State Assumes Control of Bertie County Child Welfare Services Amid Safety Concerns

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has taken decisive action by assuming temporary leadership of child welfare services in Bertie County, effective Friday, August 15, 2025.

 

This intervention marks the fifth instance of the state exercising its authority to oversee a county's Department of Social Services (DSS) and notably, the first occasion where a county's DSS has been placed under state control twice.

 

The decision follows a comprehensive review initiated in December 2024, prompted by the tragic death of a child previously involved with the Bertie County Department of Social Services (BCDSS).

 

Subsequent findings raised significant concerns about the county's capacity to deliver child welfare services in compliance with established laws and policies.

 

In a statement, NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai emphasized the department's commitment to child safety: "We take very seriously our responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in North Carolina."

 

He further stated, "By taking this urgent action, we will work collaboratively with Bertie County leadership to strengthen the county’s practice, delivery, and administration of child welfare services."

 

Corey Ballance Sr., Chair of the Board of Bertie County Commissioners, expressed support for the state's intervention: "We care greatly for the safety of children and families in Bertie and across the state. We are grateful for this work."

 

The state's involvement is authorized under N.C.G.S. § 108A-74, which permits NCDHHS to assume control when a county's DSS fails to meet required standards.

 

During this interim period, NCDHHS staff will be on-site at BCDSS, collaborating closely with county personnel to manage and stabilize child welfare services.

 

The goal is to develop a comprehensive plan to bring the department into full compliance with all applicable laws and best practices.

 

This is not the first time Bertie County has faced such intervention.

 

In May 2022, NCDHHS temporarily assumed control of BCDSS due to systemic deficiencies, including inadequate training and supervision.

 

At that time, County Manager Juan Vaughan II acknowledged the necessity of the state's action, stating, "We have a responsibility to make sure that children in Bertie County are safe and healthy."

 

The recurrence of state intervention underscores ongoing challenges within the county's child welfare system.

 

In response to similar issues statewide, the Fostering Care in NC Act was signed into law on June 26, 2025.

 

This legislation aims to standardize child welfare practices across all 100 counties, enhancing the state's oversight and ensuring consistent protection for children.

 

Under this act, NCDHHS has expanded authority to review child protective services cases and intervene when necessary to safeguard children's well-being.

 

The recent developments in Bertie County highlight the critical importance of robust and compliant child welfare services.

 

As NCDHHS works alongside local officials, the focus remains on implementing sustainable improvements to protect the county's most vulnerable residents.

 

Community members and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged as these efforts progress.

 

Ensuring the safety and well-being of children is a collective responsibility, and the collaboration between state and county officials is a pivotal step toward achieving this goal.