The purpose of this article is:
(decided under
“Threatened harm to child’s welfare” included in “deprived child.” — Inasmuch as the court in Elrod v. Department of Family & Children Servs., 136 Ga. App. 251, 220 S.E.2d 726 (1975), spoke of “probable deprivation,” “substantial danger,” and the “likelihood of substantial threat to a child’s physical, mental, moral or emotional well-being,” the definitional elements of “deprived child” include “threatened harm to the child’s welfare.” 1976 Op. Atty Gen. No. 76-131 (decided under former Code 1933,
Appointment of guardian in deprivation proceedings. — Under the principle that the law is to be liberally construed toward the protection of the child whose well-being is threatened, deprivation proceedings arising from child abuse and neglect by a parent or caretaker present a conflict of interest wherein the provisions concerning the appointment of a guardian ad litem would apply. 1976 Op. Att’y Gen. No. 76-131 (decided under former Code 1938, § 24A-3301).
former Code 1933,
(1) To assist and protect children whose physical or mental health and welfare is substantially at risk of harm from abuse, neglect, or exploitation and who may be further threatened by the conduct of others by providing for the resolution of dependency proceedings in juvenile court;
(2) To ensure that dependency proceedings are conducted expeditiously to avoid delays in permanency plans for children;
(3) To provide the greatest protection as promptly as possible for children; and
(4) To ensure that the health, safety, and best interests of a child be the paramount concern in all dependency proceedings.