DSS asks commissioners to back single-county adult multidisciplinary team under new state law

The Department of Social Services asked the board for direction on forming a statutory adult multidisciplinary team (MDT) under a recent state law that creates a framework for information sharing and formal membership.

Candace Goble, a DSS representative, explained that a statutory MDT would allow appropriate information sharing across agencies to better address abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults. The statute prescribes which partners should be involved, including social services, local law enforcement, the district attorney’s office, public guardians, mental health professionals, public health representatives, health-care providers, an Area Agency on Aging representative and a victim advocate; the team chair may also appoint additional designated members.

Goble recommended a single-county MDT for Alamance so the team could focus on county-specific needs rather than joining a multi-county consortium with differing resources. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about membership, whether financial institutions should be on the team (to assist with exploitation investigations), staffing and vacancy rates in social services.

Goble said social services currently faces staffing vacancies (she described a recurring "hump" of around 29–30 vacancies) and that the work is traumatic, but noted the county already collaborates across partners and that a statutory MDT would strengthen coordination and reporting to the DSS Board and the Board of Commissioners.

Commissioner (unnamed) moved to support the director’s recommendation for a single-county MDT; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

The board directed staff to return with a recommended roster and formal appointment needs for commissioner consideration.