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Human Services director outlines reforms, partnerships and programs to strengthen child safety
Summary
Director Sarah Brewer described internal reforms, quality-control reviews, a new program manager role and community partnerships to improve child-safety casework; commissioners approved energy outreach and subsidized child-care plans and a resolution to honor Pastor Wishon.
Sarah Brewer, director of the county’s children's services, told commissioners on May 18 that in six months on the job she has implemented internal protocols and quality-control processes to strengthen casework and compliance under a state corrective action plan. Brewer said the department created a dedicated children's services program manager position (Carla Reed), an on-call staffing model to reduce worker burnout, weekly internal case reviews using the state's review tool, and a permanency critical-case staffing team to move long-term foster cases toward stable arrangements.
Brewer described growing in-home services to support families before custody is needed, a mock trial training to prepare workers for court testimony, and the expansion of a links (18–21) program that includes social events, educational assessments and work on transitional housing for youth aging out of care. She told the board she has invited state representatives into monthly budget and case reviews to maximize reimbursements and improve practice.
On consent items earlier in the meeting, the board approved an annual energy programs outreach plan and a subsidized child-care assistance plan that formalizes waiting-list prioritization; both motions were moved, seconded and approved. Commissioners also approved a staff motion directing the county to pursue ways to honor Pastor Wishon for his role starting a local children’s home; that motion passed by voice vote.
Brewer named school-district and nonprofit partners—McDowell County Schools, Department of Juvenile Justice, Grace Community Church, Children’s Home Society and others—and said those partnerships are central to the department’s strategy to improve prevention, supports and pathways to permanency. She closed by asking commissioners for continued support as the department implements changes that aim to reduce turnover and improve outcomes for children and families.
Next steps: staff will continue the state partnership on reimbursements, advance the links housing effort with community partners and return with any budget or program requests needed to sustain the reforms.
