Residents accuse Durham County Department of Social Services of no-contact orders and failures; county schedules briefing

Two in-person speakers and one virtual commenter used the board's public comment period to raise concerns about the Department of Social Services.

Antoinette Hawes told the board that a DSS director had filed a no-contact order against a community leader and said the agency was avoiding accountability: "The children are not receiving their visits. The parents are not getting the representation." She urged the board to hold the department accountable.

Amanda Wallace, joining virtually and identifying herself as founder of Operation Stop CPS, said the county had issued a no-contact order against her and claimed the order prevented her from attending public Durham County meetings. Wallace also stated a data point and an allegation: "Over 70 percent of the children in Durham County custody are Black," and added, "This system is a tool to control black bodies." She said she expects to pursue the matter in court.

Commissioners acknowledged the concerns during the meeting and asked for a staff-led informational briefing on how child protective services operates, the statutory framework and the role of courts and the public defender. Commissioner Jacobs and others noted the need to explain state statutes and the entire process. Manager Hager said staff would prepare a framework and plan for a January work session where DSS staff and possibly judicial or public defender representatives would present.

No county decision on the no-contact orders or the allegations was made at this meeting; the board's response was to schedule further information and discussion.