Effective Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Bertie County Department of Social Services (BCDSS), as authorized under state law. This is the fifth time NCDHHS has taken over a county’s department of social services and the first time a county DSS has been taken over twice.
Bertie County and BCDSS leadership are aware and have expressed support of this temporary action.
"We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in North Carolina," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "By taking this urgent action, we will work collaboratively with Bertie County leadership to strengthen the county’s practice, delivery and administration of child welfare services."
"We care greatly for the safety of children and families in Bertie and across the state," said Corey Ballance Sr., Chair of the Board of Bertie County Commissioners. "We are grateful for this work.”
NCDHHS initiated a review of child welfare services in Bertie County in December 2024 after learning about the fatality of a child previously involved with BCDSS. Subsequent information gathered during NCDHHS’ communication with BCDSS leadership and staff magnified the Department’s concerns about the county’s capacity to deliver child welfare services in accordance with law, rule and policy.
NCDHHS staff will be on site at the BCDSS during this interim period and will work closely with County staff to manage andstabilize child welfare services as well as develop a plan to bring it into compliance with all applicable laws and appropriate practices. This temporary action is authorized under N.C.G.S. § 108A-74.