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2 <br /> Orange County <br /> Community Child Protection Team <br /> 2023 Annual Report <br /> Overview <br /> The 1991 General Statute 7-B-Article 14 of the North Carolina Juvenile Code established a Community Child <br /> Protection Team (CCPT) in every county in North Carolina to review active cases as selected by the team in <br /> which abuse, neglect or dependency is found. Each local team consists of representatives of public and <br /> nonpublic agencies in the community such as law enforcement, Guardian Ad Litem, health departments, <br /> among others that provide services to children and their families. <br /> The case reviews are to ensure that families have resources available to them, to enhance their ability to <br /> provide safe environments for their children, to inform the community regarding child protection issues that <br /> impact the ability of families to protect their children, to facilitate collaboration of team and community <br /> resources in order to protect vulnerable children, and to make recommendations for legislative changes. <br /> Activities and Findings <br /> The CCPT reviewed the cases of nine families with 16 children who were recently or actively involved with <br /> Child Protective Services (CPS). These reviews occurred over five separate meetings. The team assisted in <br /> identifying resources for children. Recommendations were made regarding follow-up. <br /> a. Substance abuse was an issue for six families. <br /> b. Domestic violence was an issue for five families. <br /> c. One family involved near fatality. <br /> Actions and Accomplishments <br /> • Met five times in 2023 to review child protection and child fatality cases. In depth discussion with <br /> identification of needs and subsequent recommendations occurred. <br /> • Discussed the prevalence of fentanyl in the community and the impact on children and families. <br /> Discussed how to increase awareness and harm prevention. The Department of Social Services and <br /> Emergency Services coordinated to provide training to the Department of Social Services about the <br /> administration of naloxone and fentanyl test strips. Naloxone and fentanyl test strips are available to <br /> staff at the Department of Social Services and provided directly to Child Protective Services Social <br /> Workers. <br /> • Disseminated material at the Orange County "Be Well" Community Wellness event related to CPS <br /> reporting, Safe Sleep, Positive Parenting, Safe Firearm Storage, and Safe Medication (edibles) storage. <br /> Recommendations <br /> 1. Enhance and expand treatment and placement options for youth with complex behavioral health, <br /> substance use, and mental health needs. <br /> 2. Increase inpatient substance abuse/mental health treatment facilities for parents and children to be co- <br /> located. <br /> 3. Increase awareness in the community about Medicaid Expansion. <br />