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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: March 17, 2026 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 4-b <br /> SUBJECT: Department of Social Services Protective Services Overview Presentation <br /> DEPARTMENT: Social Services <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Presentation Crystal Wiese, 919-245-2767 <br /> Adult Protective Services Overview Lindsey Shewmaker, 919-245-2817 <br /> Adult Guardianship Overview <br /> PURPOSE: To receive an overview presentation on protective services, specifically Child <br /> Protective Services and Adult Protective Services, from Orange County Department of Social <br /> Services' staff. <br /> BACKGROUND: Protective services in North Carolina includes Child Protective Services and <br /> Adult Protective Services and are managed by local county Departments of Social Services with <br /> support and supervision provided by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human <br /> Services. Child Protective Services investigates abuse, neglect, and dependency of children <br /> under age 18, while Adult Protective Services protects disabled adults, age 18 and above, from <br /> abuse, neglect, and exploitation. These are mandated services under North Carolina General <br /> Statute (NCGS) 7B for Child Protective Services, and NCGS 108A, Article 6 for Adult Protective <br /> Services, and are governed by a combination of State and federal law and policy. <br /> In fiscal year 2024-25, the Orange County Department of Social Services investigated 526 reports <br /> of suspected child maltreatment. During the same time, the Department also evaluated 156 <br /> reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of disabled adults. <br /> The Department of Social Services works with community partners and stakeholders to assess <br /> and investigate reports and intervenes when appropriate to provide services and safety plans. <br /> The attached presentation provides a basic overview of the processes involved with Child <br /> Protective Services and Adult Protective Services as well as NCGS references and links for more <br /> detailed information. <br /> FINANCIAL IMPACT: This informational presentation has no financial impact. <br /> ALIGNMENT WITH STRATEGIC PLAN: This item supports: <br /> • GOAL 2: HEALTHY COMMUNITY <br /> OBJECTIVE 3. Provide social safety net programming and the resources needed for our <br /> most vulnerable community members (e.g., veterans, unhoused people, foster children, <br /> older adults, etc.). <br /> RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends that the Board receive the information on <br /> protective services offered by the Department of Social Services and provide any comments and <br /> questions. <br />