Chatham County foster care crisis takes center stage at Savannah event

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - Brightside Child & Family Advocacy is inviting the Savannah community to learn more about the challenges facing children and families in Chatham County’s foster care system.

The nonprofit will host its signature event, Creating Brighter Futures, on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

According to Brightside, more than 300 children are currently in foster care in Chatham County, while fewer than five Georgia Division of Family and Children Services case managers are handling those cases.

The event will give attendees an opportunity to hear local stories, better understand the child welfare system and learn how they can support children and families navigating it.

This year’s event centers on the theme “Someone Got Me Here,” highlighting the difference one supportive person can make in a child’s life.

“You don’t have to be a social worker or an advocate to care,” Brightside Executive Director Kate Blair said. “You just have to be willing to see what children and families are experiencing and ask what role you can play.”

Brightside operates several programs serving local families, including Savannah CASA, Bright House and Brighter Futures. Its services include foster child advocacy, supervised visitation, parental coaching and assistance for young people transitioning out of foster care.

EVENT DETAILS

• What: Creating Brighter Futures
• When: Tuesday, Sept. 29, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Where: Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum
• Tickets: Click here