10/13/2017
Cherokee County DSS Murphy, NC
Calesia Wells – FC SWS
David Hughes – CPS SWS
Cindy Palmer – Director
NC DHHS Staff
Lyn Clarkson-Osteen
Brian Vogl
Jordan Moore
Wanting to talk with them about the review data and the fact that it does not look great. In general, we
are going to be talking about engagement and things like that.
Lyn stated there is a big concern about the monthly contact records.
Brian stated concerns for falsifying the foster care monthly contact record – these are identical and they
are falsifying these records. These records are tied into funding. A parent’s attorney could get a hold of
these records and make an argument to have the kids returned home.
Wells stated there are times where nothing is really changing; Lyn pointed out there is always something
different going on because the FCMCR is specific to that day.
The answers in the FCMCR lack substance and some are identical to each month.
Lyn addressed family engagement in the child permeance phase.
The court reports and order do not reflect any knowledge about the child welfare process.
FC SW have said they do not know how kids came into care
TPRs are pushed very quickly with little to no engagement with parents. It is hard to believe with the
lack of engagement and documentation that TPRs are even granted.
SWs were talking about father’s being incarcerated and that is why they are not being contacted.
Parents’ rights are not being considered and should be. There are very limited diligent efforts to locate
parents.
There have been habits formed that cannot filter to the new staff. Diligent Efforts is key word for the
staff to get to know and what it means. The explanations they were providing did not always equate to
diligence.
Have the AG come in to do TA.