Kids Count on You is the first statewide mandated reporter video. It is designed to train all school personnel-such as teachers, custodial workers, counselors, food service staff, and school bus drivers-on how and when to report suspected cases of child abuse. A mandated reporter is any person who interacts with children within the school system and is legally required to report any suspected incidents of child abuse. The intent of the video is to ensure school employees receive consistent and comprehensive information, receive training on how to properly recognize child maltreatment and how to report misconduct to the appropriate authorities.
The production of this video was made possible through the contributions of numerous public and private organizations:
Shaw Industries provided the facilities and personnel to produce the video.
The Governor's Office for Children and Families and the Office of the Child Advocate provided funding for the project.
Others providing support and information are:
-Buford City School System
-Catoosa County School System
-Coastal Plains RESA
-Family Support Council of Dalton, Georgia
-Department of Education
-Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
-Cici Porter
-Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
-Professional Standards Commission
-Whitfield County School System
Every school in Georgia will receive a copy of the video. Social workers and school counselors will also be trained on how to instruct school personnel. Several "Train the Trainer" sessions have already been conducted, training hundreds of school staff.