Georgia currently does not have family violence policy; however, this is being prepared and is expected to be in the field within the next few months. With more indepth review of fatality and serious injury cases, it has become obvious that many of these events occur in families with a history of family violence. It is the intent, with the addition of this policy, to identify families where children are at risk, even though there may not be a specific incident report, and to determine the need for departmental involvement.

The state's Evaluation and Reporting Section is involved in a 100% review of service cases in the counties. Findings from counties reviewed thus far lend to concerns about the overall compliance with policies and the possible negative results in planning for children's safety that occur when requirements are not fully met. Findings show that response times were not met in 36% (1,320 of 3,632) of reports assigned for investigation and reviewed, collateral contacts were not made in 61% (877 of 1,430) of on-going cases reviewed, contact requirements were not met with parents/caretakers in 55% (798 of 1,446) of cases reviewed and contact requirements with children were not me tin 51% (877 of 1,704) of cases reviewed. It is recognized that staff shortage is a major factor in a county's ability to comply with all policy requirements.

It is unknown to what extent the lack of full compliance with policy requirements currently effects (1) the numbers of families with successful resolutions to those issues that brought them to the department's attention and (2) the numbers of families that have new reports that bring them back into the system.