Burke County board unanimously authorizes RFQ to integrate foster‑care services County manager asked the board to authorize a request for qualifications to vertically integrate foster‑care services with a private provider to improve licensing, recruitment and service coordination; commissioners approved the direction 5–0 and staff will draft and post an RFQ for roughly 30 days.

Burke County is taking a bold step to revamp its foster-care system by seeking a single vendor to streamline services and improve outcomes for children in need.

Learn more here!

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CommunitySupport #ChildWelfare #CitizenPortal

Burke County authorizes RFQ to pursue vertically integrated foster-care vendor The Burke County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Dec. 15 to authorize the county manager to draft and issue a request for qualifications (RFQ) seeking a single vendor to integrate foster-care recruitment, licensing and clinical supports; staff said the move aims to increase licensed foster homes and shorten time in care.

Burke County is taking bold steps to transform its foster care system by pursuing a unified vendor to increase licensed foster homes and speed up children's reunification.

Click to read more!

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CommunitySupport #ChildWelfare #SocialServices #CitizenPortal

Burke County manager pitches single‑source 'vertical integration' for foster care to speed placements County Manager Brian Manning proposed pursuing an RFQ to contract a single, vertically integrated foster‑care provider to centralize recruitment, licensing, training and clinical services, aiming to increase local foster homes and reduce time children spend in care; staff will return with an RFQ draft if the board gives direction.

Burke County is exploring a groundbreaking approach to foster care that could speed up placements and improve services for children in need.

Click to read more!

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #ChildWelfare

DSS reports rising foster-care caseloads and SNAP uncertainty as federal funding shifts loom DSS reported a point-in-time foster-care population of 194 children, recent increases in out-of-county placements for therapeutic or adoption reasons, and flagged possible SNAP reductions if federal contingency funding is used; commissioners discussed travel costs and recruitment incentives for foster parents.

Burke County's foster-care system faces challenges with rising caseloads and potential SNAP cuts, raising urgent concerns for the community.

Get the details!

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #CommunitySupports #ChildWelfare

DSS reports rising foster-care placements and staffing pressures; SNAP benefits may be reduced during federal funding lapse Department of Social Services reported 194 children in foster care at the September point-in-time count, described hiring and retention work to lower CPS caseload backlogs, and outlined heavy travel burdens for staff placing and visiting out-of-county children. Staff also said a federal contingency plan could deliver roughly 50% of normal SNAP

Burke County's Department of Social Services faces rising foster-care placements and staffing challenges, with urgent calls for local solutions amid looming cuts to SNAP benefits.

Learn more here

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CitizenPortal #ChildWelfare #SocialServices

North Carolina churches to champion foster care support in Burke County Church leaders propose collaboration to support foster children and families in Burke County.

Burke County leaders are uniting local churches to tackle the foster care crisis, creating a powerful network to support vulnerable children and families.

Learn more here!

#BurkeCounty #NC #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CitizenPortal #CommunitySupport #CollaborationInitiatives #ChildWelfare

Burke County forms coalition for proactive foster parent recruitment Coalition aims to improve foster care placements and address potential child abuse cases.

Burke County is taking a bold step to enhance foster care by forming a coalition that aims to recruit more licensed foster parents and ensure every child is placed in a safe, nurturing environment.

Read the full story

#BurkeCounty #NC #ChildWelfare #BurkeCountyFosterCare #CitizenPortal