Child Abuse Reporting Laws for Georgia

State and Statute: Georgia, Code §§ 19-7-5 et seq.

What Is Reportable "Abuse": Physical, mental, or sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or neglect, by a parent or caretaker. No child "being treated solely by spiritual means through prayer in accordance with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious denomination by a duly accredited practitioner thereof shall, for that reason alone, be considered to be an abused child." [19-7-5]

Mandatory Reporters: Includes professional counselors, social workers, licensed marriage and family therapists, school teachers and administrators, and child service organization personnel. [19-7-5(c)]

How and Where to Report: Oral report or written report by electronic transmission or facsimile to a child welfare agency designated by the Department of Human Services, or to an appropriate police authority or district attorney ...