The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has launched PATH NC, a new statewide technology platform designed to modernize how child welfare services are delivered, tracked, and managed across all 100 counties.
Announced Tuesday, PATH NC — short for Partnership and Technology Hub for North Carolina—brings together the state’s previously fragmented child welfare data systems into a single, unified platform. The new system equips social workers with real-time data, certified decision-making tools, and field-access capabilities aimed at improving child safety and outcomes for vulnerable families.
“PATH NC is more than a technology upgrade – it’s an investment in North Carolina’s children and families,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai in a press release. “By providing social services staff with better tools, clearer data and integrated support, we are laying the foundation for a safer, more responsive child welfare system that delivers better, more consistent results – no matter where you live.”
For decades, counties operated with a patchwork of tools, and nearly half still relied on paper-based casework. PATH NC will replace those outdated systems, creating statewide access to a family’s full child welfare history, even if they move between counties.
Developed over five years in partnership with county departments of social services, the new platform features advanced case management modules and mobile-friendly access. Social workers can now update case files during home visits, assessments, and court hearings—even with limited internet access.
One key feature is the redesign of Structured Decision-Making (SDM) tools. Certified by Evident Change, these tools help child welfare staff more accurately assess risk and safety during child abuse or neglect investigations. Early reviews show improved consistency between county decisions and state policies.
PATH NC includes:
-
Dashboards, alerts, and risk-assessment tools for frontline staff
-
A global search function and real-time analytics
-
Integrated data-sharing capabilities with NC Medicaid, DPI, and partner agencies
-
Future support for provider and family-facing portals
The system’s development, training, and rollout represent a $65 million investment by NCDHHS. The phased rollout began June 2 with 15 counties using the system for intake and assessment. All counties will transition to PATH NC by early 2026, with full case management capabilities expected by summer 2026.
NCDHHS officials say the launch aligns with broader goals to strengthen oversight, reduce administrative burden, and improve outcomes in North Carolina’s child welfare system.
