SOCIAL SERVICES Programs and Protection for Children and Youth: Provide Opportunity for Administrative Hearing Prior to Listing Suspected Child Abusers on Registry

The Act amends the statutory requirements for notice to individuals suspected of child abuse by providing, upon request, an administrative hearing prior to placing their names of the state child abuse registry maintained by the Georgia Department of Human Resources’ Division of Family and Child Services. The Act renames the child abuse registry as the “Child Protective Services Information System.” Additionally, the Act amends the definition of “child abuse” and adds a comprehensive definition of “sexual abuse.” The Act permits district attorneys to use registry information in criminal proceedings, so long as the information is otherwise admissible. Lastly, the Act gives named individuals access to information about their registry classification, date of inclusion and other relevant details.