Georgia's Community Resource Guide 
1-800-CHILDREN | 1-800-244-5373
PCAGeorgiaHelpline.org

Research shows that child abuse and neglect increase during times of crisis. It is now more important than ever to ensure families are connected to supportive programs and resources, especially for vulnerable individuals who may face barriers to services or families finding themselves in new and difficult circumstances. The 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373) Helpline is designed to answer simple questions or get you to the right resources for those harder issues. 

How can you help connect families to needed resources?

• Spread the word about the 1-800-CHILDREN Helpline and Resource Map among parents, caregivers, and other family-serving professionals. 
• Let caregivers know it's OKAY to ask for help. Encourage them to reach out, or reach out on their behalf!
• Don't see a resource on the map? Send it to us! We can include the best possible resources for families. 

Additional Resource
Webinar Recording (Password: 2g#z8!1I) and FAQ on Helping Families Receive and Utilize Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfers (P-EBT) hosted by Atlanta Community Food Bank, United Way, and DFCS 
 

---

Georgia's Legislative Wrap Up

Georgia's legislative session wrapped up June 26th after being delayed and facing new budgetary restraints resulting from the pandemic. Although the $2.2 billion cut in the state budget means reduced services, the General Assembly was able to maintain many essential resources and pass some big wins for families. 

Noteworthy Legislation
-HB 1114 Expands Medicaid for new mothers up to 6-months postpartum
-HB 993 Eliminates the Child Abuse Registry 
-HB 823 Prohibits individuals convicted of human trafficking while using a commercial vehicle from having a commercial license 
- SB 288 Puts additional restrictions on access to criminal records in cases where there was no conviction
-HB 739 Cuts nearly $1 billion from K-12 public education funding and $3.6 million cut to the APEX program which provides youth mental health services in schools
-SB 375 Additional taxes on vaping products and penalties for distribution to youth under the age of 21 
-HB 1090 Employers must provide reasonable break time for breast feeding mothers
Full List of Bills 

Here are some organizations and newsletters we recommend following year round that focus on children and family policy:

Emory's Barton Law Center
Voices for Georgia's Children
GA Early Education Alliance for Ready Students 
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of Georgia
Georgia Budget and Policy Institute 
 

When children stay at home, they are isolated from places where adults often look out for their safety and well-being including schools, child care facilities, places of worship and other public areas. It's critical for mandated reporters who are maintaining contact, even virtually, with children to report any suspected maltreatment. 

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia is partnering with ProSolutions Training to offer a free Virtual Hybrid Mandated Reporter Training while organizations continue to practice physical distancing! Participants will go through an in-depth online Mandated Reporting course and then attend a follow-up session with a live trainer that focuses on practice scenarios and answering additional questions. Training participants will receive .20 continuing education credit and a certificate of completion.

Resources for Mandated Reporters During Social Distancing
Learn More and Request a Virtual Training

Other Upcoming Virtual Training