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16 <br /> 1 Child welfare services consists of several components: prevention; assessment or investigation <br /> 2 of child safety; provision of protective services to families; and, foster care/placement services. <br /> 3 Much of the work of the Department of Social Services involves the District Court and only the <br /> 4 courts can make decisions regarding child custody. <br /> 5 <br /> 6 The last several years have brought many challenges to DSS programs. First, there is a national <br /> 7 shortage of social workers, particularly social workers working in child welfare positions. When <br /> 8 there are staff shortages, DSS struggles to meet all the needs of children and families as well as <br /> 9 all the regulations. <br /> 10 <br /> 11 Another challenge is finding appropriate services for families and children. The impacts of the <br /> 12 pandemic and the current substance use issues are seen in many of the families served in child <br /> 13 welfare services. The lack of health insurance or Medicaid for these parents is yet another barrier <br /> 14 for them. Finding therapeutic placements and services has been particularly difficult and counties <br /> 15 are often left with few options for the children in their care. <br /> 16 <br /> 17 DSS, with the support of county management, has been working to address the issues outlined <br /> 18 above. DSS will present these efforts as well as plans for the future for input and direction. <br /> 19 <br /> 20 Nancy Coston, Department of Social Services Director introduced the item and Crystal <br /> 21 Mitchell, DSS Human Services Manager. Crystal Mitchell made the following presentation: <br /> 22 <br /> 23 Slide #1 <br /> ORANGE <br /> COUNTY <br /> NOWFH CAROLINA <br /> Social Services <br /> Child Welfare Updates and Planning <br /> March 21, 2023 <br /> 24 <br /> 25 <br /> 26 <br /> 27 <br />