Effective January 16, 2026, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) will temporarily take over leadership of child welfare services at the Davidson County Department of Social Services (DCDSS). This action is authorized under state law and marks the sixth time NCDHHS has assumed control of a county’s social services department.
Officials from both Davidson County and DCDSS have acknowledged and expressed support for this temporary measure.
“We all have the same goal, to ensure every child in North Carolina is safe and has the resources they need to thrive,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. “This critical and urgent action will allow us to work with Davidson County leadership to strengthen the county’s practice, delivery and administration of child welfare services.”
Casey Smith, Davidson County Manager, added: “Demand on child welfare resources has increased dramatically in the last decade. This has placed a great strain on our child protective services program area. The County looks forward to working collaboratively with the NC DHHS to reduce caseloads and ensure the safety of children within Davidson County.”
The decision follows an April 2024 review by NCDHHS into Davidson County’s child welfare services after learning about a fatality involving a child previously connected with DCDSS. The review identified multiple concerns related to children’s safety and well-being. As a result, DCDSS was placed on a Corrective Action Plan in July 2024.
In November 2025, due to insufficient progress in service delivery, NCDHHS escalated oversight by sending a team to work alongside DCDSS leadership.
Subsequent findings during joint operations further raised doubts about Davidson County’s ability to deliver required child welfare services according to laws, rules, and policies. With no further improvement possible under current arrangements, NCDHHS decided it was necessary to remove authority from the director over these services and assume temporary control.
State statute N.C. Gen. Stat. § 108A-74(h) gives NCDHHS legal authority for such intervention when needed. During this interim period, NCDHHS will coordinate closely with county staff to manage operations, stabilize service delivery, and create a plan for compliance with all relevant regulations.
