Burke County DSS reports caseload improvements, readies statewide MOU under Ryland’s Law

Corey Fischer Wellman, director of Burke County Department of Social Services, presented the department’s monthly update for the period ending April 30, 2026, reporting staffing, caseload and program metrics and outlining upcoming statewide accountability expectations under the MOU commonly referenced as Ryland’s Law.

Wellman said there were 11 full‑time vacancies at the time of the packet (about a 5.5% vacancy rate); the month saw six separations and seven hires. He reported 28,246 people receiving Medicaid in Burke County and that the child protective services (CPS) open caseload stood at 157—a 48% reduction in cases during calendar‑year 2026. He also reported 214 young people in foster care and noted placement challenges for behaviorally based placements.

Wellman explained that Ryland’s Law includes a statewide MOU between counties and the Department of Health and Human Services that restores performance and timeliness metrics for multiple DSS programs (timeliness, safety, permanency and quality). He summarized several specific targets included in the MOU: for example, a child‑welfare contact metric requiring 95% of children in foster care to have monthly face‑to‑face contact, and other time‑to‑action thresholds for adult protective services, special assistance and work‑related programs.

Wellman told commissioners that some metrics had not been enforced during COVID and after Hurricane Helen but will return once the county signs the MOU; he stressed that failure to meet thresholds could lead to corrective actions and possible impacts on federal compliance and funding. The board moved to accept the report; the motion carried 4‑0.

The packet includes additional detail on staffing, guardianship referrals and program‑specific measures; Wellman said staff will continue working to reduce caseloads and address placement shortages.