Residents raise child‑welfare and DSS concerns in Cabarrus public comment

Several Cabarrus County residents used the meeting’s public‑comment period to raise serious concerns about the county Department of Social Services (DSS), including allegations that reports of child maltreatment had been blocked and that temporary custody forms were being misused.

Jeter Anderson told commissioners that when he attempted to report suspected maltreatment “my reports get blocked,” and he said he had been told by county staff he was “not allowed to have concerns anymore.” Anderson said he believed a child taken into DSS custody was receiving medical injections inconsistent with the child's needs and urged county officials to investigate.

Another speaker, Jerry Anderson, said his family had been affected by DSS removals and accused DSS of “overstepping” authority with temporary custody forms. Anderson said his daughter has multiple mental‑health diagnoses and suggested mistakes or improper transfers of custody may have occurred.

Public commenters asked the board to ensure that intake reports are forwarded and investigated rather than transferred to other jurisdictions. Jeter Anderson said a report was routed to Charlotte DSS and described that step as effectively ending follow‑up in Cabarrus County. Commissioners did not take formal action on the statements during the meeting; several members acknowledged the comments and suggested staff follow up.

The comments drew strong emotion from attendees. The board’s clerk instructed speakers on the three‑minute public‑comment limit, and commissioners said they would refer specific claims to appropriate staff or law‑enforcement channels for review when warranted.

No formal vote or directive altering DSS policy was recorded on March 17; residents’ remarks were entered into the meeting record as public comment for potential follow‑up by county staff.