RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) – With some kids forced to spend the night in social services offices, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services on Friday announced new funding to try to get more reliable and safe options for children.
The state says on average each week, 32 kids are living in Department of Social Services offices across North Carolina because there is no appropriate place to send them.
“There are no beds in the DSS offices. There are also DSS offices that don’t have things such as showers or a way to prepare meals,” said Adrian Daye, deputy director for child welfare services for NCDHHS and former director of social services in Alamance County. “That’s challenging for the child who has also experienced trauma. So, this is not a place where they need to be.”
The state established the DSS Emergency Placement Fund as a pilot program authorized by the General Assembly for children with complex behavioral health needs. There’s nearly $2.3 million in funding for this year and $5.5 million for next year. The money comes from the bonus the state is receiving from the federal government for agreeing to expand Medicaid coverage last year.