Referral Method

The law requires everyone to report suspected child abuse or neglect:

"Any person or institution who has cause to suspect that any juvenile is abused or neglected or dependent, as defined by GS 7B-101, or who has died as the result of maltreatment shall report the case of that juvenile to the Director of the Department of Social Services in the county where the juvenile resides or is found."

DSS is charged by the State to investigate allegations of child abuse, neglect, and dependency. Our jurisdiction applies to allegations of maltreatment of a child under the age of 18 committed by a caretaker.

Cases of child physical and sexual abuse are worked jointly with law enforcement in order to streamline the investigative process and minimize the trauma to children and their families.

Click here for some signs of possible abuse or neglect.

How a Report is Made

If you suspect abuse or neglect of a juvenile in Caldwell County, call 426-8257 or 426-8200 and ask for the intake worker (or make a report in writing or in person to the Department of Social Services, 1966-H Morganton Blvd. SW, Lenoir, NC 28645). When you speak with the worker, tell everything that you have observed and your concerns about the health, safety, and welfare of the juvenile.  Please provide the name, address, and age of the child(ren), plus the name and address of the parent/caretaker.  Your concerns are called "the allegations."  REMEMBER–THE REPORTER'S IDENTITY IS CONFIDENTIAL BY LAW. IF IN DOUBT, REPORT!

At nights and on weekends, report child abuse or neglect to the Caldwell County Sheriff's Department by calling (828) 758-2324. The Sheriff's Department will then notify DSS.

After a Report is Made

• If the decision is to accept the report for investigation, a social worker is assigned the case and initiates contact with the family.
• After the worker has gathered all the pertinent information, another decision must be made. If the information in the report has been found correct, the report is SUBSTANTIATED. If the information in the report has not been found correct, the report is UNSUBSTANTIATED. This decision is made in conjunction with other professionals at the agency.
• Unsubstantiated cases are closed and the family and reporter are notified of the results of the investigation. The family and reporter are also notified of the results of substantiated reports. The reporter is given the option, at the initial intake, of whether or not to receive this notification. The family is always notified of the results.
• Substantiated reports may be closed with no further action OR services are referred to work with the family with the intent to strengthen the ability of families to protect and care for their own children, to minimize harm to children and youth, and to ensure permanence in children's lives.