Georgia Lawmakers Advance Bills Focused on Child Welfare and Abuse Protections

Georgia lawmakers are moving forward with several bills this session aimed at improving child welfare services, supporting foster children with autism and related disorders, and strengthening legal protections for victims of abuse.

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Alabama Law Makes Child Rape Punishable by Death

Alabama has enacted a new law making child rape a capital offense, allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty in certain cases involving the rape of a child.

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Armuchee Couple Jailed on Child Cruelty, Animal Cruelty Charges After Reports of Filthy Living Conditions

A couple in Armuchee is facing felony child cruelty charges after authorities say two children—both minors—were sent to school with animal feces on their clothing and bookbags, and were living in what investigators described as deplorable conditions inside the home.

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LaFayette Man Sentenced to 65 Years After Conviction on Child Molestation and Privacy Charges

A Walker County jury has convicted Michael Forker, a 74-year-old man from LaFayette, on charges of Child Molestation, Sexual Exploitation of Children, and five counts of Invasion of Privacy. Following the verdict on December 3, 2025, Forker was sentenced by Lookout Mountain Superior Court Chief Judge Brian House to 65 years in prison, with 58 years to be served in the Georgia Department of Corrections.

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