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May 27, 2026

National Foster Care Month Highlights Need For Foster Families In Chattooga County

Local News, Local News Items #Adoption, #chattoogacounty, #ChildAdvocacy, #CommunitySupport, #DFCS, #FosterCare, #FosterParents, #GeorgiaDFCS, #GeorgiaFosterCare, #May2026, #NationalFosterCareMonth, #northwestgeorgia, #NWGA, #summervillega, #TuesdayMay262026, #wzqznews 0

May is National Foster Care Month, and local officials are encouraging families in Chattooga County and across Northwest Georgia to consider opening their homes to children in need.

According to Georgia foster care data, more than 10,800 children are currently in foster care statewide, with hundreds of children still waiting for permanent homes and supportive families.

The Georgia Division of Family and Children Services says foster parents play a critical role in providing safe, stable, and caring environments for children who have been removed from unsafe situations because of abuse, neglect, or other family crises.

Officials say there continues to be a need for additional foster families in rural communities like Chattooga County, especially for sibling groups, teenagers, and children with special needs.

People interested in becoming foster parents must complete training, background checks, and home evaluations before children can be placed in their care. State officials say foster families receive support services and guidance throughout the process.

The Chattooga County DFCS office is located at 102 Highway 48 in Summerville, and residents can call 706-857-0817 for more information about fostering or adopting children.

Additional statewide foster care information is also available by calling 1-877-210-KIDS.

April 5, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

Pinwheel Ceremony Highlights Child Abuse Prevention Efforts In Chattooga County

Local News, Local News Items #chattoogacounty, #ChildAbusePreventionMonth, #ChildSafety, #CommunityAwareness, #CommunitySupport, #DFCS, #DowdyPark, #GeorgiaDFCS, #HealthyFamilies, #LocalNews, #northwestgeorgia, #PinwheelsForPrevention, #PreventChildAbuse, #ProtectChildren, #ReportAbuse, #SafeChildhoods, #StopChildAbuse, #SupportFamilies, #wzqznews 0

April marks National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time focused on raising awareness, supporting families, and encouraging communities to take action to protect children. In recognition of the effort, the Chattooga County Department of Family and Children’s Services hosted a pinwheel planting ceremony at Dowdy Park on March 31.

February 8, 2026

by WZQZ NEWS

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

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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.

December 27, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

Georgia Lawmakers Face Child Welfare Crisis as Kids With Severe Behavioral Needs Are Left in ERs

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Georgia lawmakers are confronting a growing child welfare crisis: children with serious mental and behavioral health needs being left behind at emergency rooms and psychiatric facilities because families say they have run out of options.

December 17, 2025

by WZQZ NEWS

LIHEAP Heating Help Open Now for Homebound Seniors in Chattooga County; Wider Sign-Ups Begin Jan. 2

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Chattooga County residents who qualify for help paying winter heating bills can start applying now through the federally funded Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)—with priority currently given to households most at risk.