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Raleigh -- March 23, 2022 The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services today unveiled a
unified action plan to address the critical problem of children with severe behavioral health needs who are placed in foster care. The action plan is the result of the efforts of a multi-sector group of stakeholders who are working to change how child welfare, mental health, and other systems that serve children and families collaborate.
Children in crisis who have been placed in the care of child welfare agencies require immediate protection in safe and supportive surroundings capable of meeting their physical and mental health care needs. Unfortunately, the number of children who require these services vastly outnumbers the available facilities and resources.
The multi-sector Child Welfare and Family Well-being Transformation Team was created by NCDHHS to explore prevention and treatment options to assist every child and family facing adversity in coping, repairing, and healing. Leaders from across NCDHHS, as well as stakeholders from hospitals, private agencies, Local Management Entities, county DSS offices, practitioners, attorneys, parents, and individuals who have lived experience, make up the Transformation Team.
"This action plan is a key first step toward providing better and urgently needed treatment to children with complex behavioral health needs in crisis," said NCDHHS Chief Deputy Secretary Susan Gale Perry. "I am proud and appreciative for the work of the Transformation Team members, who share our goal of every kid in North Carolina growing up in a safe, caring family and community with the opportunity to reach their full potential."
The action plan includes techniques for connecting children to expanded care placement alternatives as fast as possible, ensuring that they receive the best available care and support. It also includes plans to enhance treatment options and avoid children from being taken from their homes or being placed in various settings.
Mecklenburg County Director of Social Services John Eller remarked, "County Departments of Social Services have valued collaborating with NCDHHS and multiple partners on the Coordinated Action Plan with initiatives that can help children in our care now." "The children in our care frequently have extremely complex needs as a result of the enormous trauma they and their family have endured. We are prepared to work together to help these children and families achieve better outcomes."
The Transformation Team's Action Plan is the first of a series of proposed preventative, family stabilization, and treatment strategies.
"This Action Plan highlights the type of multi-sector collaboration NCDHHS is dedicated to leading as we build on the lessons learned and skills established during the pandemic to recover stronger," NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley said. "Investing in behavioral health and resilience, supporting child and family wellbeing, and establishing a strong and inclusive workforce are three of our top goals. It won't be simple, but by coordinating our efforts across these three areas, we can end the catastrophe for children with complex needs and their families."
Wnctimes by Marjorie Farrington
