A key strategy for the State and our County in addressing the high demand for services is looking for improvements within our technology systems.

ePASS, is a Statewide self-service online screening tool which provides Quick Screening for families to determine potential eligibility for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS), Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) funding, Emergency Assistance (EA) and Work First Cash Assistance, continues to move forward and has rolled out another feature.

This new development allows citizens to move beyond simply screening for eligibility for FNS, but also allows the individual to answer the full range of interview questions, print the application and then mail, fax or bring it into the agency to apply, thereby minimizing customer time in the agency.

The tool also displays a list of documents citizens will need to bring to the agency when applying for benefits for which they have been screened. 

A sample ePASS application may be viewed at: http://www.ncdhhs.gov/ncfast/epass_sample.pdf

For more information contact:

Staffmark's Jim Fuller at 704-622-7979 or

Goodwill Staffing's Robin Carson at 704-332-0271

 

On Saturday November 20, 2010, 18 children from four different agencies which include Another Choice for Black Children, Children's Home Society, Christian Adoptions, and Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services, received their final decree of adoptions.  Nearly all the children are currently in the foster care system in Mecklenburg County.  The adoptions were finalized during a special session of court at the Mecklenburg County Courthouse. 

For the seventh year in a row, the Mecklenburg County Juvenile Court, the Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court, Mecklenburg County DSS, and the Guardian Ad Litem program co-sponsored the event, which is apart of National Adoption Day.

Chief District Court Judge Lisa C. Bell and Judge Lou Trousch presided over the court session.  The families participated in a reception which included games, crafts, and a professional family photo to commemorate the special day of new beginning for many families.

Each year, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the National Adoption Day Coalition presents National Adoption Day to raise awareness of the need to find permanent homes for the thousands of children in foster care available for adoption.

Click here to see photos from Mecklenburg County's Adoption Day event. 

The North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation, effective January 1, 2008, that allows county Departments of Social Services and licensed child-placing agencies in North Carolina to act as "confidential intermediaries" between adult adoptees and their biological families for the purposes of obtaining and sharing identifying and/or non-identifying information, medical history, and facilitation of contact when there is agreement by all parties.

The Confidential Intermediary law was expanded effective October 1, 2010.  Those who can benefit from the Mecklenburg County Confidential Intermediary Program are adult adoptees who have reached the age of 18, biological parent(s) of an adoptee, an adult biological sibling or half sibling of an adult adoptee, an adult lineal descendent of a deceased adoptee or biological parent, and an adoptive parent of a minor adoptee solely to request updated non-identifying information from the birth parent(s).

 
If a search reveals that a biological parent is deceased, the Confidential Intermediary law now allows the agency to obtain a copy of the death certificate and deliver it to the person who requested the service. If the agency is unable to successfully locate the birth parents the adoptee can file a motion with the Clerk of Superior Court in the county where the adoption was finalized to request that their adoption file be opened.

We recommend that all of those seeking services through the Confidential Intermediary program prepare themselves for the very emotional journey by reading adoption related material. You may also consider consulting with a professional who specializes in adoption issues. You may submit your questions and/or written requests to the Post Adoption Social Worker for Mecklenburg County.

Ronald came to DSS' attention due his family's long history of substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and physical abuse. Ronald was placed in the custody of DSS in May of 2004.  Efforts were made to place him with relatives, but his mother would sabotage the placements. He was legally cleared for adoption in November of 2005 due to minimal efforts from the birth parents to adhere to their caseplan goals.

Initially, Ronald was reluctant to become involved in adoption recruitment efforts. His former foster parent was very instrumental in helping him overcome his fears and realize that he was worthy to have a permanent family. Due to support from his foster mother and permanency planning social worker, Ronald began to participate in recruitment events.

After several months, a family in Nashville, TN, Andre and Michelle Stayton-Williams, expressed their interest in Ronald. The couple and Ronald quickly bonded during their first meeting in North Carolina. Ronald was eventually placed with the Williams family and the adoption finalized on May 5, 2008.  

Mr. Williams & Mrs. Stayton-Williams noted that after the honeymoon period, Ronald had some challenges. He would test the family and not always tell them the truth. The couple was committed to help Ronald see that they were not going to give up on him and he was special. The couple is so proud of  Ronald's progress and great accomplishments. 

Ronald is now 17 years old and at junior East Literature Magnet High School. Currently, Ronald has a 3.0 grade point average and is in five honor courses. Ronald plays on the football team and is a member of the track and field team. He has been recruited by several schools throughout the United States for both sports. Most recently he competed in the Tennessee State Track championship and came in 9th for the entire state in the decathlon.

Ronald was proud to share his story and hopes that others will be open and willing to take a chance on an older youth who wants to be a part of a family. 

Click here to find out more informatin on DSS' adoption services.

The Adoption Tax Credit has been extended through 2011.The credit raises the maximum credit to $13,170 per child and is refundable. This applies if you are adopting a special needs child, you are entitled to claim the full amount of the credit, even if you have no adoption related expenses. The credit is based on the reasonable and necessary expenses related to a legal adoption. Income limits and other special rules apply. All adoptive parents who finalize their adoption in 2010 are urged to meet with a knowledgable tax professional to ensure that they receive all of the benefits of the expanded adoption tax credit.