ATLANTA — There were more than 126,000 reports of maltreatment against Georgia children during fiscal year 2023, according to child welfare data provided by the state's Department of Human Services. The maltreatment allegations included everything from child endangerment, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sex trafficking, sexual abuse, and more than 108,000 intake calls about neglect.
Georgia DHS is the agency responsible for safeguarding the state's vulnerable children and investigating these reports. In a statement, it said counties are working to improve in markers related to overall child well-being.
There are many factors that lead to child abuse nationwide. It's the reason why advocates continuously champion efforts for prevention and to bring recognition to the issue. President Joe Biden proclaimed April National Child Abuse Prevention Month.
"There is no greater sin than the abuse of power, especially when that abuse is directed at a child," the proclamation reads. "During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we stand together to prevent abuse and neglect, support brave survivors, and build strong communities and families where every child can grow up happy and safe.
Gov. Brian Kemp also signed a proclamation solidifying Georgia's commitment to raising awareness and advocating for child and family well-being.
State law requires mandated reporters -- such as law enforcement, school officials, domestic violence shelter personnel, health care professionals, and anti-human trafficking advocates -- to report suspected cases. However, it takes more than those who are mandated to step up and say something. Community members must also get actively involved.
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia mentions how bolstering protective factors for children can reverse or prevent damaging effects. This starts with addressing community adversities and provides support for families.
11Alive has combined a list of organizations and resources that can help families and communities.
Immediate emergency, dial 911
There are numerous advocacy groups to provide support for children who have experienced abuse. However, during an immediate emergency, always call 911 for help.
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
Prevent Child Abuse Georgia has tools and information, including training for communities and family-serving organizations to understand their role in abuse and neglect prevention. Here's a link to its 2024 Community Action guide.
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline has counselors available to chat or text with anyone who has questions or needs to talk through difficult situations. It's website also has additional tools for anyone who has been abused and wants to find the proper steps to begin healing. Live chats are also available on its website with other resources.
Georgia DFCS Child Protective Services
Child abuse and neglect reports are taken 24/7. Find your local office in Georgia from the list on Division of Family and Children Services' website. Anyone who wants to report suspected child abuse or neglect to DFCS, call 1-855-GA-CHILD.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway has a prevention resource guide. It seeks to show examples of communities has successful implemented prevention tools that helps children and families.
CDC's Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resource for Action
The CDC developed the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resource for Action guide to provide communities with the evidence available to prevent abuse and neglect. The guide is available in English and Spanish (Español).
11Alive Investigator Rebecca Lindstrom has been looking into the Help That Harms. Follow her investigation on demand via our streaming app 11Alive+ Available on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV.