The Rutherford County Social Services Board convened on September 17, 2025, to address pressing issues regarding staffing and funding within the child welfare system. The meeting highlighted the impact of the state's Child and Family Specialty Plan (CFSP), which aims to enhance support for foster children, particularly those with mental health challenges.

During the discussions, it was revealed that the state has contracted with Elevance, also known as Healthy Blue, to hire 400 workers across seven regions, with Rutherford County being Region 2. Currently, six workers from the county have transitioned to these positions, which offer significantly higher salaries—between $15,000 to $20,000 more than what local agencies can provide. This disparity, coupled with benefits such as retirement security and reduced on-call responsibilities, has led to concerns about retaining skilled personnel in child welfare roles.

Board members expressed frustration over the challenges of maintaining a robust workforce in the face of these competitive offers. The conversation underscored the importance of recruiting and retaining staff to prevent state intervention in local services, as the county's performance metrics remain favorable. However, the increasing number of open positions raises concerns about the sustainability of these services.

To mitigate staffing shortages, the board has ramped up the use of contract workers, reportedly employing more than ten individuals who have prior experience and state vetting. This strategy aims to ensure that the department can respond effectively to the needs of the community while navigating the ongoing challenges posed by workforce turnover.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue monitoring staffing levels and to conduct exit interviews for departing employees to gather feedback. The board remains focused on maintaining high standards of service delivery despite the difficulties presented by the current labor market.