Gov't to Tighten School Excursion Regulations

From 2020, Georgia is tightening regulations for school excursions. The changes have been made to the Code of Children of Georgia.

The initiator of the Code is the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament.

The article, which regulates the protection of children's rights in public events, consists of eight paragraphs.

Under the new regulations, groups going on excursions should be accompanied by a person who has undergone a primary medical care course.

In addition, organizers must notify the police, fire-rescue and emergency services of the the place, time and duration of the excursion.

Moreover, according to the Code, the class head should have access to all data about the children participating in some public events, including information about a child’s special needs and about the instructor of the event and the qualification of the person who drives the children. The teacher can also request recommendations about the driver and their driving license, as well as documentation confirming the technical condition of the vehicle.

During the transportation of children and some public events, it is necessary for a doctor or nurse to be present. In case of their absence, children must be accompanied by at least one adult who has undergone the primary medical care course. Schools who have no doctor or nurse can inform the Ministry of Education, who will provide them with a qualified staff member.

Article 66 of the Code concerning the protection of child safety in public activities indicates that transportation of food during excursions should be carried out in compliance with sanitary conditions.

The Municipal Service of Children Protection and Support will monitor the maintenance of the proper norms regarding children’s food during excursions.

The Code of Children has already been defined and the committee hearings have also been scheduled. When the discussions at the committees are over, the draft will be sent to the Parliament of Georgia for approval.

The deadline for the enactment of the law is June 2020. Violation of the code’s regulations will result in different sanctions imposed by law.

School excursion regulations were first tightened in Georgia last year, after the June 9 accident during a school excursion which left 4 dead and 21 people injured.

After the primary regulations, the school is required to request documents from the driver certifying their driving qualification and the vehicle’s technical qualifications.

In addition, if an excursion is organized by an educational institution or by parents, it is necessary for the school to be informed about the excursion. An adult, who has undergone a first aid medical course, must also be included in the group.

By Thea Morrison

Photo source: eurus.ge