State returns Nash County child‑welfare control after seven months, county and DHHS praise local staff

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services officials told the Nash County Board of Commissioners on April 1 that the department has returned direct control of the county’s child‑welfare unit to Nash County and to the county’s new DSS leadership.

County Manager Stacy Satchler introduced state and regional DHHS staff and the county’s new DSS director, Danita de Vega, and said the news marked “a good day for Nash County.” DHHS representatives said the state assumed direct control in September because of safety concerns, and that the return followed seven months of intensive on‑site support, staffing changes and new procedures.

"We made that decision first and foremost because children are safer here in Nash County," a DHHS representative said, summarizing the department’s review. DHHS officials described measures taken while under state oversight: new protocols and supervisory structures, an after‑hours team, focused training for existing and new staff, enhanced court preparation and processes, and greater legal support for protective actions.

Stacy Satchler thanked DHHS and county staff for resources and coaching during the period of state oversight and said the county had hired a director with child‑welfare experience and strengthened key protective‑services positions. Satchler said the county would continue to work with DHHS, which committed to taper weekly on‑site visits while remaining available for consultation and records review.

The presenters credited cooperative work by county leadership, Nash County DSS staff, and law‑enforcement partners for stabilizing and improving local child‑welfare operations. Commissioners thanked staff and state officials for the partnership and expressed relief that local control had been restored.

DHHS referenced North Carolina General Statute 108A‑108.7(c) in discussing the statutory authority for state oversight actions and transitions. The agency encouraged ongoing collaboration with the county to sustain improved practices.