Child Welfare Services

Intake

Child Protective Service and Adult Protective Service Referrals are received on a 24-hour basis. During Business Hours reports can be made in person at Pender County Department of Social Services or by phone at 910-259-1240. After-hours, weekends or holidays incoming calls are referred through dispatch at the Pender County Sheriff’s Department where an emergency duty social worker is provided the caller's contact information. Pender County Sheriff Department non-emergency number is (910) 259-1515.  

Child Protective Services 

Child Protective Services (CPS) is a mandated program dedicated to safeguarding children from abuse, neglect and dependency. It focuses on ensuring the safety, well-being, and permanency of children by investigating reports of maltreatment and providing necessary interventions and support services. Reports of child abuse, neglect or dependency can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A social worker is assigned to a screened in report, responding within the timeframe required by policy. 

Child Protective Services In-Home 

CPS In-Home support families who have a case decision of substantiation or child protective services needed. CPS In-Home Services are legally mandated. A social worker is assigned to the case to partner with families and connect to community services, resources and supports to resolve safety concerns. 

Permanency Planning 

Foster care provides temporary care and supervision for children who cannot safely remain in their own homes due to abuse, neglect, or dependency. Foster Care aims to ensure the safety, well-being, and stability of children while working toward reunification with their families or finding permanent, alternative homes.  

Adoption

Adoption is a lifelong commitment to a child and is designed to create a permanent and loving home for children who are unable to return to their birth families. These services facilitate the adoption process, support adoptive families, and ensure the well-being of children throughout the transition. For additional questions or concerns contact us at 910-259-1240.

NC LINKS

LINKS is designed to help young people who are transitioning out of foster care to adulthood. LINKS provides resources and support to help youth develop essential life skills, pursue education and employment opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency. The goal of LINKS is to ensure that these individuals can successfully transition to independent living. 

Foster Care 18 to 21

Offers continued support to young adults aging out of foster care system, allowing them to voluntarily remain in foster care until age 21. This program provides resources such as housing, education, and employment assistance to help these young adults transition smoothly to independent living.