HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda - 03-21-2023; 7-a - Child Welfare Updates and Planning 1
ORANGE COUNTY
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT
Meeting Date: March 21, 2023
Action Agenda
Item No. 7-a
SUBJECT: Child Welfare Updates and Planning
DEPARTMENT: Social Services
ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT:
Nancy Coston, 919-245-2800
Crystal Mitchell, 919-245-2800
PURPOSE: To receive an update on child welfare services provided by the Department of Social
Services (DSS) including current system challenges and plans for the future.
BACKGROUND: North Carolina's child welfare program is county administered and state
supervised. Child welfare services, including child protective services, foster care and adoption,
are legally mandated to be provided by departments of social services in all North Carolina
counties. Counties are responsible for staff and management of the program while the state
supervises the counties based on state law and policy. The rules, policies and procedures are
predominantly established by federal and state legislation and by the North Carolina Department
of Health and Human Services (DHHS). Most of the costs for staff and for services to these
children and families are paid through federal and county dollars.
Child welfare services consists of several components: prevention; assessment or investigation
of child safety; provision of protective services to families; and, foster care/placement services.
Much of the work of the Department of Social Services involves the District Court and only the
courts can make decisions regarding child custody.
The last several years have brought many challenges to DSS programs. First, there is a national
shortage of social workers, particularly social workers working in child welfare positions. When
there are staff shortages, DSS struggles to meet all the needs of children and families as well as
all the regulations.
Another challenge is finding appropriate services for families and children. The impacts of the
pandemic and the current substance use issues are seen in many of the families served in child
welfare services. The lack of health insurance or Medicaid for these parents is yet another barrier
for them. Finding therapeutic placements and services has been particularly difficult and counties
are often left with few options for the children in their care.
2
DSS with the support of county management has been working to address the issues outlined
above. DSS will present these efforts as well as plans for the future for input and direction.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this update.
SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to
this item:
• GOAL: CREATE A SAFE COMMUNITY
The reduction of risks from vehicle/traffic accidents, childhood and senior injuries, gang
activity, substance abuse and domestic violence.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: There are no Orange County Environmental Responsibility Goal
impacts associated with this item.
RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information from
DSS and provide feedback on the Department's plans.