WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched a new child welfare information system that will connect all 100 counties in the state for the first time. 

What You Need To Know

  • In North Carolina, there are over 10,000 children in foster care
  • Until now, each of the state’s 100 counties had to track data on its own
  • On Wednesday, N.C. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai announced the launch of Path N.C., the state’s first child welfare information system that connects social service data from all 100 counties

The Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina, also known as PATH NC, enhances collaboration across agencies.

DHHS leaders announced the statewide system Wednesday in Forsyth County. 

“One of the things we’re going to be able to do is now get data on what exactly is happening for our most vulnerable kids in North Carolina,” Dev Sangvai said.

The first phase aims at streamlining the intake process and has been established in 15 counties, including Alleghany, Avery, Caldwell, Cherokee, Clay, Forsyth, Gaston, Henderson, Iredell, Lee, Mitchell, Transylvania, Washington, Wilkes and Yancey.

On June 2, Forsyth County became the first to use the intake process in the new system. 

Social workers said the tech is already making a difference. 

“It’s more than just a technology upgrade. It represents a deep commitment to improving the safety, permanency and well-being of every child and family that we serve,” said Forsyth County DSS Director Christa Smith.

Dozens of other counties will receive the intake portion of the system later this year. 

Next year, the ongoing management portion will be launched, and in the future, other sections of the Department of Health and Human Services will also use the system.