ATLANTA (March 3, 2014) | The Georgia State Senate passed Senate Bill 358, sponsored by Sen. John Albers (R-Roswell ), today by a vote of 46 to 0. If passed into law, SB 358 would expand who can file a missing child report with the Missing Children Information Center (MCIC) to include individuals and institutions charged with the care of foster children.
“When a foster child is missing, it is extremely important to take action immediately,” said Sen. Albers. “Senate Bill 358 ensures that information concerning a missing foster child’s whereabouts will be delivered to the appropriate authorities.”
The Missing Children Information Center is responsible for filing all missing children reports submitted by local law enforcement agencies. However, the current code does not specify that a report can be filed by a foster parent or foster care agency.
Senate Bill 358 would simply change the current code language from stating that only a parent or guardian can file to include a caretaker, governmental unit responsible for the child, or other person with legal custody of the child. This bill will allow for a more streamlined, efficient process for foster care providers in the event a child is abducted or runs away from their foster care home or facility.
Sen. Albers would like to thank Dave McCleary and Rotary International for helping champion this issue along with Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and Sens. Renee Unterman and Fran Millar.
Senate Bill 358 will now travel to the House of Representatives for consideration.
For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Shawna Mercer, Sr. Communications Specialist
shawna.mercer@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028