Burke County DSS reports hiring surge and updates on foster care services

Burke County officials reported significant progress in staffing and foster care services during the March 3, 2025 Pre-Agenda Meeting. The county currently has 20 open full-time positions, reflecting a 10% vacancy rate, a notable improvement from previous months. In January, the county experienced seven separations and five new hires, while February saw a positive shift with only two separations and ten new hires, indicating a trend towards stabilization in staffing.

The meeting also highlighted the current state of foster care in Burke County. There are 17 licensed foster homes, with 12 actively providing placements for children. However, the county recently lost three licensed homes, primarily due to the hiring of licensed foster parents as social workers, which necessitated the transfer of their licenses. This situation underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining a robust foster care system, as five families currently do not have children placed in their homes for various personal reasons.

To address the need for more foster parents, the county has implemented a diligent recruitment plan, engaging with community organizations and hosting informational sessions. Recent outreach efforts included events at local churches and screenings of the film "Sound of Hope," aimed at raising awareness about the foster care process.

In addition to foster care updates, the meeting featured presentations from adult services supervisors. They discussed various programs designed to support adults in need, including the Community Alternatives Program (CAP), which helps individuals remain in their homes rather than entering nursing facilities. Currently, the CAP program serves 51 clients, with a capacity for 88, highlighting a backlog in processing applications at the state level.

The Adult Protective Services (APS) program was also addressed, which investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The county has three social workers dedicated to APS cases, ensuring timely evaluations and necessary interventions.

Overall, the discussions during the meeting reflect Burke County's commitment to improving its social services, particularly in staffing and foster care, while also addressing the needs of its adult population. The county aims to continue these efforts to enhance community support and service delivery in the coming months.