(1) REQUIREMENTS

(a)  Local boards of education shall adopt and implement a policy and procedures on the identification and reporting of child abuse according to the provisions of O.C.G.A. §19-7-5.

(b)  All school system personnel who have reasonable cause to believe that any student under 18 years of age has been abused shall report the suspected abuse to the school social worker/visiting teacher or another person designated by the local superintendent to receive such reports.

(c)  The school social worker/visiting teacher or other designee who receives reports shall immediately report in turn to the Department of Family and Children Services of the county in which the student lives and shall notify the school system superintendent of all referrals.

(d)  All school personnel who have contact with students shall receive training in the identification and reporting of child abuse and neglect with annual updates in the form of memoranda, directives or other written information.