In Georgia, churches, camps, and youth organizations have a legal duty to speak up if they suspect a child is being abused. This applies to pastors and directors, as well as volunteers, teachers, and even chaperones. When abuse is reported late or not at all, kids stay in danger, and the adults who failed to act can face serious legal consequences.
Reporting Rules in Georgia Are Clear
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5), anyone working or volunteering in a youth-serving role must report suspected child abuse within 24 hours. That means reporting directly to the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS) or, if the child is in danger, to local police.
You don’t need proof. Just reasonable cause to believe abuse may have happened is enough to trigger the duty to report.
Confession Isn’t a Free Pass
There’s one narrow exception in Georgia: Clergy don’t have to report abuse if they only heard about it during a private religious confession. However, that’s the limit.
If a pastor learns the same thing from a second source, like a volunteer or family member, they still have to report it. Courts have been clear about this. In a Florida case, Nussbaumer v. State of Florida (2004), a pastor was protected because he only heard the abuse during spiritual counseling. However, that privilege wouldn’t apply if the information came from somewhere else.
What Happens If a Church Fails to Report?
Failing to report is a misdemeanor in Georgia. But that’s just one part of the risk. If the child is harmed after a church or youth group ignores a report, the organization can face civil lawsuits.
A major case in Pennsylvania, Commonwealth v. Lynn (2015), involved a church official who knew about an abusive priest and didn’t act. He was convicted of a felony for putting children in danger. That kind of legal pressure is growing nationwide.
We Help Georgia Families Take Legal Action After Reporting Failures
At The Williams Litigation Group, we help families hold churches and youth groups accountable when abuse is covered up or simply ignored. If your child was hurt and no one reported it, we’re ready to help. Contact us today to talk about your case.