Georgia Division of Family & Children Services (DFACS) Relocates 12 Children After Violation of Fire Safety Rules

This occurred in end of July 2025.

This is a funky case that defies any logic of the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services. So, I felt I need to disclose the story to you.

“A dozen teens under the care of the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) were found living in a Clayton County church basement, according to Clayton County Fire Chief Tim Sweat.

Sweat said this is a fire code violation.

He said his team first realized the teens might be living at Now Faith Apostolic Church while out on a call early Tuesday morning, then they called in the Fire Marshall’s Office.

Clayton County Fire Marshall Chris Cameron said the teens had beds, clothing, and food, but the church lacked key safety features like sprinklers and a fire alarm with audio and visual notifications.[You know, the basic things available in a regular group home setting]

“Overall, the conditions were fine; it was the life safety aspects that were deviated from,” Cameron said.

He said these are violations of county fire codes for group living facilities.

“And then you have additional life-saving components such as egress,” [Kind of an important thing, Yes?] Cameron said. “You have 12 youths in a facility with locked doors, locked points of egress, obviously, you can imagine the danger that could occur from something of that nature.”

“Sweat said the teens came from a facility about 10 miles away on Highway 138. A sign outside the building refers to the facility as ‘This is Hope.’

He said employees told him they moved the teens due to plumbing issues.

“They said at the direction of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, which we have confirmed is not true,” Sweat said.

11Alive News went to the facility to try and speak to officials there, but it appeared closed.

“I spoke to multiple DFCS counties all over the state last night to try and relocate all 12 of those kids, my contacts with those that I spoke to, they were not aware that they had been relocated,” Sweat said.

Sweat said DFCS officials from the teens’ counties of origin have already safely relocated them.[So, basically you are saying that these kids came from ALL OVER THE STATE!]

11Alive News asked Cameron if church officials seemed surprised or if they were under the impression this was allowed.

“That’s kind of a grey area,” said Cameron. “They advised us that the State Fire Marshall’s Office had given them approval.”[Guessing it is NOT a grey area!!!!!]

Cameron said the State Fire Marshall’s Office told him they did not give that approval.

11Alive News reached out to the church via email and tried to speak with church representatives, but a person who came to the door said they have no comment.

Sweat said that at least one of the teens had been living at the church since December [2024].[So, basically, the ‘This is Hope’ facility WAS NOT being used?]

11Alive News reached out to the Georgia Department of Human Services to see if DFCS knew the teens were living at the church, and if they knew the church was not up to code. An agency spokesperson said, “DHS/DFCS is bound by both state and federal law to protect the privacy of the people we serve. As such, we are unable to comment on the specifics of any child welfare cases.”[What a cop out! Losers!]

Following the investigation, the Fire Marshal’s Office issued the following citations to the church:
Citation #11587: Automatic Sprinkler System Required (NFPA 101, Ch. 32.2.3.5)
Citation #11588: Fire Alarm System Required (NFPA 101, Sec. 9.6.1.3)
Citation #11589: Fire Extinguishers Required (NFPA 101, Sec. 7.3.1.1)
Citation #11951: General Requirements for Board and Care (NFPA 101, Ch. 32.1)
Citation #11952: Required Means of Egress (NFPA 101, Ch. 32.2)

These citations are scheduled to be presented before the Clayton County Code Enforcement Board on September 9th.

Cameron said each violation carries a fine of up to $1,000.”

12 teens in state care found living in Clayton Co. church basement
[11 Alive 7/30/25 by Gilat Melamed]

“Dr. C.H. Braddy, pastor of Now Faith Apostolic Church, said county officials had long known the children were staying there — and claims the state did, too.[Hmm.. very interesting…]

“We had kids that were irate, agitated,” Braddy said. “They had to stay outside in the parking lot for hours because the fire marshal would not even let them come back into the church.”

“Braddy gave 11Alive a tour of the facility, showing individual bedrooms for boys and girls, each with beds, cubbies, and storage for personal belongings. He insisted the church had a full-time clinical team and was better equipped than many traditional group homes.

“It’s actually very nice compared to most group homes,” the teen added. “I was just bummed out. I was sad to see it go. I have so many memories there.”

According to Braddy, a county official initially told him he had 29 days to address the violations and that the county would work with him. But later that same night, law enforcement arrived, instructed the children and staff to provide their information, and gave them just 20 minutes to pack and leave.

Braddy believes the abrupt removal may be politically motivated. He alleges that his questioning of the county chairwoman’s campaign finances has made the church a target.

“The county basically knew that these 12 kids have been here,” Braddy said. “Everyone knew.” “[Well…except the Clayton County Fire Marshall , which is kind of a big deal, you know?….]

“Sweat added, “My contact, the one that I spoke to, they were not aware that [the children] had been relocated.”

The teen echoed Braddy’s claims, saying, “Everyone’s caseworker comes to see them once a month, so they were well aware that we were living there.”[So, Georgia DFACS knew! Unbelievable!]

“Braddy said he has not been able to reach any of the children since their removal, but had a message for them: “Keep living.”

The teen hopes that once fire code issues are resolved, more children can return to what he called a safe and caring environment.[Well, except for the locked doors and egress! Good Lord, I hope not…]

11Alive also reached out to the Clayton County chairwoman for comment but has not yet received a response.”

Pastor, teen speak after 12 foster kids abruptly removed from Clayton County church amid fire code violations
[11 Alive 8/2/25 by Angelina Salcedo]

REFORM Puzzle Piece