GA HB1508

Amends Georgia's Juvenile Code to expedite termination of parental rights in cases involving significant and chronic child abuse, neglect, or parental incapacity, prioritizing children's placement with relatives or adoptive families

Expands the definition of "aggravated circumstances" to include prenatal abuse involving alcohol or illegal drugs where the parent has a history of chronic unrehabilitated substance abuse, and adds a new definition of "chronic abuse or neglect" covering repeated physical abuse, Munchausen syndrome by proxy, unrehabilitated substance use, and removal of a child from the home on at least two prior occasions

Consolidates and broadens the circumstances under which courts may waive DFCS reunification efforts, including cases where a parent voluntarily terminated rights to another child after termination proceedings were initiated and the underlying issues remain unresolved

Creates a rebuttable presumption that reunification efforts should not be made when aggravated circumstances are found by clear and convincing evidence, requiring the parent to demonstrate the conduct was aberrational and that they are fully rehabilitated to overcome the presumption

Requires courts evaluating termination of parental rights to consider the child's attachment to the parent and any alternative caregiver, the child's psychological need for secure attachment, and the danger of further disruptions to the child's attachments

Applies upon the Governor's approval to all dependency and termination of parental rights cases currently pending and subsequently filed in juvenile court