How to Handle Concerns with DSS

The following are suggested best practices to handle concerns you may have with DSS.

These are tried and true steps that resource parents across NC stated have worked with their cases. Foster Family Alliance of NC asked resource parents to help compile this

list on 10/13/2021 as part of a collaborative effort in an online community Facebook group.

● Follow the chain of command first and foremost UNLESS a child is in danger. If a child is in danger, call your local county DSS office and report immediately.

● Include everyone, social worker, GAL, and any other case worker on email communication stating your concerns. Always begin with positives and a greeting to the team. Be clear, concise (they get MANY emails a day), and offer possible solutions if you see a better solution than what is going on at the moment.

● Wait for responses from the team. General response time would be 48 hours or specifically, 2 complete work days. It’s ok in the letter to state that you are requesting a response from Ms. XYZ but wanted to keep the whole team up to date on events/concerns.

● If the 48 hours has come and gone, give one more email nudging for the answer with a 24 hour turnaround. Hi Ms. XYZ, I am just following up on my email from Tuesday. I am still concerned about blah… You can announce a 24 hour expectation or don’t. Just let that be your timeline that you know before going to the next level.

● At that point, Contact supervisor of social worker. You have done your due diligence to your front line social worker. You’ve given 72 hours including a nudge. If the social worker was on vacation, you would have gotten a response. Include this information in your discussion with the supervisor. Share your concern(s).

● If you still are not getting anywhere, GAL supervisor can be pulled in at this point. They will definitely call the social worker/supervisor and get involved. See what can be accomplished at this level.

● Above the social worker’s supervisor is a program manager for foster care. Ask to speak to that person.

● As a foster parent, you are allowed to call a Child and Family Team meeting to discuss the concerns you have. At any point of this chain, call a meeting.

● The next level is the Director of DSS of a county. You can find your county director’s name and contact information here.

Remember to be calm, factual, and remove your emotions as much as possible.

Make a list for yourself before contacting anyone to keep your conversation on track.

When the conversation is over, send an email to the person you spoke to thanking them

for their time with references to statements and outcomes of the conversation. This is

the best way to document the conversation.

You can always call for support at Foster Family Alliance of NC to talk through your plan

before calling. (800)578-7770.