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Onslow County DSS seeks foster families; program adds trauma-informed TIPs MAPS curriculum
Summary
Onslow County Department of Social Services said it currently has just over 100 children in its custody and is recruiting licensed foster families. Staff described a 30-hour, trauma-informed curriculum called TIPs MAPS and said foster families have partnership supports and options for respite placements.
Representatives from the Onslow County Department of Social Services described the agency's recruitment of foster families and the department's use of a trauma-informed curriculum.
"We currently have a little over 100 children," said Dodonna Coulter of Onslow County DSS. Alexis Williams explained the training: "We use a curriculum called TIPs MAPS. That is a 30 hour curriculum that the foster parents undergo in order to meet licensure for the state of North Carolina. TIPs MAPS stands for trauma informed partnerships for safety and permanence."
Staff said the curriculum helps potential foster parents understand trauma effects, manage behaviors, find community resources and decide collaboratively whether fostering is appropriate at a given time. The department emphasized that reunification with families remains the frequent goal when appropriate and that foster families receive ongoing support during placements.
DSS staff described both long-term and respite foster arrangements and said respite placements are sometimes needed to cover short gaps, emergencies or to give primary foster families a break.
People interested in learning more or beginning the licensing process were directed to the county website landing page or to email fplicensing@onslowcountync.gov; callers may also request to speak to a licensing worker at DSS.
