ATLANTA – State Representative Mary Margaret Oliver (D-Decatur) today introduced HB 948, legislation that would expand Georgia’s child abuse laws by adding coaches and members of the clergy to the list of individuals required to report suspected child abuse.
“In light of recent national events, I think now is a good time to review our state laws regarding child abuse reporting,” said Rep. Oliver. “Reporting child abuse must work to prevent further abuse. Those who work directly with children or are in a position of trust have an obligation to take action if they suspect abuse.”
Under Georgia’s mandatory reporting requirements certain individuals are required by state law to report suspected child abuse to the person in charge of the organization for which they work. This legal obligation to act currently applies to medical personnel, psychologists, social workers, counselors, law enforcement personnel, child service organization personnel and school teachers, administrators and guidance counselors. HB 948 expands this list to include coaches and clergy.
The proposed legislation would clarify the meaning of “child service organization personnel” under existing law by adding language that specifically defines the term to mean any person employed by or volunteering at a business or organization that provides care, treatment, education, training, supervision, coaching, counseling, recreational programs, or shelter to children. While some coaches may already be included under the term “school administrator,” this addition would make it clear that non-school based coaches and coaches at colleges that offer summer and special athletic programs are also expected to report suspected child abuse.
HB 948 would also expand mandatory reporting requirements to include clergy for the first time in Georgia, which 26 other states already include as mandated reporters. As defined by the legislation, “clergy” would include anyone acting as a Christian or Jewish minister or similar function, regardless of the particular title used by the individual, church or religion. The bill would also include a narrow exception for clergy parishioner confidences that are required to be kept confidential under church doctrine or practice, such as those disclosed during the Roman Catholic Sacrament of Penance and Reconciliation. However, this limited exception is narrowly tailored so that clergy would be required to report suspected abuse once the clergy receives information from any source outside of the protected mode of communication.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over 3 million reports of child abuse are made each year in the United States. If you know or suspect a child is being abused, please report it by calling the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-CHILD.
Representative Mary Margaret Oliver represents the citizens of District 83, which includes portions of DeKalb County. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 2002, plus five years previous service. She currently serves on the Appropriations, Governmental Affairs, Judiciary, and Science and Technology committees.
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