TITLE
Title
HHS-DSS NC ASSOCIATION OF COUNTY DIRECTORS OF SOCIAL SERVICES 2025 INNOVATION AWARD RECOGNITION
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SPONSOR
Sponsor
County Manager Victor Isler
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BACKGROUND
Background
The North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services (NCACDSS) Innovation Awards recognize innovative, successful, and unique work within county social services agencies and share these initiatives with other counties and key partners. The NCACDSS invited counties to submit entries for the 22nd Annual NCACDSS Innovations Awards. A panel of judges evaluated the nominations, and it is with great pleasure that we announce Guilford County as the winner in the External and/or Non-Traditional Partnerships category for large-sized counties. This category is defined by working to enhance the well-being and helping meet the basic needs of adults, families, and children, especially those who are vulnerable, in crisis, and living in poverty, by bringing together organizations beyond solely the local DSS Agency. Examples include collaborative initiatives with the courts, hospitals, schools, philanthropic support, joint county ventures, and other non-traditional agencies.
Guilford HHS-DSS was awarded based upon the Youth Awaiting Placement (YAP) initiative. YAP was created in response to the urgent need for safe, supervised housing options for children who could not be immediately placed in foster care due to new juvenile petitions or placement disruptions. The goal was to ensure no child would go without care, even temporarily. To meet this need, we launched two placement alternatives: a dedicated space within an HHS building and a donated home called Anchor Hope. Anchor Hope, supported by Christ United Methodist Church provides a nurturing, home-like environment where children can rest, play, and begin adjusting to foster care. The church maintains the home, furnishing it fully, stocking food and household items, and ensuring the space remains child-friendly and clea...
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