Topics Related to Children Services

NC Early Childhood Summit Takes Place Wednesday

Stakeholders from across the state in early childhood health, education and child welfare will gather Wednesday for the 2019 NC Early Childhood Summit in Raleigh to launch the release of the NC Early Childhood Action Plan.
 
Speakers include Governor Roy Cooper, NC Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy K. Cohen, M.D., former Governor James B. Hunt Jr., North Carolina First Lady Kristin Cooper and a keynote address by Dr. Jack Shonkoff, director of the Harvard Center on the Developing Child.

DHHS Seeks Public Input on Draft North Carolina Early Childhood Action Plan by Nov. 30

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today released a draft of the state’s Early Childhood Action Plan, following Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order in August directing DHHS to spearhead the development of a statewide early childhood plan. The public is encouraged to review and comment on the draft plan by Nov. 30. 

DHHS Makes it Easier for WIC Program Participants Affected by Hurricane Florence to Access Benefits and Services

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has announced flexibility for families enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program to help those affected by Hurricane Florence. This temporary flexibility will apply to participants enrolled in the WIC program whose WIC office is closed or experiencing hardships related to impacts from the hurricane.  

Independent Assessment and Recommendations for Child Welfare and Social Services Reform Released

The Center for the Support of Families today released two preliminary reform plans, one for child welfare and one for social services. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will use the preliminary recommendations as a roadmap to identify ways to improve support to and oversight of social services programs, enhance child safety and protect children from harm.

Governor Cooper Directs DHHS to Create and Lead State Action Plan to Improve Early Childhood Outcomes

Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order directing North Carolina to create an Early Childhood Action Plan. The plan to be developed by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will be devoted to the health, safety, and developmental and academic readiness of young children across the state.

Statement on Cherokee County Department of Social Services

Effective Monday, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily assume leadership of child welfare services at the Cherokee County Department of Social Services, as authorized under state law.

DHHS Begins Reform of Social Services

The N.C. Department of Health Human Services' Division of Social Services collaborated with the Office of State Budget and Management, which today released a request for proposal seeking a qualified vendor to conduct assessments of the state's current social services and child welfare programs and develop a comprehensive plan for reform. Proposals are due Nov. 16, and a contract will be in place by March 1, 2018.

Child Welfare Services Implements NC FAST Pilot in Five Counties

The new technology will also enable cross-county communication when families move across county lines, with the goal of better protecting the more than 11,000 children and youth in foster care and 125,000 children who receive Child Protective Services assessments each year.

N.C. Teens in Foster Care May Receive Services Until Age 21

Teens in foster care in North Carolina may continue receiving support services from their 18th to their 21st birthdays through Foster Care 18 to 21, which begins Jan. 1. 

N.C. DHHS Focuses Attention on Adoption Awareness

In recognition of November as Adoption Awareness Month, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services thanked families and professionals in the adoption community during an event held Nov. 20 on the eve of Adoption Awareness Day.