Press Article: Investigation Uncovers Failures at McDowell County DSS
McDowell County is grappling with serious concerns surrounding its Department of Social Services (DSS), leading to the suspension of key personnel. More than three months after placing Director Bobbie Sigmon and Child Protective Services Program Manager Lakeisha Feaster on administrative leave, the county remains tight-lipped about the underlying issues.
A letter from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, obtained by Carolina Public Press, revealed alarming lapses, including the failure to notify law enforcement of signs of child abuse and neglect. This oversight raises questions about the office’s commitment to child welfare, prompting an investigation initiated by county officials earlier this year.
On February 3, during a special session, McDowell County Commissioners took action amid rising concerns from District Attorney Ted Bell, who noted prior issues with the DSS. Following the suspension, Feaster resigned, and both Sigmon and Feaster’s departures suggest they may seek roles in other North Carolina DSS agencies, highlighting ongoing staffing challenges in the sector.
As interim director, Ashley Wooten may oversee plans for a significant restructure of the DSS. The county is considering transforming its social services into a consolidated human services agency, a move allowed by a 2012 state law that has seen many North Carolina counties adopt similar structures.
While Wooten has stated that no decisions have been finalized, the potential consolidation could reshape how public health and social services operate in McDowell County. This ongoing situation underscores critical issues within the child welfare system and the need for effective oversight to protect vulnerable children.
As the community awaits further developments, the future of the McDowell County DSS hangs in the balance, with much at stake for the children and families it serves.
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