Addressing the Urgent Needs of At-Risk Foster Youth in Watauga County
In Watauga County, the pressing challenge of finding appropriate placements for foster children with complex needs is drawing attention and prompting local action. The county’s Department of Social Services is seeking community support to enhance care options for these vulnerable youth.
The current situation is dire for children with emotional, behavioral, or health issues requiring foster care. According to Tom Hughes, the director of social services for the county, there is a significant shortage of foster families equipped to meet these children’s specific needs. As a result, some children experience temporary stays at the DSS office while awaiting placement.
“That creates a lot of safety risk because of the supervision that it takes to make sure they are safe until they get a placement,” Hughes notes. “It just seems we could do much better.”
To tackle this issue, Hughes has proposed that the Watauga County Commissioners consider repurposing a county-owned building into a dedicated facility for these children. This initiative aims to provide a more secure and nurturing environment during the transitional period.
In a recent meeting, the commissioners were presented with a proposal from Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit organization based in Tennessee. This organization collaborates with child welfare agencies across 12 states to develop similar facilities. Commissioner Emily Greene has expressed interest in understanding the necessary steps to establish such a house in Watauga County.
