Location: 40 Government Complex Road Whiteville, NC 2847 Phone: (910) 642-2800 Website: http://www.columbusco.org/DotNetNuke_2/Def ault.aspx?alias=www.columbusco.

org/dotnetnu ke_2/dss

According to the Columbus County North Carolina website (2014), The Columbus County Department of Social Services will strive to alleviate distress among the people of the county by promoting the general welfare and safe guarding of children, the elderly and disabled adults from abuse and neglect. We will encourage self sufficiency and promote personal responsibility (Columbus County North Carolina Website, 2014).

More than 30 years ago, the Columbus County Department of Social Services was located in the same parking lot as the jailhouse in Whiteville, NC. Due to the crowded parking lot, the state received enough funds to move into another facility which is bigger than the one they had before.

The social services department didnt have as half the social workers they do today.
30 years ago= 20-25 social workers Today=40-45 social workers

They have added numerous programs since the agency opened 19 years ago and are positive that more programs will be created in the future to assist the community.

Service: to serve families to the best of our ability and should work cooperatively in ways that maximize service delivery and resources. Integrity: to work in a trustworthy manner and respect the agency at all times. Protect: to keep clients information confidential

The vision of the Division is that all programs administered by the Division of Social Services will embrace family centered practice principles and provide services that promote security and safety for all (DHHS Online Manual, 2008).

Its important to not the foundational philosophy of MRS is family-centered practice delivered within a System of Care framework.

The six family-centered principles of partnership are:

Everyone desires respect Everyone needs to be heard Everyone has strengths Judgments can wait

Partners share power

Partnership is a process

Needs more resources to assist the community. Needs more availability for parenting classes Needs to continue to educate people on the services we provide. Future Direction: Try to come up with ways to create more jobs in the community.

Columbus County, North Carolina website (2014). http://www.columbusco.org/dotnetnuke_2/dss/Ho me/tabid/591/Default.aspx North Carolina DHHS Online Manual (2008). http://info.dhhs.state.nc.us/olm/manuals/dss/csm60/man/CS1400.htm