Local leaders are back in charge of protecting vulnerable children in Bertie County.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has returned full control of child welfare operations to the local department of social services.
The state temporarily seized control of the local agency in August 2025 following transparency issues, administrative failures, and the 2024 death of a 2-year-old child whose family had been involved with child protective services.
Previous coverage: State taking over child welfare services in Bertie County after child death
State officials say a year of close collaboration has drastically improved safety practices, case management, and supervision. Local director Yolanda White called the transition a period of "growth and transformation," but noted that hard work lies ahead to sustain the progress.
The state will continue to monitor local cases.
