Department of Social Services Jay Burrus, Director

A Message from the Director

Welcome to the Dare County Department of Social Services Web Site. Social Services is a public agency committed to providing quality services to Dare County citizens. Our staff are dedicated, conscientious folks who believe in the agency mission and work hard to ensure that it is met. I am very proud of them, the good work they do and the caring and respectful way they work with Dare County citizens.

Social Services is an often-misunderstood agency. Although best known for food stamp and welfare programs, the department has many other facets. We are responsible for everything from adoptions, day care, child abuse investigations and foster care to working with disabled adults, helping the elderly or disabled remain in their own homes, or assisting in necessary placement.

Social Services emphasizes the importance of work. Recent welfare reform ensures that all able-bodied adults work in order to receive cash assistance. We are fortunate that there are jobs in Dare County and our welfare recipients want to work.

In Dare County, Social Services provides many services to the "working poor" who work hard to live in Dare County. Our high cost-of-living, coupled with seasonal and services/retail employment make it hard for people to "make it" here in Dare County. Social Services often fills the gaps. Many people the agency serves are not the stereotypical welfare recipient you might think of but are more apt to be your neighbor or the person who checks you out of the grocery store. Dare County businesses and human services organizations, for different reasons, must both be concerned with issues such as housing availability and cost, day care and transportation.

I welcome you to spend some time exploring Social Services through this Homepage. You can find out a lot about Social Services programs, operations, and current happenings. Be sure and look at "Social Services For Whom".

Dare Social Services appreciates the opportunity to serve the citizens of Dare County. Please contact the department if you desire additional information.