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Durham proclaims National Foster Care Month as director urges focus on reunification
Summary
At the meeting the board proclaimed May 2025 National Foster Care Month; Durham Department of Social Services Director Clapp emphasized reunification, cited 118 family visits in April and said the county must honor resource and foster parents while preparing for federal/state program changes.
The Durham County Board of Commissioners proclaimed May 2025 as National Foster Care Month and heard a presentation from the county's child welfare leadership stressing reunification and support for foster and resource parents.
Director Clapp told commissioners the child welfare system faces significant challenges and emphasized the county's commitment to reunification rather than foster-to-adopt placements. "This is a foster to reunify," Clapp said, adding that resource parents and foster families are a critical part of the county's approach. Clapp noted expanded family visit hours and that in April the county recorded 118 family visits. The proclamation also recited local figures: as of April 30, 2025 there were 187 children and youth in foster care in Durham County and 32 young adults ages 18'21 in extended foster care.
Commissioners, including Valentine, Burton and Jacobs, thanked social-services staff and acknowledged the pressure of potential state and federal aid changes that could affect benefit programs. No budgetary action was taken at the meeting, but several public commenters linked requests for early defense and other community supports to efforts to prevent traumatic family separation.
