State health department will temporarily take over Davidson County’s DSS child welfare services – WXII

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Assumes Temporary Control of Davidson County Child Welfare Services

Background and Context

In response to critical concerns regarding child welfare, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced a temporary takeover of child welfare services at Davidson County’s Social Services Department (DSS). This intervention follows the tragic death of a child in DSS custody, which prompted a comprehensive departmental review initiated in April 2024.

Findings and Actions Taken

1. Initial Review: The NCDHHS review uncovered numerous issues jeopardizing the safety and well-being of children under Davidson County’s child welfare services.
2. Corrective Action Plan (CAP): In July 2024, Davidson County’s Social Services was placed on a CAP to address identified deficiencies.
3. Escalation of Oversight: By November 2025, the NCDHHS escalated the CAP, deploying a dedicated team to collaborate closely with the DSS director.
4. Further Concerns: Continued monitoring revealed additional challenges related to the county’s capacity to effectively manage child welfare services.

Stakeholder Support and Historical Context

• Davidson County leadership and the DSS have expressed support for the state’s intervention.
• This marks the sixth occasion on which the NCDHHS has assumed control over a county Department of Social Services to safeguard child welfare.

Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDGs Addressed by the Intervention

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Ensuring the safety and well-being of children aligns with promoting healthy lives and well-being for all ages.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The state’s action aims to protect vulnerable children, reducing inequalities in access to safe and effective social services.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – Strengthening child welfare institutions supports the development of accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels.

Contribution to Sustainable Development

The NCDHHS’s proactive measures demonstrate a commitment to sustainable social development by:

• Enhancing institutional capacity to protect children’s rights and safety.
• Implementing corrective strategies to improve service delivery and accountability.
• Fostering collaboration between state and local agencies to ensure long-term welfare improvements.

Conclusion

The temporary takeover of Davidson County’s child welfare services by the NCDHHS represents a critical step towards safeguarding vulnerable children and advancing key Sustainable Development Goals. Continued oversight and support are essential to restore and strengthen the county’s capacity to provide safe, equitable, and effective social services.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Focus on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, including child health and safety.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Emphasizes promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable institutions.
   • Relevant due to the oversight and intervention in social services to protect children’s rights and welfare.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Indirectly relevant as social services often address vulnerabilities linked to poverty affecting children’s welfare.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.2: End preventable deaths of newborns and children under 5 years of age.
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
3. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Child Mortality Rate
   • Implied by the mention of a child’s death in custody, relevant to SDG 3 Target 3.2.
2. Incidence of Child Abuse or Neglect Cases
   • Implied by concerns over child safety and well-being in social services, linked to SDG 16 Target 16.2.
3. Effectiveness of Social Services Institutions
   • Implied by the corrective action plans and state intervention, relevant to SDG 16 Target 16.6.
4. Coverage of Social Protection Systems
   • Implied by the role of social services in child welfare, linked to SDG 1 Target 1.3.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wxii12.com