Surry County social services reports staffing gains, higher child-support collections

Sharon Schudeman, director of Surry County Social Services, told the Board of Commissioners on April 20 that the department now employs 136 people with nine current openings and is close to full staffing after a difficult period for the agency.

Schudeman highlighted program growth and outcomes, including a prevention program launched in August 2025 that has received 45 referrals and accepted 25 participants, and foster-care statistics showing 18 adoptions in the past year and 143 children currently in foster care, down from 170 in November. "We have 136 employees that work for us," Schudeman said, noting the agency had only nine open positions.

She also cited child-support collections, saying, "So we have over $2,000,000, total collections," and told commissioners that child-support efforts are already exceeding this year's goals at 102 percent. Schudeman described staffing improvements in adult services and child welfare, including 21 licensed foster homes (up from six when she started) and expanded reunification efforts; she said timelines vary and reunification can take up to about a year depending on parents' engagement.

During follow-up, Commissioner Hite asked whether outside agencies assist with reunification case management. Schudeman said Vanguard provides some services such as supervised father visits but that the department is carrying most casework while newly hired staff settle into their roles.

The report was presented as an informational update; no vote or formal action was taken. Schudeman said she will present more detail during the department's upcoming budget presentation.