Social Services for Whom?

Your next door neighbors, the Browns, want to adopt a child. They know that healthy infants are next to impossible to adopt; however, they would be interested in providing a home for a handicapped child. Is that a possibility?

Mr. and Mrs. Taylor have several small children. Several months ago Mr. Taylor was in an automobile accident and suffered extensive paralysis. He lost the use of both legs and subsequently his job in the construction industry. Medical costs soon depleted their savings. Who can help them?

Mrs. White, a 77 year old widow, has returned home after extensive hospitalization. She can get to the bathroom with her walker but is unable to climb in or out of the tub safely and cannot stand up long enough to take a shower or cook a meal. She refuses to leave her home or her friends. Who can help her?

You are the father of two children. You work full-time and earn $900 a month. You rent, however, is $500 and when you add other monthly expenses you don't have sufficient income to meet your needs. You have savings of $500. Who can help you provide food for your family?

The court with the assistance of the local social services department has advised removal of the Smith children from their parents. Mr. and Mrs. Smith have not been fulfilling their parental responsibilities. Hopefully with close supervision and assistance they will be able to assume responsibility for their children later in the year. Who will take care of these children in the meantime?

Mrs. Jones's neighbor, Mrs. Johnson, regularly takes Mrs. Jones's social security check to the bank to cash it. Mrs. Jones is seventy years old and mildly mentally retarded. Out of this money Mrs. Johnson gives Mrs. Jones only just enough to buy groceries and pay rent. She keeps the rest of the money for herself. Who can look into this situation?

You have reason to believe little Billy's frequent accidents may actually be the result of parental neglect and/or abuse. Who should investigate the situation? Whose responsibility is it to protect the child?

Mr. and Mrs. Duncan are both working. However, their youth and lack of education prevent them from securing good jobs. They have a one-year old child. Mr. Duncan breaks his leg and is out of work for a month. They can't pay their bills. Who can help?

Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes are in their eighties and living alone. They have no family. Mrs. Rhodes's mental status has been deteriorating. Then Mr. Rhodes has a stroke and loses his speech. They both require medical treatment and placement in a rest home and someone to manage their financial affairs. Who can help?

Mrs. Freeman's husband left a note saying "he'd had enough" and deserted her and her two children. She is unemployed and unable to afford the family's basic needs. She wants to work but her children are too young to be left alone. Who can help?

The answer to all of these questions is that Social Services can help. These examples are given to help the general public understand the various kinds of situations-- some of which will sound familiar to most people-- that Dare County Social Services can help with.