Georgia § 20-1-16 - Kinship caregiver authorized to provide legal consent.
Full text of Georgia Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-1-16 — Kinship caregiver authorized to provide legal consent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-1-16. Kinship caregiver authorized to provide legal consent.
A kinship caregiver shall be authorized, on behalf of a child residing with the kinship caregiver, which child is not in the custody of the Division of Family and Children Services of the Department of Human Services, to give legal consent for such child to: Receive any educational services; Receive medical services directly related to academic enrollment; or Participate in any curricular or extracurricular activities for which parental consent is usually required by executing the affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18. The affidavit shall not be valid for more than one year after the date on which it is executed. Upon transmitting to a school an executed affidavit described in Code Section 20-1-18, the kinship caregiver shall serve as the school's point of contact for the child regarding truancy, discipline, and educational progress for as long as such affidavit shall continue to be in effect. The decision of a kinship caregiver to consent to or refuse educational services or medical services directly related to academic enrollment or any curricular or extracurricular activities for a child residing with the kinship caregiver shall be superseded by any contravening decision of a parent or a person having legal custody of the child, provided that the decision of the parent or legal custodian does not jeopardize the life, health, safety, or welfare of the child. Reasonable efforts shall be made by the kinship caregiver to locate at least one of the child's parents prior to the notarization and submission of the affidavit set forth in Code Section 20-1-18. Nothing in this Code section shall apply to, or give authority for, an abortion as provided in Code Section 15-11-682 or any other provision of law. (Code 1981, § 20-1-16 , enacted by Ga. L. 2017, p. 113, § 2/SB 186.)
Source: official Georgia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia § 20-1-16
What does Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-1-16 cover?
Section 20-1-16 ("Kinship caregiver authorized to provide legal consent.") is part of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, the codified statutory law of Georgia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Georgia § 20-1-16?
A common citation format is "Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 20-1-16" (Georgia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Georgia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Georgia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Georgia attorney.
How does Georgia § 20-1-16 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Georgia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.