Georgia Office of the Child Advocate

Kick off your weekend with our January newsletter! https://oca.georgia.gov///january-2021-newsletter/download

Today, Governor Brian Kemp announced his administration's adoption and foster care reform initiatives for the 2021 legislative session, introduced by Representative Bert Reeves and Senator Bo Hatchett: HB 114 - Increasing Georgia's Adoption Tax Credit: Increases the tax credit for families that adopt a child from foster care from $2,000 to $6,000 per year for five years. HB 154 - Lowering the Required Age to Adopt: The age at which an individual may petition the court to adop...t a child will be lowered from age 25 to 21, making it easier for close relatives to adopt children out of foster care. SB 28 - Streamlining the Juvenile Code to Protect Georgia's Children: Expands the resources available to juvenile courts to respond to the safety needs of children and ensures all reliable information is made available to the court in order to make decisions in a child's best interests.

Get to know more about Georgia's response to trafficking through CACGA's CSEC Response Team - check it out here!

Today, Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp were joined by Georgians for Refuge, Action, Compassion, and Education (GRACE) Commission members, legislators, and special guests as they announced two important legislative measures, along with a Department of Driver Services rule change, to combat human trafficking in Georgia. Check out the press release below for details.

One year ago today, we launched our Human Trafficking Awareness Training. I want to thank the nearly 58,000 Georgians who have participated and urge those who have not to visit doas.ga.gov to get informed today. It could save a life! #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth