Georgia DFCS Starts Child Abuse Registry

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services is launching a registry that will allow employers of certain child-serving agencies to find out if a job applicant has been deemed an alleged child abuser by the Division.

This central child abuse registry is called the Child Protective Services Information System or CPSIS.

State officials said the registry will only be accessible to certain child caring employers and agencies, allowing these employers to learn if an applicant has a substantiated allegation of abuse with the Division.

New Georgia Code signed into law by Governor Nathan Deal in 2015 requires the Division to establish and maintain a central registry of all allegations of abuse that were substantiated by the Division beginning July 1.

The new state law also requires the Division to notify each individual of his or her placement on the registry and provide instructions on how to appeal the decision via certified mail.

According to DFACS officials, the Division substantiates an allegation of abuse only after a preponderance of the evidence demonstrates that a caregiver committed child abuse.

Georgia DFCS Director Bobby Cagle said the state needs to make sure it is doing everything it can to keep children safe, especially while in the care of others.

He said the creation of the registry will make sure child caring agencies have access to the information they need to make the best hiring and licensing decisions.

The employers/agencies allowed access to information on the registry include:
• Child Protective Services investigators for the purpose of assessing specific allegations.
• State or other government agencies responsible for providing care for children.
• The Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) for the purpose of determining the fitness of employees in day care facilities and prior to issuance of a child care license.
• Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) programs for the purpose of screening and selecting individuals to serve as CASA employees or volunteers.
• Individuals who want to request a self-check.