LIFELINE FOR CHILDREN began in 1977 as an advisory council to the Chatham County Department of Family and Children Services. Reorganized in 1984, Lifeline for Children continues to be the volunteer mechanism which enables community support for services to abused and neglected children. Membership in Lifeline for Children is comprised of volunteers from the community, professionals in the field of children's services, and staff of Chatham County DFCS.

Recognizing that child abuse and neglect is a community issue and a community problem, the purpose of Lifeline for Children is to engage individuals, companies, and organizations in the Chatham County Community to support the children, families, and staff of the Chatham County DFCS, Office of Child Protection, in addressing the problem.

Lifeline for Children is also the name given to the Chatham County child abuse and neglect reporting telephone number where you will reach the local Child Protective Services Unit of the Chatham County DFCS. A caseworker will answer your questions or take a report of suspected abuse or neglect.

Lifeline for Children's mission is accomplished by............

• Coordinating with community partners to promote awareness of the devastating effects of child abuse and neglect.

• Recruiting and supporting foster parents who voluntarily care for the community's abused and neglected children.

• Advocating for the needs of abused and neglected children and their families.

• Demonstrating support for the difficult and demanding work of Child Welfare staff.

All programs are funded by voluntary contributions and fundraising.