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