasonable suspicions of child abuse. Some states require that anyone with suspicions report it. Information about each state’s requirements is available at www.childwelfare.gov or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453.
If you are a professional who works with children (e.g., a teacher, a nurse), there are special procedures and reporting requirements you must follow. Your employer should provide mandated reporting training.
Know the agencies that handle reports of child abuse.
Professionals Required to Report
Ann. Code §§ 19-7-5; 16-12-100
The following persons are required to report:
- Physicians, hospitals and medical personnel, podiatrists, dentists, or nurses
- School teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, school social workers, psychologists
- Psychologists, counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists
- Child welfare agency personnel (including any child-caring institution, child-placing agency, maternity home, family daycare home, group daycare home, and daycare center), child-counseling personnel, or child service organization personnel
- Law enforcement personnel
- Persons who process or produce visual or printed matter
Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused may report.
Standards for Making a Report, Ann. Code §§ 19-7-5; 16-12-100:
A report is required when:
- A reporter has reasonable cause to believe that a child has been abused
- A person who processes or produces visual or printed matter has reasonable cause to believe that the visual or printed matter submitted for processing or producing depicts a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
No privileged communications are permitted for mandatory reporters.
Inclusion of Reporter's Name in Report:
The reporters is not specifically required by statute to provide his or her name in the report.
Disclosure of Reporter Identity, Ann. Code § 49-5-41:
Any release3 of records shall protect the identity of any person reporting child abuse.
Research Supporting Children's Courtroom Bill of Rights
Summary Regarding the Presence of a Support Person for Child Witnesses
GA. CODE ANN. § 17-8-55 (d) (2007)(5) In the court's discretion, any person whose presence, in the opinion of the court, contributes to the well-being of the child, including a person who has dealt with the child in a therapeutic setting concerning the crime. The defendant and defendant's counsel shall be notified at least 24 hours before the closed circuit testimony as to the prosecution's representatives and any other persons who shall be present in the room with the child victim during the child's testimony.
Summary Regarding Intimidation of Children During Questioning
GA. CODE ANN. § 24-9-62 (2007) It shall be the right of a witness to be examined only as to relevant matter and to be protected from improper questions and from harsh or insulting demeanor.
Know the legal requirements for reporting.
All 50 states require that professionals who work with children report reasonable suspicions of child abuse. Some states require that anyone with suspicions report it. Information about each state’s requirements is available at www.childwelfare.gov or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453.
If you are a professional who works with children (e.g., a teacher, a nurse), there are special procedures and reporting requirements you must follow. Your employer should provide mandated reporting training.
Know the agencies that handle reports of child abuse.
- Two agencies handle most reports of child abuse
- Child Protective Services (in some states this agency has a different name)
- The police
- Some states designate Child Protective Services as the agency that accepts reports of suspected child abuse. Others designate the police. Some do not designate or designate both. Many states have centralized toll-free lines that accepts reports of abuse from the entire state. To find out where to make a report in your state, visit http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/reslist/rl_dsp.cfm?rs_id=5&rate_chno=11-11172 or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-422-4453.
- If the legal system does not provide adequate protection for a child, call Justice for Children (713-225-4357) or www.jfcadvocacy.org.
- Child advocacy centers coordinate all the professionals (legal and social services) involved in a case. If you’re unsure about whether to make an official report or just need support, contact a child advocacy center. They will help you evaluate your suspicions. To find one near you, contact National Children’s Alliance at www.nca-online.org or 1-800-239-9950.
- Child Abuse Helplines have staff specifically trained to deal with questions about suspected child sexual abuse. Call Darkness to Light’s helpline, 1-866-FOR-LIGHT to be routed to resources in your own community, or call the ChildHelp USA National Child Abuse Hotline, 1-800-4-A-CHILD
- Local Community Agencies, such as local hotlines, United Way offices, or rape crisis centers can often help
- Talk to the child’s parents (as long as they are not the abusers) and provide educational materials, such as the 7 Steps booklet. If the parent seems indifferent or unlikely to take action, call one of the other recommended sources.
