In an effort to provide the community more information on the fostering process, Chambliss Center for Children will host a free Foster Care Info Night on Tuesday, June 5 from 6-7:30 p.m.
In Hamilton and the surrounding counties, there are more than 1,000 children in state custody at any given time. These children have been removed from their homes primarily because of abuse, abandonment and/or neglect. Chambliss Center for Children contracts with the state to find loving, stable foster homes for these youth.
Finding a permanent home is the ultimate goal, whether with their biological parents, if the parents can complete the steps needed to regain custody of their children; with other family members; or through an adoptive placement.
“Our Foster Care Info Night provides a great opportunity for anyone interested in fostering children, either now or in the future, to get more information and hear real-life experiences,” said Lesley Berryhill, director of Communications with Chambliss Center for Children. “There is no pressure on attendees to go further in the process. We are merely wanting to provide people with information and answers to their questions.”
The event will be held at Chambliss Center for Children, 315 Gillespie Road. Attendees will view a short film about a child’s experience in foster care and the value of a loving, safe foster home. There will be an opportunity to learn more about Chambliss Center for Children, the foster care system, requirements for fostering and adoption and to hear from current foster parents.
Free, on-site parking is available. RSVP to 423-693-2580 by Friday, June 1 so accurate preparations for refreshments may be made. Child care is also available, but must be scheduled by Friday, June 1, as well.