North Carolina State Department of Health and Human Services took over leadership of the child welfare services at the Bertie County Department of Social Services after the state found the county’s child welfare services was not up to standards with the law.

The state said they initiated a review of the county’s child welfare services when they learned of serious concerns surrounding practice, delivery and administration.

The state said the concerns revealed lack of training, supervision, and capacity to give proper child welfare services in accordance to the law.

Officials with the Department of Health and Human Services said they have been on site in Bertie County since May 9th.

Although the state has given expectations regarding child welfare services, they said Bertie County Department of Social Services has not made progress to address the systemic concerns.

That’s why NCDHHS has assumed temporary leadership of the child welfare services starting Monday.

Officials with the state DHHS said no one was available to answer any questions Monday but they did send the letter they sent to Bertie County informing them of the temporary direct operation.

To see the full statement from the NCDHHS to Bertie County DSS, click here.

Officials in Bertie County and at the DSS have not responded to questions.