The experience is typically traumatic and humiliating. We would never support leaving a child in a hotel room with a stranger and 300 used needles, as a blanket statement, Blevins said last year. Prosecutors filed additional charges, including incest, aiding and abetting incest, child prostitution and other felony sex offenses involving multiple close relatives. Some lawmakers were incensed. But the foster care residence was in unincorporated Transylvania County, not the city of Brevard. In a case of suspected abuse in a foster care setting, DSS is obligated to notify law enforcement. NC legislative oversight committee questions whether DSS official really needs a judges order to let him address his employees handling of case involving child. Officers located needles on the beds, the nightstands, TV stand and the bathroom. Noyes questions, among other things, why the children were placed with him rather than her and why his substance abuse issues were not adequately investigated by DSS. Other cases require that they respond within 24 or 72 hours. If you have an update to county agency information, please email dssweb@dhhs.nc.gov . Each of North Carolina's 100 counties has a local social services agency. New Jersey officials ruled the case a suicide, but a Carolina Public Press investigation identifiedproblems with this explanationthat have never been resolved. To learn more, view our full privacy policy. Blevins was asked to testify before the General Assembly last year about how social workers handled a case, but his hands were tied by confidentiality rules. Blevins challenged the accuracy of a Black Mountain Police Departments report that had led to the request for him to appear before legislators. County Director of Social Services August 1, 2022 / DSS Jobs NC. I thought we were waiting for them to copy the records.. Her trailer had no heat, according to statements to law enforcement. No subpoena is necessary.. Imari Scarbrough is a contributing writer to Carolina Public Press. Taking a child from a parent is considered a last resort and is usually done to prevent imminent harm or maltreatment of a child. Learn More{{/message}}. But others include the major Piedmont metro areas, which have some of the highest populations. F. (828) 250-6235. But sometimes social workers fudge. Officers told her they might take him to jail and sarcastically asked if he should leave the girl alone in the hotel room. Reporting like this isnt free to produce and we cannot do this alone. I mean you cant get back the last couple years of these little children, you know.. "Another thing I hope to maintain is a high level of quality, even though we do look at a high volume of activity each year.". Forging contact records is not trivial. Its often impossible to know because the evidence surrounding child protective services is not available to the public. Social Work Services I had this conversation with (Sen. Chuck Edwards) the very first day we spoke in April, Blevins said. The legal and bureaucratic system surrounding child removals can be difficult to navigate, so that even social workers from one county may find aspects of how things are done in another county quite alien, and the average person is unable to make sense of whats happening. #828-479-7911 Fax #828-479-7928 Courier Number: 08-40-02. A horrific child sex abuse case in Cherokee County two years ago included apuzzling delayby DSS officials in cooperating with prosecutors. Even without names or narratives, the overall data from the last decade points to locations in the state where removals of children have occurred far above or far below the statewide average. If you have an update to county agency information, please email dssweb@dhhs.nc.gov. Our award-winning, breakthrough journalism dismantles barriers and shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing our states 10.2 million residents. A grand jury first indicted the mother for neglect in 2015. Editors note: This is part 2 of the four-part investigative series Patchwork Protection. Part 1 appeared June 7. Henderson County resident Felicia Reeves disappeared in August 2015. Kate Martin is lead investigative reporter for Carolina Public Press. Will Asheville City Soccer Club still play there? Bakers stepmother was already the subject of previous abuse findings. Counties removing children at more than 150% of the state average rate were marked high, while those removing children at 200% or more are marked very high. Are new people living there? Granville County DSS A county with an annual removal rate exactly the same as the statewide rate would have a 100% comparison rating, a county that removed children on average at twice the statewide rate would have a 200% comparison rating, and a county that removed children on average at half the statewide rate would have a 50% comparison rating. If you cant answer because you dont know or you can answer because you refuse to under some other authority, Edwards said. [This story was originally published by Carolina Public Press.]. Zahra Baker was a native of Australia who lived in Catawba County with her father and stepmother. Graham County DSS Ms. Amy Seay, Director 196 Knight Street Post Office Box 1150 Robbinsville, NC 28771 Tel. Although she filed a complaint, she said it was not taken seriously. Confidentiality rules preventing discussion of child welfare cases may limit much of the testimony NC legislators seek. And then we seem surprised when it fails. DSS seized children during a drug raid that found no evidence and was conducted at the wrong house on warrants intended for a search elsewhere. His grandmother and aunt told CPP that they would have taken him so that he could grow up alongside his brother, but no one from DSS contacted them. They visit the parents, then write down what they say. While Blevins was able to speak to the accuracy, or lack thereof, in a Black Mountain police report regarding the case, he skirted the details known to him and his social workers because state law requires a judges ruling to give specifics of a confidential case, he told lawmakers. Strong confidentiality rules surround child protective services cases under both state and federal law, for the purpose of protecting the identity of the children. Social Worker Investigative/Assessment and Treatment. Strong confidentiality rules surround child protective services cases under both state and federal law, for the purpose of protecting the identity of the children. But even in some of these cases, legal counsel may ultimately advise them not to discuss the situation further. Buncombe County's Finance Department, which oversees the accounting for the over $580 million fiscal year 2023 budget, recently lost its director to another county, and a longtime Buncombe County employee has stepped up to temporarily hold the position. Starting in June, Blevins directed Buncombe County social workers to respond to the scene of all law enforcement requests and shared the protocol with county law enforcement agencies. Noyes said at first she thought that if you worked through the system and presented your case honestly, the situation would work out, but she now has no confidence in DSS and the family courts, a view she said is shared by members of other families whom shes talked with during court appearances. Do you have concerns about a disabled adult who is either living in the community or in a licensed facility? Police had pulled over a driver who was swerving over the white line. Such records are typically open to prosecutors, according to Peg Dorer, with the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys. I ended the phone call.. If you would like to obtain posters or rack cards, please email hhscommunications@buncombecounty.org, Social Work Services Social workers are supposed to try to make these contacts regularly. Not long afterward, he died of an overdose. State law also allows DSS offices to disclose records to prosecutors without court orders, said Sara DePasquale, an associate professor specializing in child welfare law at the UNC School of Government, two years ago. Food Assistance Medicaid Information Clinical Services Children Services Environmental Health Social Work Services News & Information National Black/African American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Court records from the case show that the judge recognized the ultimate goal of reuniting the boy with his family when possible, and while the fathers rights had been terminated, Reeves rights were intact. Much to lawmakers chagrin,Blevins could not confirm or deny anythingin the police report due to strict laws protecting the privacy of the girl and her family. It is important to screen cases correctly, or agencies risk violating parents constitutional rights to raise their children. If county officials decide to go beyond the scope of state guidelines, or in some cases beyond what state and federal laws allow, those choices are being made by individuals, some of whom already face criminal prosecution. But the map also shows that the high and very high counties mostly cluster geographically, as do the low and very low counties. Our award-winning, breakthrough journalism dismantles barriers and shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing our states 10.2 million residents. And Im willing to have that conversation if this body is willing to take that action.. The intake process can take a while, as it requires people who report abuse to answer many questions. Reeves family said she had lived in fear for her life because of attacks from her ex-husband Titus Boley, who had served a prison sentence for assaulting her. Your email address will not be published. And some economically advantaged counties may also cluster with high or low removal rates. Customer Service Center:1-800-662-7030 Learn More{{/message}}. But the Sheriffs Office had no record of it. You may remain anonymous but we encourage you to give us your name in the event additional information is needed. This is your chance to support credible, community-based, public-service journalism. While Blevins said the states juvenile code forbade him from providing specifics about the March incident, he had a lot to say about improving the states child welfare system. Police arrested all three adults, one of whom was the girls father. Questions or comments? Theyve ripped (the grandchildrens) family apart, Noyes said. Monday - Friday Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Police later claimed that they emailed information about the case to the Transylvania County Sheriffs Office. Our award-winning, breakthrough journalism dismantles barriers and shines a light on the critical overlooked and under-reported issues facing our states 10.2 million residents. Social workers removed children seized over a mark from a supposed beating, even though there was no evidence of the mark. The boys deathspurred lawmakers to action, and the General Assembly approved a package of major reforms with strong bipartisan support. Additional information on reporting abuse. Pitt County, designated in 2020 as an All-American County by the National Civic League, is located in the central portion of the Coastal Plain. Child welfare officials rank reported cases of abuse and respond either immediately, within 24 hours or within 72 hours depending on the severity of the allegation. This interpretation of the rules can make it difficult for other branches of state government to hold DSS agencies accountable for possible mistakes, much less the news media, which has no access to subpoena powers. The allegations parents brought to CPP ranged widely: Social workers refused to screen in a case of extreme negligence involving meth-addicted parents despite repeated urging from a grandmother. 39. But often county level workers fail to appropriately rank the risk of a case, according to a legislative report completed last year. Blevins confirmed he will show up to talk with legislators once he receives the subpoena. Maybe many others!! Years before she died, she worked with departments of social services in multiple counties to arrange for Reeves mother to care for the older son. But others include the major Piedmont metro areas, which have some of the highest populations. The assessment includes evaluating six areas: During the course of the evaluation the Social Worker will talk with the adult, collaterals, and use whatever resources necessary to determine whether the adult is in need of protection. Reporting like this isnt free to produce and we cannot do this alone. Box 7408 Address: 231 Wolverine Trail, Mill Spring, NC 28756 State Courier #: 06-74-02 Phone: 828-894-2100 Fax Number: 828-894-6326 Emergency Phone: 828-894-0187 Website. This sometimes required my response if SWs were handling other cases. A decade ago in Swain County, 15-month-oldAubrey Kina-Marie Littlejohndied while under supervision by county DSS. Government, Non-Profit and Other Non-Profit Organizations Individual and Family Social Services Social Service and Welfare . Required fields are marked *. The parents used intravenous drugs in the presence of their children and failed to provide adequate nutrition and hygiene, the indictments said. Policy choices are made by individuals, though geographical isolation and limited resources may promote decisions in some areas of the state more than others. And so Im not sure we need a (new) law. {{#message}}{{{message}}}{{/message}}{{^message}}Your submission failed. Protection of the Abused, Neglected or Exploited Disabled Adult Act is located under Statute 108A Article 6. Such records are typically open to prosecutors, according toPeg Dorer, with the N.C. Conference of District Attorneys. Buncombe County will be making surface concrete repairs to the lower loading area. This project was produced for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalisms 2020 Data Fellowship. He told officers that he had met the girl for the first time that day and volunteered to watch her. She was concerned the children could be injured if he attacked her. Buncombe County DSS has since changed its procedures, Blevins told Carolina Public Press last month. Fax Number: 828-250-6341 Confidentiality rules intended to protect children present challenges for investigating allegations of DSS misconduct. "I'm grateful to have an opportunity to serve even in the interim at this point in my career.". Polk County Department of Social Services. Why didnt DSS show up on the scene? There were needles under the seats and in the door pockets of the car. Burke County DSS . Forging contact records is not trivial. Fax Number: 828-250-6235 The General Assembly called Buncombe County Health and Human Services DirectorStoney Blevinsto testify about the incident. Three adults and a 9-year-old girl were in the car. There appeared to be no attempt by the police or DSS to follow up with the Sheriffs Office. But even in some of these cases, legal counsel may ultimately advise them not to discuss the situation further. A year ago, Buncombe County updated its policy, and social workers now respond to any law enforcement officers request for a social worker on the scene. The district attorneys office decided that the evidence justified charges of misdemeanor child abuse, but not a felony. Email her at kmartin@carolinapublicpress.org. Legislators subpoena Buncombe official over DSS handling of childs case, Legislators grill Buncombe DSS director, who disputes Black Mountain cops, cites confidentiality rules, NC could look to other states for potential child welfare reforms, Governor signs bipartisan child welfare overhaul bill, Mining in your backyard: The story of Mountain Mist Mine and the neighbors contesting it, part two, Mining in your backyard: The story of Mountain Mist Mine and the neighbors contesting it, part one, Teen girls engulfed in a growing wave of sadness, violence and trauma, latest youth survey shows, Looming cuts to emergency SNAP benefits threaten food security in rural America, Taking a moonshot at early colorectal cancer detection in northeastern NC, Your support funds important public interest journalism, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. County Social Services Director - DSS Jobs NC County Social Services Director Work Type Directors and Program Managers Position Number 840201 Salary $98,812 - $156,171 Closing Date July 8, 2022 Posted June 9, 2022 Agency Name Social Services Work County Pitt Job Location 1717 West 5th Street Greenville North Carolina 27834 Job Description I ended the phone call.. But the foster care residence was in unincorporated Transylvania County, not the city of Brevard. Pitt County is approximately 90 miles east of Raleigh NC with a population of 180,742. ), socially joined at the hip, high headed in their own mind educrats. If you like what you are reading and believe in independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan journalism like oursjournalism the way it should beplease contributeto keep us going. State law also allows DSS offices to disclose records to prosecutors without court orders, saidSara DePasquale, an associate professor specializing in child welfare law at the UNC School of Government, two years ago. A simple takeaway from the map is that the state has many counties at either end of the spectrum, far removed from the statewide average. I didnt realize there was a significant problem. Blevins was asked to testify before the General Assembly last year about how social workers handled a case, but his hands were tied by confidentiality rules. The DSS agent who had documented the abuse in foster care no longer worked there by this time. Please contact the developer of this form processor to improve this message. Some abuse is so heinous that workers are required to investigate immediately. Your support funds important public interest journalism. With the support of readers like you, we provide thoughtfully researched articles for a more informed and connected community. Blevins had said the subpoena was unnecessary. Im so disgusted with the system. Asheville, NC 28802 12. Additional Information Performs other duties as assigned by the Supervisor, the Income Maintenance Administrator and the Director. Family members had warned social workers multiple times she was in danger and had received no response from DSS, according to the Smoky Mountain News. Swanson is currently the Social Work Program Administrator for Buncombe County Health and Human Services where she provides . The district attorneys office decided that the evidence justified charges of misdemeanor child abuse, but not a felony. She died during the winter, wearing only a T-shirt and her diaper. Blevins pointed out that the police report says the officer hung up on the DSS worker who was trying to take the report. In some cases, people may have kept enough records and can present a credible account shored up by documentation. The state and counties, which implement state and federal policies at a local level, need to commit to make the changes, he said. "What I have really appreciated lately is the internal support function," he said. While Blevins said that confidentiality rules forbade him from talking about this specific case, he did entertain a hypothetical question. Its regretful there were some communications mishaps, said Cherokee County DSS Director Amanda McGee in a later interview on WKRK, a radio station in Murphy. The study showed that correctly ranking the risk to children can be a difficult task, and even supervisors can incorrectly screen hypothetical child welfare cases. So, we fund a position to work at the hospital so that we can respond to these situations as soon as that baby is delivered. P.O. She died during the winter, wearing only a T-shirt and her diaper. Addison was placed in foster care in Transylvania County. Secure websites use HTTPS certificates. The DSS Director works with the Social Services Advisory Board and reports directly to the County Manager's Office acting on behalf of the Board of Commissioners. DSS seized children during a drug raid that found no evidence and was conducted at the wrong house on warrants intended for a search elsewhere. Over time, many families have contacted Carolina Public Press about child protective services concerns. CPP is not naming the adults because naming them could identify the young children. He said a social worker now shows up every time a law enforcement officer requests such a presence and will perform the intake report at the scene. BUNCOMBE COUNTY - IM CASEWORKER II VARIOUS PROGRAMS - OPEN UNTIL FILLED DURHAM COUNTY - ASST. Years before she died, she worked with departments of social services in multiple counties to arrange for Reeves mother to care for the older son. Buncombe County is basically my entire professional career at this point," Scott said. A laterindependent investigationinto Moore Countys Department of Social Services revealed that overworked caseworkers did not visit the mother as they were supposed to, and the department did not properly supervise its caseworkers to ensure they followed state law and policy, according to the Fayetteville Observer. The elected district attorney, Ashley Welch, told CPP then that she took an unusual step of filing a motion to compel DSS to provide documents after her office was repeatedly denied an opportunity to view the records. A week later, the mother of two was found dead in a New Jersey motel room. Response times to child welfare reports vary depending on how much risk the child is in. "The county is in a strong financial position, so I think it makes the work that we do easier.". A judge granted the request. State Courier #: 12-50-02 Christian Smith is the general assignment reporter for the Asheville Citizen-Times. Categories. Counties removing children at more than 150% of the state average rate were marked high, while those removing children at 200% or more are marked very high. 2001 Mail Service Center Lets start meeting and talking and get ready to kick these rats out. Carolina Public Press is an independent nonprofit news organization dedicated to nonpartisan, in-depth and investigative news built upon the facts and context North Carolinians need to know. Legislators grill Buncombe DSS director, who disputes Black Mountain cops, intake procedures differ widely among counties, Legislators subpoena Buncombe official over DSS handling of childs case, Stories recount concerns with DSS agencies across North Carolina, Change in NC rent aid programs could force counties to pull from their own budgets, Mining in your backyard: The story of Mountain Mist Mine and the neighbors contesting it, part two, Mining in your backyard: The story of Mountain Mist Mine and the neighbors contesting it, part one, Teen girls engulfed in a growing wave of sadness, violence and trauma, latest youth survey shows, Looming cuts to emergency SNAP benefits threaten food security in rural America, Taking a moonshot at early colorectal cancer detection in northeastern NC, Your support funds important public interest journalism, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. The North Carolina General Assembly meets in the State Legislative Building in Raleigh, seen here in Feb. 2018.