Who is able to look at the Georgia Child Abuse Registry?

By Ben Sessions on May 28th, 2018 in Criminal Defense

At this time, there are a limited number of people that have access to the Georgia Child Abuse Registry database.

A Child Abuse Registry screening request may be submitted by the following:

• An individual who wants to check the Child Abuse Registry to find out whether or not his or her name is listed (a driver’s license, state ID, passport, or military ID is required).
• A state government agency which licenses entities that have interactions with children or are responsible for providing care for children (information provided for purposes of the licensing of a specific individual or entity).
• A state government agency which licenses entities that have interactions with children or are responsible for providing care for children (information provided for purposes of the employment of a specific individual).
• Licensed entities in Georgia that interact with children or are responsible for providing care for children (information provided for purposes of the employment of a specific individual).
• A state government agency of any state which licenses entities that have interactions with children or are responsible for providing care for children (information provided for purposes of the licensing of a specific individual or entity).
• A state government agency of any state which licenses entities that have interactions with children or are responsible for providing care for children (information provided for purposes of the employment of a specific individual).
• A Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) (solely for the purpose of screening and selecting an individual to serve as a CASA, for employment, and for volunteers for the CASA Program).

Any lawyer defending a child abuse registry case must be familiar with the entities that have access to the database because access to the list has a direct impact on whether a person will be impacted by placement on the Child Abuse Registry.

While access to the Child Abuse Registry is currently limited, there is no reason why the legislature cannot retroactively expand access to the Child Abuse Registry or even make it public. If you are placed on the registry, you are on the Child Abuse Registry forever.

If you are facing placement on the Georgia Child Abuse Registry, contact The Sessions Law Firm today for a consultation.