The Chatham County Board of Commissioners convened on June 16, 2025, to discuss critical updates on child protection and welfare initiatives, alongside a review of community health efforts. The meeting featured presentations from Health Director Mike Zelleck and Social Services Director Jenny Christiansen, who provided insights into the annual reports of the Community Child Protection Team and the Child Fatality Prevention Team.

The meeting began with a commitment to provide ongoing updates on the progress of various goals, particularly concerning data analysis related to alcohol and drug violations. Zelleck expressed readiness to present more detailed information to the Board of Health in the future.

The primary focus shifted to the annual reports, which are mandated by state requirements. Zelleck and Christiansen highlighted the collaborative efforts of local partners, including schools and community organizations, in addressing child welfare issues. They noted that the team reviews active child welfare cases and child fatalities, emphasizing the importance of understanding the challenges families face.

Significant changes were discussed regarding the state’s child fatality prevention system, which will now focus on preventable fatalities. The team will continue to meet quarterly, despite a state mandate to reduce meetings, to ensure ongoing dialogue about these critical issues. The report also indicated a shift in funding, with an increase from $500 to a few thousand dollars, allowing for the purchase of car seats for families in need.

The team reviewed data from the previous year, noting that 281 reports of abuse and neglect were accepted, affecting approximately 600 children. The findings revealed that abuse, parental substance use, and domestic violence were prevalent reasons for children entering foster care. Recommendations for improving the child welfare system included addressing housing issues, enhancing coordination among state divisions, and expanding training for the child welfare workforce.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future initiatives, including the potential establishment of a Child Advocacy Center in Chatham County to expedite evaluations for children needing support. The timeline for this initiative remains uncertain, but the groundwork is being laid for a collaborative approach to enhance child welfare services in the community.

Overall, the meeting underscored the county's commitment to improving child protection and welfare systems, with a focus on collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and proactive community engagement. The next steps will involve further evaluations and planning to implement the discussed initiatives effectively.