Bill Reforming Child Abuse Laws Signed By Gov. Deal

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CANTON, GA -- Legislation that increases protection for those who report child abuse was signed into law this week by Gov. Nathan deal.

House Bill 905, sponsored and authored by State Rep. Mandi Ballinger (R-Canton), also strengthens the state's child abuse laws.

It also provides criminal immunity for anyone who reports child abuse to law enforcement or mandatory reporters.

In addition, the law will require representatives from local law enforcement agencies and other public health entities to be included in established local child abuse protocol committees. H.B. 905 will allow multi-county judicial circuits to determine whether each county in the circuit should establish a protocol committee, or if one protocol committee adequately meets the needs of the entire judicial circuit.

Additionally, the Department of Human Services will be required to work with other state agencies and child welfare agencies to create a child welfare agency public scorecard.

This scorecard will be published in a single location on a website for public review and must be posted within 30 daysof the completion of an inspection of a child welfare agency. Finally, DHS will perform an annual inspection of all child welfare agencies to ensure compliance with contract and licensure requirements.

“I am thankful that Governor Deal signed this imperative piece of legislation that will not only protect our most vulnerable citizens from harm, but also protect the brave citizens those who report child abuse,” said Rep. Ballinger. “I am hopeful that by offering increased immunity for reporters, more individuals may be encouraged to come forward if they suspect that child abuse is taking place. In addition, the consolidated screenings by the state and the child welfare agency public scorecard that the bill will create will benefit service providers in the state, including Goshen Valley. With reporting and better accountability among our state agencies and child welfare programs, we will save lives in Georgia.”

HB 905 will become effective on July 1, 2016, and the implementation of the child welfare agency scorecard will become effective on March 1, 2017.

For more information on H.B. 905, click here.

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Image via Georgia State Senate's Facebook page