Reporting Abuse

We Are Here to Listen and Take Action

As of July 1, 2012, Georgia law states that all clergy, staff, and volunteers are mandatory reporters and are required to report any suspected child abuse, which includes neglect.

All suspected child abuse must be immediately reported but in no case later than 24 hours from the time there is a reasonable cause to believe the child has been abused.

The report should be made immediately to an employee of the parish or school and the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS).  The employee who was made aware should notify the pastor or principal.

The silence must be broken for healing to begin.

Reporting Bishops and the Archdiocesan 24-Hour Hotline

To report abuse involving a member of the clergy, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, contact the Office of Safe Environment during business hours or call the 24-hour abuse reporting line at 1-888-437-0764. 

To report sexual abuse by a bishop from any diocese, call 1-800-276-1562 or visit reportbishopabuse.org.  

If your report involves a crime committed by anyone connected with the Catholic Church, please also contact the police.  

Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect

This reporting hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

If the allegation of abuse involves any member of the clergy, staff or volunteer of the Archdiocese of Atlanta, you must contact the Office of the District Attorney and Safe Environment in addition to DFCS within 24 hours. 

NOTE: Archdiocesan policy requires a follow-up letter to be sent to your local DFCS office with detailed information. A copy of the letter must be emailed to the Office of Safe Environment at ocyp@archatl.com.  

Reporting Elder Abuse

Older adults and adults with disabilities suffer from abuse, neglect and exploitation, often by people they trust the most. Abusers may be spouses, family members, personal acquaintances, professionals in positions of trust or opportunistic strangers who prey on the vulnerable. 

Elder abuse is under-recognized, undetected and underreported with devastating and life-threatening consequences. Report all suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation and be a voice for those who are suffering silently. 

Elders Residing Outside of Long-Term Care Facilities

These reporting processes are for elders living in their home or outside of a long-term care facility. You can report abuse of a disabled adult or elder person not living in a long-term facility in two ways:

  • Adult Protective Services (APS) is a state entity that investigates all reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older persons (65 years of age or older) or an at-risk adult (18 years of age or older) with a disability.
  • Call 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464) and press 3. Reporting is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Elders Living in Long-Term Care Facilities or Residence

These reporting processes are for elders living in nursing facilities, a personal care home (assisted living) or a community living arrangement. You can report abuse of a disabled adult or elder person living in a long-term facility by contacting:

Georgia Department of Community Health, Healthcare Facility Regulation (HFR) at 404-657-5728 or toll free at 1-800-878-6442. Leave your contact information for a return call.  

Georgia’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

If you or an elder you know needs an advocate as a resident in a long-term care facility, contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman who is authorized to advocate for residents in any licensed long-term care setting.  

To find a local long-term care ombudsman, call 1-866-552-4464 or the Office of State Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 404-463-8383 or 1-888-454-5826. 

Find Your Long-Term Care Ombudsman
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