ATLANTA (February 29, 2016) | On Monday, Senate Bill 409 overwhelmingly passed the Georgia State Senate. Sen. JaNice VanNess (R- Conyers) sponsored SB 409 to ensure children who are the victims of child abuse and neglect are protected. SB 409 would provide a method for victims of abuse to seek help.
“I am honored that the Senate passed SB 409 today and that we are one step closer to protecting the children of this great state,” said Sen. VanNess. “This is an area of great interest to me, since I am especially passionate about the safety of our most vulnerable citizens and want to do all that I can to provide resources and protection to them. It is very exciting to have such a great opportunity to help children across Georgia who will now have an avenue to help themselves by reporting their abuse.”
SB 409 instructs that each public school, including all local charter schools and state charter schools, must post a sign containing the toll-free number operated by the Department of Family and Children Services for purposes of reporting child abuse or neglect. The sign must be placed in a clearly visible location in a public area of the school that is accessible to students. The toll-free telephone number to receive reports of child abuse or neglect 24 hours per day and seven days per week must be clearly visible on the sign. The Department of Education has the right to adopt rules and regulations regarding the size, location and languages of the sign. The sign will serve as a visible reminder for school personnel to do their job as mandated reporters and to prioritize the safety and wellbeing of children at an even higher level.
SB 409 will now go to the Georgia House of Representatives.
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For Immediate Release:
February 29, 2016
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Ines Owens, Sr. Communications Specialist
Ines.owens@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028