North Carolina’s Community Child Protection Teams Enhancing the Program “Rather to be than seem” Phyllis B. Fulton, CCPT Coordinator

G.S. 7B 1406 Gives County DSS Directors authority to establish CCPTs in each county Defines membership Defines responsibilities Establishes the Division’s role in CCPT activities

North Carolina’s CCPT Strengths Improved collaboration between agencies Increased member participation Case review system Increase in meeting frequency Mechanism for including additional members

Citizen Review Panels Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act – Section 106(c)(1)(B)(ii) Members are volunteers who represent the community they represent and have an expertise in the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. CRP shall prepare and make available to the public, on an annual basis, a report containing a summary of CRP activities Examine policies, practice and procedures of State and local DSS to evaluate the extent to which the agencies are effectively discharging their responsibilities Provide for public outreach Make recommendations to the State and public on improving the child protection system.

CCPT PLAN Establish six regional CCPTs, comprised of one member from each County CCPT and five consumers –Level A & B counties will be divided into five regions with consideration being given to judicial districts (1, 2,3, 4, 5) –C counties will be divided into two team (6a and 6b) Teams will meet quarterly Local CCPT end of year reports will be computer assisted Regional teams will compile a regional end of year report The State Fatality Prevention Team will compile the State’s CCPT end of year report Consumer participants will be selected by local CCPTs. Starting in October 2008, regions will have an opportunity to sponsor community forums to further engage citizens in the child welfare process

Responsibilities Receive and review information from local CCPTs Receive County’s CCPT End of Year Report and develop a regional report Examine policies, practices and procedures of State and County DSS Collaborate to improve child protection system Review legislative agenda prior to presentation to legislative body Receive State’s response to recommendations made in annual report and Collaborate with local CCPT in developing public forums providing citizens an opportunity to express concerns and comments on the child welfare system.

Advantages Case records will not be reviewed General Statute does not need to be changed No connection to the County Boards of Commissioners Members will serve a two year cycle Local CCPT End of Year Reports will be linked adding more weight to an issue of concern The state is required to respond to CCPT recommendations within six months of receiving the End of Year report

Time Cycle Local CCPTs will have their end of year report at the Division by January 31st The regional teams will have all CCPT reports by February 28th The regional teams will have their final report ready for the Stat Fatality Prevention Team by April 15 th The State Fatality Prevention Team will have the State’s CCPT end of year report ready for presentation to the Division by June 1 st The State will respond to CCPT recommendations by October 1 st The response will be distributed to regional teams, local CCPT and other entities as necessary by October 31 st.

Lessons Learned Communities in general do not understand their role (or responsibility) in protecting children Child welfare professionals have the ambiguous role of engaging citizens in a process that can be incriminating for the child professional Travel expense is a barrier to team participation Leader qualities drives the success of the team Members with resource development skills are an advantage for the team Child well being is the responsibility of the total community, therefore, CAPTA requirements regarding policies, practices and procedures should extend to all child caring agencies that receive federal monies

CCPT Coordinator Develop and provide training Monitor membership Receive the CCPT End of Year Report from the State Fatality Prevention Team and present the report to the Division Work with the Division and the State Fatality Prevention to assure that each body referenced in the recommendations has an opportunity to respond to the recommendation Receive the State’s response to CCPT recommendations and distribute to the regional and local CCPTs. Collaborate with regional and local CCPT about activities that support public outreach Coordinate regional team’s need for clerical support Periodically update the Division about CCPT activities

CCPT A Circle of Action

Wilson County Community Assessment Child Protection Team Andrew Payne CCPT Chairperson

Wilson County CACPT Overview Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention met with Wilson County Community on May 13, 2006 to create a Community Assessment team. Merged CCPT and Community Assessment Team in January 2006 Joint collaboration between WCDSS and NCDJJDP. City, county and community partners are involved. Monthly meetings are held to include guest speakers and staffing of cases. Team serves as the main branch for other local groups and teams in the community.

Wilson County CACPT Mission Work together with community agencies and others to develop appropriate plans for hard-to- serve youth. Through the team’s collective knowledge foster successful outcomes for families and children. The team will advocate for families to have resources available to them. Enhance families’ abilities to provide safe environments for their children.

Wilson County CACPT Current Activities Providing training and information to the community. Building collaboration and communication among agencies and the public. Enhancing community awareness on gangs and developing programs to address the gang problem. Creating an comprehensive resource list to distribute to the community. Seeking grants and funds to support and develop resources in the community.

CACPT Concerns 2007 Wilson County Community Health Assessment Findings Illegal Drug Activity Affordable Health Care and Housing Unsafe Sex Health Care Services Alcohol and Drug use

CACPT RECOMMENDATIONS Wilson County secure and maintain an effective and stable parenting education program. Mental Health services to be more accessible and flexible. Establish more after school programs and provide support to existing ones. Validate and support gang prevention efforts in schools and communities.

CACPT NEEDS Appointment of new members to CACPT Approval for new programs or special events Support through funding for CACPT endorsed programs Feedback on CACPT mission

CACPT SUBCOMMITTEES WILSON GANG TASK FORCE LADIES OF THE FUTURE TOGETHER NURTURING PARENTING PROGRAM SAFE SURRENDER TASK FORCE DRUG ENDANGERED CHILDREN TASK FORCE

Wilson County CCPT Member Agencies NC Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Wilson County DSS Pride in North Carolina Wilson OIC Wilson County Boys and Girls Club Wesley Shelter Wilson Police Department Youth of Wilson Smart Choices for Youth, Inc. Wilson County Public Schools Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Mediation Center of Eastern Carolina Barton College Methodist Home for Children NC Guardian ad litem Program Wilson County Health Department Wilson Mental Health Association Wilson County Minister’s Association St. Mark’s Episcopal Church Wilson Renaissance Mental Health Center Block of Hope Parents as Teachers Program