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Damaged roads, displaced people and spotty internet create headaches for NC county Department of Social Services agencies protecting children and others after Helene.

In North Carolina, local social service departments are able to skirt hiring standards set by the state. In some cases, an unqualified director and lack of oversight have severely affected families' wellbeing.

Many people receiving Food and Nutrition Services benefits in North Carolina could see their monthly allotments decrease in May if the Biden administration does not extend the public health emergency declaration by April 15.

Some states prevent, remove or closely supervise unqualified supervisors in counties. Most states avoid the issue through state-managed social services. NC lags behind other decentralized states in DSS funding.

Uneven resources contribute to lower pay for Department of Social Services workers and directors in many rural counties, sometimes forcing them to hire unqualified people when no one else applies.

One county faces millions in liability due to actions under director hired without meeting qualifications, despite having at least one applicant who met standards. State agencies say they can’t do anything to stop this.

According to a report by The Associated Press, the Cherokee Department of Social Services has been systematically and illegally removing children from…

According to a report by The Associated Press, the Cherokee Department of Social Services has been systematically and illegally removing children from…

From 2011 to 2016, more than 120 children died in North Carolina within a year of their cases being referred to social services, according to a new…

From 2011 to 2016, more than 120 children died in North Carolina within a year of their cases being referred to social services, according to a new…