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Person County DSS reports PATH implementation, new engagement events and staffing progress
Summary
DSS leaders reported implementation of the statewide PATH CPS system, new community engagement initiatives (—Huddle Up—), internal committees, and active recruitments for a permanent director and child-welfare manager to increase capacity and responsiveness.
Person County social services leaders briefed commissioners on March 16 about operational improvements and community outreach designed to raise service awareness and improve case-handling capacity.
Ashley Stowell, assistant human services director, described quarterly "Huddle Up with Human Services" events and other outreach (job fairs, National Night Out, MDT meetings) intended to strengthen partnerships and public awareness of DSS programs. Deputy Director Christy Perry and DSS leadership said the department has stood up several internal committees (customer service, community engagement, employee engagement) and piloted practical changes to reception areas and records handling to make offices more welcoming and secure.
DSS staff also outlined the implementation of PATH, the statewide electronic system for child protective services intake and assessments that launched for the county in November 2025. Staff said the new system accelerated assessment timelines: a larger share of cases now require initiation within eight or 24 hours, rather than the prior 72-hour window, which has affected staffing and workflow. County leaders highlighted FY27 position requests and recent hires intended to increase child-welfare capacity and said recruitments are underway for a permanent DSS director and a child-welfare program manager.
Commissioners praised the presentations and encouraged continued community outreach. The board thanked DSS for monthly updates and noted that the human-services advisory committee has been formed, with the first meeting held March 11.
