WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — In a significant step toward strengthening child welfare services across North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), in collaboration with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, announced the launch of PATH NC — the Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina. This innovative child welfare information system aims to unify and modernize the way services are administered across all 100 county departments of social services in the state.
The official rollout took place today at the Forsyth County Government Center, where key officials gathered to unveil the new platform that promises to transform child welfare work throughout North Carolina.
A Unified Approach to Child Welfare
PATH NC is designed to bring together every county’s child welfare data into a single, comprehensive system. This integration will streamline documentation processes, align technology with current policies, and facilitate better collaboration among local agencies. The goal is to provide social workers and staff with easy-to-use, mobile-accessible tools and real-time information to make more informed decisions, ultimately improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
“By connecting all county departments into one unified system, we’re taking a giant leap forward in ensuring the safety and well-being of children across North Carolina,” said NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai during the event. “This system not only enhances efficiency but also strengthens our ability to support families effectively.”
Transforming Child Welfare with Technology
PATH NC stands as a cornerstone of NCDHHS’s broader initiative to reform and improve the state’s child welfare system—an effort focused on increasing safety, permanency, and well-being for children and families.
The new platform offers social workers and child welfare professionals access to modern, user-friendly tools that are accessible via mobile devices. These features enable staff to access critical case information in real-time, support better decision-making, and foster greater collaboration across agencies and counties.
Event Highlights
The launch event featured speeches from key leaders, including Forsyth County DSS Director Christa Smith and Senior Social Work Supervisor Tiffany Graves, who shared insights into how PATH NC is already making a difference on the ground. Attendees also received an overview of the system’s capabilities and the anticipated benefits for child welfare agencies.
Details of the Launch
- What: Launch of PATH NC statewide child welfare information system
- When: Wednesday, June 18, 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Please arrive by 11:45 a.m. for setup)
- Where: Forsyth County Government Center, Commissioners’ Meeting Room, 201 N Chestnut St., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
As North Carolina moves forward with this technological advancement, officials emphasize that PATH NC will play a critical role in safeguarding children and supporting families more effectively than ever before. This initiative marks a milestone in the state’s ongoing commitment to child welfare reform, promising a brighter future for vulnerable children across North Carolina.
