1991

WHERE IT ALL STARTED

Since 1991, Savannah CASA has stood beside children in foster care who have experienced abuse and neglect. What began as a small, volunteer-powered effort has grown into a deep commitment to ensuring every child has a voice in the Juvenile Court system. CASA volunteers are trained, screened, and supervised to provide individualized advocacy—gathering and sharing objective information with judges so that decisions are grounded in each child’s best interests.

Over the past 30+ years, we have served thousands of children and witnessed both the challenges families face and the power of consistent, compassionate support. As those needs have grown, so have we.

As the needs of children and families evolved, so did we.

2021

EVOLVING INTO BRIGHTSIDE

Today, Savannah CASA has evolved into Brightside Child & Family Advocacy—a broader mission with a shared purpose: strengthening families, preventing abuse and neglect, and supporting children and youth through moments of crisis and change.

As part of this evolution, Brightside launched The Bright House, a supervised visitation and family support center where parents and children can reconnect in a safe, welcoming, home-like environment. These visits offer more than supervision—they create space for healing, rebuilding trust, and strengthening family bonds during difficult times.

Brightside is also proud to continue its CASA program, with more than 200 trained volunteers advocating for children in foster care across our community. Recognized as the 2021 Georgia CASA Award of Excellence recipient, this program remains at the heart of our work—ensuring that every child in foster care has a dedicated advocate who helps guide their story toward safety and permanency.

In addition, Brightside serves as the Prevent Child Abuse Georgia local council for Chatham County, working as Prevent Child Abuse Greater Savannah. In this role, we expand prevention efforts, strengthen community awareness, and connect families with resources that help reduce the risk of abuse and neglect before a crisis occurs.

At Brightside, we believe every child deserves safety, stability, and the chance to thrive—and every family deserves the support to make that possible

UNDERSTANDING THE CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM

The child welfare system is designed to support the safety, well-being, and stability of children and families. Services may include prevention and family support, child protective services, foster care, permanency planning, and post-permanency support.

WHY CHILDREN ENTER FOSTER CARE

HOUSING INSTABILITY

ABUSE

SUBSTANCE USE

INCARCERATION

NEGLECT

FAMILY CRISIS

Neglect is the most common reason children enter foster care and is often connected to financial hardship and lack of resources.

Whenever possible, the goal is to strengthen families and help children safely remain at home or reunify with their families.

WHAT PREVENTION LOOKS LIKE

Prevention focuses on supporting families before a crisis occurs.  By connecting caregivers with resources early, families can build stability and create safe environments for children.

WHAT CHILDREN & YOUTH EXPERIENCE

Children involved in the child welfare system often experience instability, trauma, and separation from family and community support.
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Many move between foster homes, relative placements, shelters, or group homes while long-term plans are made.

CHALLENGES

YOUTH AGING OUT OF CARE

Each year, young people age out of foster care without a permanent support system.

WHAT THEY NAVIGATE

​HOUSING

EMPLOYMENT

EDUCATION

HEALTHCARE

TRANSPORTATION

Supportive programs, mentorship, life skills training, and stable housing resources can help youth build confidence, independence, and long-term stability.