Burke County advocates call for urgent child mental health resources and support

The Burke County Board of Commissioners convened on April 21, 2025, for their regular meeting, which featured a significant focus on child welfare and mental health services in the community. The meeting began with informal public comments, where three speakers addressed pressing issues affecting children in the county.

The first speaker, Kelly Pearson, a guardian ad litem and adoptive mother of four children with special needs, highlighted the urgent need for improved mental health services for children facing developmental challenges. Pearson expressed gratitude for the county's efforts in utilizing settlement funds but urged the board to prioritize mental health resources. She emphasized the overwhelming demand for timely counseling services, noting that families often wait weeks or months for appointments. Pearson called for emergency mental health resources that are responsive and child-focused, rather than relying on emergency room triage, which she described as inadequate.

Following Pearson, Amy Kinkade, the district administrator for the Guardian ad Litem program, echoed similar concerns regarding child welfare. Kinkade thanked the board for their proclamation recognizing Child Abuse Prevention Month and urged them to prioritize the welfare of children in the county's custody. She reported alarming conditions, including children sleeping at the Department of Social Services due to a lack of resources. Kinkade stressed that the needs of these children should take precedence over other county projects and called for community involvement in fostering initiatives.

The final speaker, Kathy Helms, expressed her appreciation for the meeting's opening prayer and contributed to the discussion on the importance of community support for children in need.

The meeting underscored the critical issues surrounding child welfare and mental health services in Burke County, with speakers advocating for immediate action and investment in these areas. The board's response to these concerns will be closely watched as the community seeks solutions to support its most vulnerable members.