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CHANGE # 05-2008
June 2008
Under N.C.G.S. §108A, Article 3, the Department of Health and Human Services is designated as the single state agency responsible for administering or supervising the administration of programs of Social Services established under the Social Security Act, other Federal laws or regulations, State appropriations and other non-federal sources. Direct administration of the programs is carried out through the local county Department of Social Services. The North Carolina Division of Social Services is responsible for developing policy that is in keeping with state and federal law and that represents best practice guidance; provision of training for county staff; and administering state-wide initiatives. Supervision of the local agencies is carried out through the issuance and interpretation of policies; provision of consultation and technical assistance; conducting biennial reviews of program performance; and establishing program improvement plans as needed to ensure that policies, standards, and methods are in operation to achieve safety for children. If a county agency is unable to correct agency practice so that adequate protective services are provided, the Division of Social Services has the authority to assume direct responsibility for providing services.
The Department of Social Services is the central agency in each county's child protection system. As such, it has several purposes: to receive reports of suspected child abuse, neglect, or dependency; to identify and protect children who have been abused, neglected, or are dependent or are at imminent risk; and to provide or arrange for services to help families meet their children's basic needs and to help families reduce the likelihood of maltreatment occurring in the future.
The Department of Social Services shall also provide regular community awareness and public education programs on recognizing and reporting abuse, neglect, and dependency. Community Coordination and cooperation in service provision are required essentials to achieving good family-centered practice for each agency and System of Care recognizes the importance of collaboration among all community based agencies that serve children and families.
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For questions or clarification on any of the policy contained in these manuals, please contact your local county office.
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