Georgia Mandated Reporter Basics
Georgia law applies this reporting responsibility to every educator and school employee who becomes aware of suspected abuse or neglect.
What is a Mandated Reporter?
A staff member is uncertain whether abuse actually occurred. Georgia law requires action when this standard exists, not when proof has been confirmed.
What is reasonable suspicion?
A teacher notices a student has become unusually aggressive with classmates, has difficulty concentrating, and startles easily after sharing that there is "a lot of fighting at home." These behaviors may be connected to this experience.
What is exposure to domestic violence?
A child has unexplained injuries, injuries in unusual locations, or gives inconsistent explanations about how the injuries happened. These may be signs of this type of abuse.
What is Physical Abuse
Who should be notified first when a student may be at risk for suicide?
Who are the School Counselors & Mental Health & Wellness Facilitators
A student says, "I’m only telling you if you promise not to tell anyone." The educator should explain that they must share information when there is concern for a student's safety. This is because the educator cannot guarantee this.
What is promising secrecy
A student has no visible injuries but describes being struck repeatedly at home. Georgia law does not require this before a report is made.
What is proof (or physical evidence) of abuse?
A student says, "My parents were yelling and throwing things last night, and I was scared." Even though this wasn't directed to the child, educators must still what?
What is follow procedure & report to counselors
A student says an adult "has special secrets with me" and gives them gifts while asking them not to tell anyone. This behavior may be a warning sign of this type of manipulation.
What is grooming (Sexual Abuse)
A student shares thoughts of suicide but says, "Don't tell anyone—I trust you." The staff member should explain that they cannot keep this information private because the priority is this.
What is student's safety
After receiving information that creates suspicion of abuse or neglect, a mandated reporter in Georgia must act within this time frame.
What is within 24 hours?
A student says, "I’m only telling you if you promise not to tell anyone." The educator should explain that they must share information when there is concern for a student's safety. This is because the educator cannot guarantee this.
What is promising secrecy
Children who witness violence between caregivers may experience these effects, including fear, anxiety, and changes in behavior.
What is Trauma
A student who is usually confident begins showing extreme fear of failure, struggles with self-worth, and constantly seeks adult approval after reporting negative treatment at home. These behaviors may be connected to this form of maltreatment.
What is emotional abuse
If a student discloses to a teacher that they are contemplating hurting themselves or completing suicide and then recants when the Counselors ask, what are the Counselors next steps?
After hearing a student's disclosure, your role is to report your concern & not perform what task?
What is investigating the allegation
A mandated reporter is not responsible for deciding whether abuse actually happened. Determining what occurred belongs to this group after a report is made.
What is social workers/child protective services/ (DFCS)/SROs
A student exposed to domestic violence may struggle with this area of development, which can include difficulty managing emotions, building relationships, and feeling safe at school.
What are Social & Emotional skills
A student discloses that an adult has touched them inappropriately. The student asks the counselor not to tell anyone. After ensuring the student is supported, the counselor must follow school procedures, including notifying this required school contact.
What is SRO
A student is referred for a suicide assessment after making concerning statements. While waiting for designated personnel to begin the assessment process, what should be provided to the child?
What is active Supervision. Children should never be left alone when needing to be assessed for Suicide.
A teacher learns of possible abuse moments before dismissal. The student's caregiver is already in the car rider line. What are your next steps?
What is reporting the suspected abuse to School Counselors IMMEDIATELY
A student tells a teacher, "My parent drinks a lot and sometimes I have to take care of my younger siblings." The teacher is unsure if this meets the threshold because the student does not say they are being harmed. The teacher should focus on this rather than waiting for the student to use specific words.
What is the child's safety and the information provided
A child who has experienced violence at home may show increased aggression, anxiety, or fear at school. These are examples of this type of impact.
What are behavioral & effects from trauma
A student regularly arrives hungry, reports being left alone overnight, and has missed needed medical appointments. No single incident appears urgent, but the pattern raises concern. The staff member should focus on reporting the concern rather than trying to determine this.
What is assuming parent/guardian intent behind the neglect
A student tells a staff member they have been thinking about suicide, shares a specific plan and access to the means to carry out the plan. When the counselor begins the assessment process, the student becomes afraid and says, “Never mind, I was just upset. I’m fine now.” Based on the information already disclosed, this situation should be assessed at this level of risk.
What is severe risk