ATLANTA (February 20, 2013) – Today, the State Senate passed Senate Bill 69 to protect children’s identities who report abuses in the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) by a vote of 51-0.
“Addressing public safety issues require looking at both sides of the law,” said Sen. Jack Murphy (R-Cumming), sponsor of SB 69. “Senate Bill 69 will keep names and information provided by children in the care of the Department of Juvenile Justice confidential. This will protect the child from inadvertent ramifications from reporting any misconduct within the juvenile justice system.”
SB 69 will prevent officials and employees of the department from disclosing children’s identities and information supplied by children who report wrongdoings in the juvenile justice system, unless the reporting child or their representatives request the information. Those who disclose such identities or information are subject to suspension or discharge.
At least once per year the DJJ commissioner will issue a public report that summarizes the amount and nature of reported abuse and wrongdoings. SB 69 will now travel to the House of Representatives.
RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
February 20, 2013
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Interim Director
Kate Greer, Broadcast Specialist
Kate.Greer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028