— Information courtesy of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services
Effective tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Vance County Department of Social Services, as authorized under state law.
Vance County leadership and Vance County DSS staff received this letter earlier today. Both have expressed support for this temporary action by the state.
“We take very seriously the department’s role in protecting the safety and well-being of children and families involved in the child welfare system,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “This urgent, temporary action is necessary for us to work directly with Vance County staff, improve the county’s ability to effectively administer child welfare services, and ensure better outcomes for children and families in the county moving forward.”
NCDHHS has been working closely with Vance County DSS since July 2024 to address serious concerns over their practice and delivery of child welfare services. Vance County DSS has not demonstrated significant progress toward addressing these concerns, resulting in a substantial threat to the safety and welfare of children in the county who receive or are eligible for these services.
Due to the urgency of this situation, NCDHHS is taking action to assume control over Vance County’s child welfare services and will be on-site administering services as of Wednesday, May 14.
“To all DSS Partners, in spirit together we stand successfully, divided we will continue to fall. We can achieve climbing this mountain,” said Rev. Dr. Leonard Frieson Sr, Vance County DSS Board Chairman.
“We have a strong team at the Department of Social Services and as we move forward with shifting these services to DHHS, our goal is simple: make sure kids and families get the support they need, when they need it. This isn’t about stepping back—it’s about making smart changes that help us serve the community even better,” said Vance County Manager Renee Perry.
NCDHHS staff will remain on-site at Vance County DSS throughout this interim period and will work closely with staff to manage and stabilize child welfare services. The department is also working with the county to develop a plan to bring their child welfare services into compliance with all applicable laws and appropriate practices. This temporary action is authorized under N.C.G.S. § 108A-74.
Read the letter here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/vance-county-assumption-authority-secretary/open