Three Arrested in Lee County Daycare Child Abuse Case | Georgia Mandated Reporter Laws Explained
Three individuals connected to a local daycare facility have been arrested following a months-long child abuse investigation, the Lee County Sheriff's Office (LCSO) announced Tuesday, February 10, 2026. The case opens the door for a critical conversation about the role of mandated reporters in Georgia and the legal obligations that childcare professionals carry when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable citizens — our children.
How the Investigation Began
The case dates back to September 2025, when a parent contacted the Lee County Sheriff's Office to report possible child abuse at a daycare facility formerly known as "Just Kidding Daycare," located on Cedric Street in Lee County. The facility has changed ownership since the alleged incident and now operates under the name "Rising Stars Christian Academy" with new management.
Upon receiving the complaint, the LCSO launched an immediate investigation. After a thorough review, investigators determined that the reported incident met the criminal threshold for child abuse. They also found that the daycare's owner at the time had allegedly failed to report the abuse to the proper authorities. On Tuesday, February 10, law enforcement arrested three individuals in connection with the case. Charges included cruelty to children in the 2nd degree, tampering with evidence, and failure to report child abuse.
The charges in this case are telling. While one individual faces a direct child abuse charge, two others face charges related to their alleged failure to act — a failure that, under Georgia law, is itself a crime.The reporting parent's decision to speak up was courageous and potentially life-saving. And it reflects a troubling reality: too often, the adults who are legally required to report abuse fail to do so, leaving it to parents and community members to sound the alarm.
The Scope of Child Abuse in Georgia: A Look at the Numbers
The Lee County case is not an isolated incident. Child abuse remains a pervasive and deeply troubling issue across the state of Georgia, and the numbers paint a stark picture.
Reporting Statistics
According to the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS), the state receives approximately 100,000 or more reports of suspected child abuse and neglect each year.
Of those reports, a significant percentage are substantiated upon investigation, meaning that investigators find credible evidence that abuse or neglect occurred.
The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS), maintained by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has consistently ranked Georgia among the states with higher rates of child maltreatment reports per capita.
Types of Maltreatment
Data from DFCS and federal reporting systems show that the most common forms of child maltreatment in Georgia include:
Approximate Percentage of Cases
Neglect~60-70%
Physical abuse~15-20%
Sexual abuse~8-10%
Emotional/Psychological abuse~5-7%
Other (including medical neglect)~3-5%
Note: Percentages are approximate and based on historical trends from DFCS and NCANDS data. Individual years may vary.
Fatalities and Severe Outcomes
Georgia reports an average of 30-50 child abuse-related fatalities per year, according to data compiled by the Georgia Child Fatality Review Panel.
Many of these fatalities involve children under the age of 5, who are the most vulnerable and least able to seek help on their own.
Studies have shown that in a significant number of child abuse fatality cases, there were prior reports or warning signs that were either not reported or not adequately investigated.
The Reporting Gap
Perhaps the most troubling statistic is the one that is hardest to quantify: the number of cases that go unreported. National research, including studies cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Childhelp, suggests that for every case of child abuse that is reported, an estimated 2-3 cases go unreported. Fear of retaliation, uncertainty about what constitutes abuse, and misplaced loyalty to colleagues or employers are among the most common reasons mandated reporters fail to file reports. Children in childcare settings are particularly vulnerable because they are often pre-verbal or too young to articulate what is happening to them. These statistics underscore a critical truth: reporting saves lives, and the failure to report can have devastating consequences.
Understanding Georgia's Mandated Reporter Laws
This case brings Georgia's mandated reporter laws into sharp focus — and serves as an important reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities that certain professionals carry when it comes to protecting children.
What Is a Mandated Reporter?
A mandated reporter is any individual who, because of their profession or role, is legally required to report suspected child abuse or neglect to the appropriate authorities. Unlike the general public, who may report abuse voluntarily, mandated reporters face criminal penalties if they fail to do so. In Georgia, the mandated reporting requirements are outlined in O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5 which is one of the most comprehensive mandated reporting statutes in the country.
Who Is a Mandated Reporter in Georgia?
Georgia casts a wide net when it comes to who qualifies as a mandated reporter. The law applies to a broad range of professionals who regularly interact with children, including but not limited to:
(A) Physicians licensed to practice medicine, physician assistants, interns, or residents;
(B) Hospital or medical personnel;
(C) Dentists;
(D) Licensed psychologists;
(E) Registered professional nurses or licensed practical nurses;
(F) Professional counselors, social workers, or marriage and family therapists;
(G) School teachers and school administrators;
(H) School counselors, visiting teachers, school social workers, or school psychologists;
(I) Child welfare agency personnel;
(J) Child-counseling and child service organization personnel; or
(K) Law enforcement.
What Must Be Reported?
Under Georgia law, mandated reporters are required to report when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child has been:
Physically abused — including non-accidental injuries such as bruises, burns, or fractures
Sexually abused or exploited
Neglected — including failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical care, or supervision
Emotionally or psychologically abused
It's important to note that mandated reporters are not required to have proof of abuse. The law requires reporting based on reasonable suspicion — meaning if something raises concern, the reporter is obligated to act. The investigation itself is left to law enforcement and child protective services.
How and When Must a Report Be Made?
Georgia law requires that reports be made promptly. Specifically:
Reports should be made within 24 hours of the suspicion arising.
Reports can be made to:
The Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) — Georgia's child protective services agency
Local law enforcement (police or sheriff's office)
The district attorney's office
Reports can be made by calling the Georgia Child Abuse Hotline: 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453), which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Those with a
What Are the Penalties for Failing to Report?
This is where the Lee County example becomes particularly relevant. Two of the three individuals arrested were charged specifically with failure to report child abuse. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5(h), failure to report suspected child abuse is classified as a misdemeanor in Georgia. Penalties can include up to 12 months in jail, fines of up to $1,000, and a permanent criminal record. Beyond the criminal legal consequences, failing to report can also result in the loss of professional licensure, civil liability, and termination of employment.
Protections for Those Who Report
One of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of Georgia's mandated reporter law is the legal protection it provides to those who report in good faith. Under O.C.G.A. § 19-7-5(f), a person who reports suspected abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability, even if the investigation ultimately finds that no abuse occurred. This protection is designed to remove the fear of retaliation and encourage people to report without hesitation. This means that if you are a mandated reporter — or any concerned citizen — and you make a report based on a genuine concern for a child's safety, you are protected by law, even if it turns out that your suspicion was unfounded.
Why Mandated Reporter Laws Matter
Mandated reporter laws exist because children are among the most vulnerable members of our society. They often cannot speak up for themselves, and they depend on the adults around them — especially those in positions of trust and authority — to act in their best interest.
The importance of these laws cannot be overstated:
Early intervention saves lives. When abuse is reported promptly, authorities can step in before the situation escalates. In many cases, early reporting has been the difference between a child receiving help and a child suffering prolonged harm — or worse. Georgia's child fatality data shows that many deaths could have been prevented with earlier intervention.
They create accountability. Mandated reporter laws ensure that professionals who work with children cannot simply "look the other way." The legal obligation to report creates a system of accountability that prioritizes the safety of children above all else.
They empower reporters. The legal immunity provisions give mandated reporters the confidence to act on their concerns without fear of personal consequences. You will not be punished for trying to protect a child in good faith.
They reinforce community responsibility. Mandated reporter laws send a clear message: protecting children is not optional. It is a shared, legally enforceable duty — and those who fail in that duty will be held accountable.
They help close the reporting gap. With an estimated 2-3 cases going unreported for every case that is reported, strong mandated reporter laws — and vigorous enforcement of those laws, as we're seeing in Lee County — help narrow that gap and ensure more children receive the protection they deserve.
What This Case Teaches Us
The Lee County daycare case is a textbook example of what can go wrong if mandated reporters fail to fulfill their obligations and, in contrast, what can go right when a vigilant parent steps forward.
Had the abuse been reported immediately by those who were legally required to do so, the investigation could have begun sooner, and the child or children involved may have been spared additional harm. Instead, the failure to report led to additional criminal charges for those who allegedly chose silence over the safety of a child.
At the same time, this case demonstrates that the system works when people use it. A parent's decision to contact the Lee County Sheriff's Office set the wheels of justice in motion, leading to a thorough investigation and, ultimately, arrests.
A Note About the Facility
The facility on Cedric Street is now under new management as Rising Stars Christian Academy and has been for several months. It is important to note that the current operation is separate from the individuals who were arrested, and the new management was not implicated in the investigation. New management released a statement committing to operating Rising Stars with transparency, integrity, and the highest standards of child safety. A review of DECAL records show that Rising Stars Christian Academy is operating in compliance with all state regulations.
What Parents and Community Members Should Know
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, here are steps you can take:
Contact local law enforcement — You can call your local non-emergency line, or call 911 in an emergency.
Call the Georgia Child Abuse Hotline — You can report suspected abuse 24/7 by calling 1-855-GACHILD (1-855-422-4453).
Document what you observe — Keep notes on dates, times, and any visible signs of abuse.
Trust your instincts — If something doesn't feel right, it's always better to report and let professionals investigate.
Remember: you are protected — Georgia law provides immunity for good-faith reports. You will not face legal consequences for reporting a genuine concern.
Know Your Responsibility
If you are a mandated reporter in Georgia — whether you work in childcare, education, healthcare, or any other covered profession — it is essential that you:
Know the signs of child abuse and neglect. Training is available through the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services and many professional organizations.
Understand your legal obligation. You are required to report reasonable suspicion, not confirmed proof.
Report promptly. Don't wait, don't second-guess, and don't assume someone else will report it.
Document your report. Keep a personal record of what you observed and when you reported it.
Looking Ahead
The Lee County Sheriff's Office has not indicated whether additional arrests are expected. We will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as they become available.
In the meantime, let this case serve as both a warning and an encouragement: a warning to those who would look the other way when a child is in danger, and an encouragement to every parent, teacher, caregiver, and community member who has the courage to speak up. Our children deserve nothing less.