WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in partnership with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, will officially launch PATH NC — the Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina — a transformative new statewide child welfare information system aimed at improving services and outcomes for children and families.
The announcement will take place at a media event on Wednesday, June 18, at the Forsyth County Government Center, where state and county officials will unveil how the new system will enhance support for child welfare professionals across the state.
PATH NC represents a significant step forward in North Carolina’s efforts to modernize and unify its child welfare infrastructure. For the first time, all 100 county departments of social services will operate under a single, integrated data system — streamlining documentation, enhancing coordination, and aligning technology with state policy to improve child safety and family outcomes.
“This system is a game-changer for how we support vulnerable children and families in North Carolina,” said Dr. Dev Sangvai, NCDHHS Secretary. “By giving social workers better tools and real-time information, PATH NC empowers them to make more informed decisions and work more efficiently across county lines.”
The cloud-based system provides mobile-friendly, user-focused tools that are designed to make it easier for social workers to manage casework, track outcomes, and collaborate with other agencies. Already in use in several counties, PATH NC has begun to demonstrate improvements in service delivery and efficiency, with frontline staff reporting smoother case intake and assessment processes.
Speakers at the launch event will include:
- Dr. Dev Sangvai, Secretary, NCDHHS
- Michael Leighs, Deputy Secretary, NCDHHS
- Gloria Whisenhunt, Vice Chair, Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
- Christa Smith, Director, Forsyth County DSS
- Tiffany Graves, Senior Social Work Supervisor, Forsyth County DSS
The PATH NC rollout is part of NCDHHS’ broader initiative to strengthen the state’s county-administered, state-supervised child welfare system — with an emphasis on safety, permanency, and the well-being of children and families receiving support.
The event is open to credentialed media, who are encouraged to RSVP to RSVP to news@dhhs.nc.gov. Arrive early for setup. B-roll video showing PATH NC in use is available to support media coverage.
