Layla McBrayer urges board to declare Dawson County a foster-friendly community

Layla McBrayer, Family Connection coordinator for Dawson County, asked the board to officially recognize Dawson County as a foster-friendly community, saying the designation would signal local support for children in foster care and the families who serve them. She told commissioners the effort would be a leadership action rather than a funding request.

"Today, Dawson County has approximately 33 children in foster care, and this number fluctuates almost weekly, sometimes daily," McBrayer said, adding that there are only six licensed foster homes available locally. She said keeping children close to their schools, churches and support networks reduces trauma and increases placement stability.

McBrayer described partnerships that would support the designation, including Dawson County Family Connection, Road to Home, The Way Home, Georgia Kids Belong and local churches such as Set Free Church and North Georgia Church. She highlighted the Foster Friendly app—used by more than 3,000 foster families in Georgia and listing more than 1,200 community resources statewide—as a tool to connect foster families with businesses, faith communities and services.

She also cited a retention challenge for foster caregivers, saying an estimated 50% of foster homes close after their first year and that closures continue in subsequent years, which reduces local placement options and increases child moves. McBrayer asked the board to adopt a resolution that affirms Dawson County values children in foster care and encourages local businesses, churches and volunteers to support foster families.

After the presentation the chair confirmed a copy of the proposed resolution had been emailed with the agenda request. The board did not take a vote on the resolution during the work session.