Mecklenburg Commissioners Asking Voters To Approve $50 Million Sales Tax Increase

Charlotte Stories
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Mecklenburg Commissioners Asking Voters To Approve $50 Million Sales Tax Increase

Mecklenburg County officials are now taking their proposed sales tax increase to the voters.

If voters approve the new measure on the Nov. 5 ballot, all general sales tax throughout the county would increase from 7.25% to 7.50%. The increase would result in an estimated $50 million in additional tax revenue per year.

This past Monday, county commissioners voted to allocate $22.5 million to the Arts and Science Council (ASC), $17 million to parks and greenways, $8 million to education, and $2.5 million to arts and culture projects.

The commissioners, however, would not be required to use the funds in the agreed-upon manner.

Rents Rising Faster Than Most Cities – July 2019 Charlotte Rental Report

Steve
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Rents Rising Faster Than Most Cities – July 2019 Charlotte Rental Report

In spite of Charlotte’s recent apartment development surge, our city is still seeing unprecedented rental rate increases.

ApartmentList.com just released their July 2019 rental report, showing the Queen City in one of the sharpest rent spikes in the past 12 months, with rates increasing an average of 0.5% over the past month (bringing the total year-over-year increase to 2.2%).

Our rental rate growth lags the state average of 2.8%, but exceeds the national average of 1.6%.

Cary is the most expensive of all North Carolina’s major cities, with a median two-bedroom rent of $1,290, which grew at the fastest rate in the state (4.4% year-over-year). Wilmington, High Point, and Durham have all experienced year-over-year growth above the state average (4.2%, 3.8%, and 3.7%).

Charlotte rents are still more affordable than many comparable cities across the nation, but that may soon change as our rate growth continues to outpace most other cities.

For more information check out Apartment List’s national report here.

What Experts Want You to Know About Replacing Vinyl Windows Toronto

Tammie Fiorella
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What Experts Want You to Know About Replacing Vinyl Windows Toronto

Professional Tips About Vinyl Windows Toronto

It is not a rocket science thing to realise that you need new vinyl windows Toronto replacement. Just a single look and there are all signs to show you that you should do something. So, what next when you know you need to invest in new windows replacements? Well, the next thing is the most critical stage in window replacement projects. Choosing the right replacement windows from many styles that exist nowadays.

However, when you consider these window replacement tips from Toronto professionals, you would be able to make things easier. The tips will help you come up with the best vinyl windows Toronto that will not disappoint you in many years to come. Here are those tips for you to look at. 

 

  • You Are Not Restricted to One Particular Material, Choose from Many Materials Available.

 

Many homes will look great with different types of window materials. So, it is important to consider several options and choose the ones that make your home more beautiful.  Probably, you might have bought a home from another person who had installed different styles of windows. While you might think that is the best style for your home, it never hurts to try and new different style and see how things turn out. If you are working with a professional, he would be able to show you some of the best window styles that might look great on your home. By considering various windows styles, you are more likely to get one that is better compared to the currently installed window style.

 

  • Choose Different Window Material. 

 

The fact that you bought your home with traditional wood windows that don’t imply that that is the best option you can have for your home. It will be better if you also consider other window materials and earn more about them and see what they have to offer better than the wood windows. One of the materials we would advise you to consider is vinyl windows Toronto.

If you are working with an expert of replacement vinyl windows, he will assist you to compare the other materials with vinyl material and choose the one that interests you. Other materials you might want to consider are aluminium and steel. 

 

  • Consider Energy Ratings.

 

If you bought an old home, you could be sure it came with single pane windows, and they are making you pay a lot of money on energy utility bills if you never considered the possibility of replacing them. The modern windows are energy efficient, but that doesn’t mean you should choose whichever style you meet in the windows store. There is a need to compare different energy ratings for various window styles to choose one that has the highest energy efficiency. You need to choose replacement vinyl windows that exceed the standard energy efficiency rating so that you are assured of the highest level of energy efficiency and save a considerable amount on month energy utility bills.

 

  • Privacy.

 

Privacy is another thing that comes in handy when replacing your windows. The much concern is on the type of glass used.

Consider privacy glass, especially in your bathroom. This type of glass allows natural light to enter into your room while still providing the needed privacy. Privacy glass can also be used on any other window when you need privacy and not necessarily on the bathroom only.

 

  • Curb Appeal.

 

If you need to improve the curb appeal of your home, you can do so by choosing designer glass windows. These type of glasses makes the right statement in any space in your home. There are many designs depending on the statement you want to create. Ask help from an expert, and he will help you choose the appropriate one that suits your design requirements.

 

  • Don’t Rush.

 

Investing in new vinyl windows Toronto is not like purchasing some cheap pair of sorts in an open market store. This is a significant project that is costly, and therefore, you need to get every detail of your investment right from the start. Ensure that the design and the colour of replacement vinyl windows that you choose will be comfortable with in the next decades to come.

$1.2 Million Home Explodes In Ballantyne, Sending 1 Man To The Hospital

Charlotte Stories
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$1.2 Million Home Explodes In Ballantyne, Sending 1 Man To The Hospital

A massive home in Charlotte exploded this afternoon, shaking million-dollar homes throughout the Ballantyne Country Club.

According to the Charlotte Fire Department, the explosion occurred at roughly 1:45 pm on July 2nd and completely destroyed the 8,252 square foot home at 11812 James Jack Ln (built in 2004 and last sold for $1.27 million in 2015).

Piedmont Natural Gas was alerted about the explosion at roughly 2:45 p.m. and dispatched crews to turn off all active lines to the house and around the neighborhood. They have yet to confirm or deny the cause of the explosion.

The Charlotte Fire Department sent out a series of tweets about the explosion starting at about 2:30pm this afternoon;

According to officials, at about 4 pm, a man called 911 from beneath the rubble and was able to describe where he was in the home.

Rescue crews were able to dig him out and he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital via helicopter with life-threatening injuries.

So far, officials have not released any definitive theories about the cause of the explosion.

UPDATE 7/2/2019 9:00pm: 

CMPD has now confirmed that a second person was found in the home after the explosion.

58-year-old Rania Karam was found dead beneath the rubble late this evening by Charlotte firefighters.

Police also stated that the first person found was Jebran Karam, the man who placed the 911 call and who is currently in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

We will update this article as new information comes in.

Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores In June 2019

Steve
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Charlotte’s 10 Worst Restaurant Health Scores In June 2019

Even though the Charlotte region’s restaurant selection continues to grow, so does our population, and some restaurants are taking advantage of this growing customer base by letting their health standards slide.

Some of the most common reasons for low scores were food handlers not washing their hands properly, contaminated food containers, and improper food temperatures (many restaurants are starting to use infrared thermometers to avoid this). You can see exactly what the inspectors look for on this blank copy of an inspection report.

These were the top 10 worst inspection scores in Mecklenburg County for the month of June:

#10 Hibachi Buffet Sushi & Grill

9925 E INDEPENDENCE BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28105
Scored 88.5 (B) on 6/14/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed food employee changing gloves between handling raw chicken and handling RTE food without handwashing.
  • Observed bare hands used to mix egg roll filling at beginning of inspection.
  • Observed drink station handsinks without handwashing signs.
  • Observed same prep table used to prep raw chicken and egg roll filling today.
  • Observed lo mein cooled overnight at 44F in walk in cooler from previous day.
  • Observed unlabeled chemicals behind register.

#9 Cajun Yard Dog

8036 PROVIDENCE RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Scored 88 (B) on 6/3/2019 (rescored to 93.5 on 6/5)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed an employee using cell phone then proceed with food preparation without washing his hands.
  • Observed employee cutting onions and peppers without gloves on.
  • Observed multiple plastic food storage containers stored clean with sticker residue on them.
  • Observed one container of mashed potatoes hot holding below 135F in steam table.
  • Observed items in a flip top line cooler cold holding above 41F.

#8 Amaravati 

8145 ARDREY KELL RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28277
Scored 87.5 (B) on 6/26/2019

They had the following critical violations;

  • Observed food employee not vigorously rub hands for 10 to 15 seconds when washing hands and turn faucet off with their bare hands after washing.
  • Observed dishwasher handle soiled equipment on soiled drain board at dish machine then handle clean equipment at clean drain board of dish machine without washing their hands in between.
  • Observed employee handle ready to eat onion with bare hands.
  • Observed food employee manually washing pan in 3 compartment sink but detergent hot water was 105 degrees F.
  • Observed employee place pan directly in sanitizer water after washing in detergent water and did not rinse pan after washing.
  • Observed some clean bowls and can opener stored as clean but soiled with debris and soil.
  • Observed biryani held using TPHC but times not identified on label as required.

#7 Angry Ales

1518 MONTFORD DR, CHARLOTTE NC 28209
Scored 86.5 (B) on 6/6/2019 (rescored to 95 on 6/19)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed PIC wash hands and recontaminate them with the sink faucet.
  • Observed open bags of rice and sugar, which could lead to harborage of pest.
  • Observed ice machine with black and pink mold on it.
  • Observed several large container of pre-cooked wings in a covered lexan pan in walk-in cooler with temps at 50F.
  • Observed walk-in cooler maintaining temperatures of 49-50F.
  • Observed large container of opened garlic in oil container with no date mark, as well as two half & halfs, and a few RTE (ready to eat) items with an 8 day time window.
  • Observed fruit fly spray hanging over front line food window, upon inspection of substance says “keep 8ft away from food”
  • Observed insect carcass on floor of kitchen.

#6 Mr. C’s

3726 N TRYON ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28206
Scored 86 (B) on 6/19/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee using the back hand sink to store a spoon and lid.
  • Observed no soap at the hand sink.
  • Observed raw eggs stored on top of cucumbers in the walk in cooler.
  • Observed chicken hot holding below 135F on the hot holding serving line.
  • Observed no date marking in the facility.
  • Observed a can of bed bug killer spray on the storage rack. The rack contained single service items.
  • Observed several flies in the facility.

#5 Bankers Raw Bar

200 W. WOODLAWN RD, CHARLOTTE NC 28217
Scored 85.5 (B) on 6/8/2019

They had the following violations;

  • Observed several employee don gloves without washing hands.
  • Observed an employee handle soiled dish ware and then handle clean dish ware without a hand wash. Also observed an employee wash hands, with gloves still on the hands after, handling raw chicken.
  • Observed an employee handle raw chicken with a gloved hand and attempt to wash hands.
  • Observed several knives and vegetable slicer stored clean, according to employee, with food debris left on them.
  • Observed rice (48F), chili (52F), pasta (54F), fish (48F), slaw (48F), cut lettuce (50F), sliced tomatoes (48F), and chicken (48F).
  • Observed rice, pasta, chili, and slaw all without dates.

#4 Moe’s Original BBQ

111 MATTHEWS STATION ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28105
Scored 85 (B) on 6/7/2019 (rescored to 92.5 on 6/11)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee handling dirty dishes then proceed to unload cleaned dishes from the dish machine without washing their hands in-between.
  • Observed unwashed produce boxes stored above ready-to-eat foods in the walk in cooler.
  • Observed an employee use gloved hands to touch shorts then proceed with handling shredded cheese without first changing gloves.
  • Observed multiple food containers stored clean with sticker residue on the outer portion of the containers.
  • Observed facilities dish machine operating at 0ppm chlorine during inspection.
  • Observed red beans in the walk in cooler at 44F that were made on the previous day.
  • Observed pulled pork hot holding in hot box at 127.
  • Observed several TCS foods in walk in beverage cooler above 41F, chicken wings stored at room temperature above 41F near fryers, chicken tenders at ~63F near stove top sitting out at room temperature, and the flip top cooler where catfish and shrimp are stored holding foods above 41F.
  • Observed smoked pulled meats wrapped in plastic wrap not dated in the walk in cooler.
  • Observed one unlabeled chemical spray bottle behind bar.

#3 Guate Linda

6016 THE PLAZA, CHARLOTTE NC 28215
Scored 84 (B) on 6/13/2019 (rescored to a 90 on 7/2)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no hand washing conducted during the inspection unless employees were instructed by the EHS to wash hands.
  • Observed multiple employees put on gloves without washing hands.
  • Observed an employee touch raw steak with gloves, then touch a knob on the stove and then a can of cooking spray.
  • Observed several opened bags of fish, beef and chicken commingled in the freezers.
  • Observed items sanitizing in the 3 compartment sink at 10 ppm chlorine.
  • Observed all items in the prep unit and walk in cooler holding above 41F.
  • Observed no date marking in the facility.

#2 Lotus Chinese Cuisine

3716 W W.T. HARRIS BLVD, CHARLOTTE NC 28269
Scored 84 (B) on 6/5/2019 (rescored to a 93 on 6/11)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed employee open canned drink stored on prep table.
  • Observed main cook leave cook line, wipe sweat from head and forehead, then return to cook line to cook without washing hands.
  • Employee washed hands, turned off faucet with bare hands.
  • Observed tub of raw chicken stored on top of box of tofu in walk in cooler and a tub of raw chicken stored above pan of raw pork in walk in cooler.
  • Observed crispy noodles stored in single service carboard box.
  • Observed cut cabbage stored directly on rack in prep cooler.
  • Observed unwashed produce stored above open tubs of cooling rice.
  • Observed large collander of cooked shrimp with plastic wrap cooling approx. 3 hrs in walk in cooler at 79 degrees.
  • Observed several trays of egg rolls and tub of sesame chicken cooked over 24 hrs ago not date marked in walk in cooler.
  • Observed foods held with TPHC, cooked sesame chicken, and cut cabbage not being time marked per approved TPHC procedure.

#1 Studio Movie Grill

210 E TRADE ST, CHARLOTTE NC 28202
Scored 83.5 (B) on 6/12/2019 (rescored to a 97 on 7/2)

They had the following violations;

  • Observed no certified food protection manager on site during inspection.
  • Employees do not know what foodborne illnesses and symptoms they should not come to work with.
  • Observed employee move from loading and handling dirty dishes to handling and putting away clean dishes with no handwash.
  • Observed 3 handsinks in the kitchen blocked during inspection.
  • Observed no soap at handwashing sink at the bar.
  • Observed slicer that was not used today with food debris and food liquid on it.
  • Observed final rinse reaching 155F. Plate thermometer read 155F at the hottest.
  • Observed garlic sauce cooling at a rate of 0F/min.
  • Observed potato skins cooled to only 44F in walk in cooler from yesterday.
  • Observed store-made dressings, sour cream and pico in prep top cooler holding above 41F.
  • Observed ranch and sour cream in reach in cooler holding above 41F.
  • Observed items in the walk in cooler near the door above 41F.

If you’d like to monitor health scores or do a quick search for a restaurant you’re about to eat at, check out North Carolina’s health inspection database here.

Pike Nurseries Offering Free Gardening Classes This Month

Steve
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Pike Nurseries Offering Free Gardening Classes This Month

Summer is officially in full swing, and there’s no better time to enjoy the South’s beautiful outdoor spaces! To keep gardens and landscapes lush during the warmer months, the experts at Pike Nurseries are offering helpful classes on waterwise succulents and summer lawn care basics during July. Kiddos can also get the wiggles out during a special class on beneficial garden critters!

Savvy Succulents
July 9-20 at select Pike Nurseries locations 
FREE!
When looking to add texture and color to gardens and pots, succulents are the perfect choice for even the most beginner gardeners! During this free class, green thumbs can learn how to select and care for the waterwise, low-maintenance beauties that make great additions to both indoor and outdoor spaces. Complimentary refreshments will be available, and all participants will be entered to win a special giveaway.

The Savvy Succulents class will take place at the following locations:

  • Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m. – Ballantyne
    12630 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277
  • Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m. – Matthews
    1016 Devore Lane, Matthews, N.C. 28105
  • Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. – Lake Norman 
    18234 Statesville Road, Cornelius, N.C. 28031

Pike Kids Series: Garden Critters
Wednesday, July 10 at 10 a.m. at select Pike Nurseries locations
FREE! 
Gardens are home to many beneficial bugs – including butterflies, ladybugs and worms – that help plants grow. During this class, kids can meet some of these helpful critters and create a butterfly feeder to invite fluttering friends to green spaces. This class is open to all ages; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Capacity is limited to 25 people per class. Participants are required to pre-register at www.pikenursery.com.

The Garden Critters Kids Class will take place at the following locations:

  • Ballantyne 
    12630 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277

Summer Lawn and Garden Solutions
July 24-August 3 at select Pike Nurseries locations
FREE!
Homeowners are invited to learn the importance of summer garden care as well as tips and tricks to rid lawns of weeds, pests and diseases to keep outdoor spaces lush and beautiful year-round. Those struggling with lawn mishaps are encouraged to bring photos or samples of problematic spaces for Pike Nurseries’ certified plant professionals to offer remedies and solutions. Issues with invasive pest species can be discussed and solved with professional Charlotte exterminators.

The Summer Lawn and Garden Solutions class will take place at the following locations:

  • Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. – Ballantyne
    12630 N. Community House Road, Charlotte, N.C. 28277
  • Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. – Lake Norman
    18234 Statesville Road, Cornelius, N.C. 28031
  • Saturday, July 27 at 10 a.m. – Matthews
    1016 Devore Lane, Matthews, N.C. 28105

Duke Energy Just Passed 1 Gigawatt of Owned Solar Power

Charlotte Stories
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Duke Energy Just Passed 1 Gigawatt of Owned Solar Power

With the North Rosamond Solar Facility coming online last month in California, Duke Energy has passed the 1-gigawatt (GW) threshold of utility-scale owned and operated solar facilities nationwide.

Throughout the decade, Duke Energy has been building a solar portfolio that now includes almost 70 sites in 10 states, with a total capacity of 1.1 GW. At peak output, that could serve energy to approximately 2 million homes.

“For nearly a decade, Duke Energy has been delivering affordable solar power to our customers. This provides significant economic benefits to our communities, while generating no environmental emissions,” said Rob Caldwell, senior vice president and president of Duke Energy Renewables & Business Development.

In additional to owning and operating solar facilities, Duke Energy is one of the largest purchasers of solar power in the nation for its customers. Currently, the company purchases the output from more than 3 GW of capacity in states where it serves retail customers. Taken together, the 4 GW of owned and purchased renewables make up more than 9% of Duke Energy’s generated electricity.

North Carolina is Duke Energy’s biggest solar state – in addition to being the No. 2 state in America for overall solar power. The company owns 40 solar facilities in the state, including the 80-megawatt (MW) Conetoe Solar Facility in Edgecombe County, the 65-MW Warsaw Solar Facility in Duplin County and the 60-MW Monroe Solar Facility in Union County.

In April, the company said it would develop and own more major projects in the state.

Charlotte Has Been Named As A Potential Host City For The 2026 World Cup

Charlotte Stories
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Charlotte Has Been Named As A Potential Host City For The 2026 World Cup

panthers stadiumThe United Bid Committee of the United States, Mexico and Canada recently announced the list of potential locations that will serve as Official Host Cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, and Charlotte made the list for the first time.

The committee sent out Requests for Information (RFIs) to 44 cities across the three nations, asking each city to declare its interest to take part in the bid process by September 5, 2017. After the RFIs are received, the committee will examine each cities proposal and determine a final list of 20-25 venues to include in the official bid that will be sent to FIFA by March 16, 2018.

It’s anticipated that at least 12 North American locations will serve as Official Host Cities for the 2026 World Cup.

Here is the current list of potential host cities:

United States (34 cities, 37 stadiums):

City STADIUM CAPACITY
Atlanta, GA Mercedes-Benz Stadium 75,000
Baltimore, MD M&T Bank Stadium 71,008
Birmingham, AL Legion Field 71,594
Boston, MA (Foxborough) Gillette Stadium 65,892
Charlotte, NC Bank of America Stadium 75,400
Chicago, IL Soldier Field 61,500
Cincinnati, OH Paul Brown Stadium 65,515
Cleveland, OH FirstEnergy Stadium 68,710
Dallas, TX Cotton Bowl 92,100
Dallas, TX (Arlington) AT&T Stadium 105,000
Denver, CO Sports Authority Field at Mile High 76,125
Detroit, MI Ford Field 65,000
Green Bay, WI Lambeau Field 81,441
Houston, TX NRG Stadium 71,500
Indianapolis, IN Lucas Oil Stadium 65,700
Jacksonville, FL EverBank Field 64,000
Kansas City, MO Arrowhead Stadium 76,416
Las Vegas, NV Raiders Stadium 72,000
Los Angeles, CA Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum 78,500
Los Angeles, CA (Inglewood) L.A. Stadium at Hollywood Park TBD
Los Angeles, CA (Pasadena) Rose Bowl 87,527
Miami Gardens, FL Hard Rock Stadium 65,767
Minneapolis, MN U.S. Bank Stadium 63,000
Nashville, TN Nissan Stadium 69,143
New Orleans, LA Mercedes-Benz Superdome 72,000
New York/New Jersey (East Rutherford) MetLife Stadium 82,500
Orlando, FL Camping World Stadium 65,000
Philadelphia, PA Lincoln Financial Field 69,328
Phoenix, AZ (Glendale) University of Phoenix Stadium 73,000
Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Field 68,400
Sal Lake City, UT Rice-Eccles Stadium 45,807
San Antonio, TX Alamodome 72,000
San Diego, CA Qualcomm Stadium 71,500
San Francisco/San Jose, CA (Santa Clara) Levi’s Stadium 72,000
Seattle, WA CenturyLink Field 69,000
Tampa, FL Raymond James Stadium 73,309
Washington, DC (Landover) FedEx Field 82,000

Canada (seven cities, nine stadiums):

METROPOLITAN MARKET STADIUM CAPACITY
Calgary, Alberta McMahon Stadium 35,650
Edmonton, Alberta Commonwealth Stadium 56,335
Montreal, Quebec Stade Olympique 61,004
Montreal, Quebec Stade Saputo 20,801
Ottawa, Ontario TD Place Stadium 24,341
Regina Saskatchewan Mosaic Stadium 30,048
Toronto, Ontario Rogers Centre 53,506
Toronto, Ontario BMO Field 28,026
Vancouver, British Columbia BC Place 55,165

Mexico (three cities, three stadiums):

METROPOLITAN MARKET STADIUM CAPACITY
Guadalajara, Jalisco Estadio Chivas 45,364
Mexico City Estadio Azteca 87,000
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon Estadio Rayados 52,237

 

Charlotte City Officials have not made a final decision as to whether or not they will apply to become a host city.

Gregg Watkins, spokesman for Mayor Jennifer Roberts, released a statement saying, “At this point, all I can say is that city staff is reviewing potential next steps.”

Charlotte becoming a host city for the World Cup would certainly boost our international credibility, but whether or not it would create a positive economic impact in the short term is questionable. According to Economist Robert Brown, the expected economic impact of the 1994 World Cup in US cities was a $4 billion dollar gain, but the result was actually an estimated $5.5-9.3 billion loss for all US host cities combined.

Do you think Charlotte should become a host city for the 2026 World Cup?

Charlotte Will Witness 100+ Heat Indexes and Code Orange Air Quality This Week

Steve
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Charlotte Will Witness 100+ Heat Indexes and Code Orange Air Quality This Week

July is officially here and with it, scorching summer temperatures, high humidity, and dangerously low air quaily.

Today we should see a moderate-high of 94, a heat index of around 97, and moderate air quality. Tomorrow, however, temperatures will reach 9, a heat index of over 100, and a code orange air quality alert for our region.

High temperatures will remain above 90 until after the 4th, with rain and scattered thundershowers cooling things slightly until next Tuesday;

via Weather Underground

If you’re planning on spending an extended amount of time outside today, make sure you wear breathable clothes and consider getting a small fan, personal air conditioner, or evaporative cooling towel.

Stay safe out there!

There Have Been Over 121,000 Child Abuse Cases in North Carolina This Past Year

Charlotte Stories
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There Have Been Over 121,000 Child Abuse Cases in North Carolina This Past Year
rebecca-starnes-chsncEarly data shows there were over 121,000 investigated cases of child abuse and neglect in North Carolina during fiscal year July 2018 through June 2019. State law requires individuals or institutions suspecting child abuse or neglect to report cases to the Division of Social Services (DSS) for investigation (G.S. 7B-301).
“The high number of children impacted by neglect or abuse indicates too many families are struggling and under severe stress,” said Rebecca Starnes, Vice President of Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. “Abuse and neglect can be the product of a number of issues facing families, including poverty, working multiple jobs to make ends meet, high levels of stress, unrealistic expectations of children, mental health challenges, or substance abuse.”
“DSS is an advocate and fail-safe for the more than 2.2 million children and their families in our state,” said Starnes. “This vital service is provided by dedicated and hard-working staff in all 100-counties across North Carolina.”
DSS staff investigates and assesses all suspected cases of child abuse and neglect; diagnoses the problem with the family; provides in-home services to help keep families together; coordinates community and agency services; or, petitions the court for removal of the child from the home, if necessary.
Nearly 70-percent of the abuse and neglect cases were reported by educational personnel, medical personnel, law courts, and human services. Approximately 30-percent were referred by relatives, non-relatives, parents, or care providers. Child victims reported fewer than one-percent of the cases.
“There are different reasons for and levels of abuse and neglect,” said Starnes. “The hopeful news is that families have support. Parents can learn about their children’s needs and learn new, better ways to react. Parents can change their behavior, and even if they’ve had problems or challenges in the past, the majority can provide a safe, loving, and permanent home for their child.”
child-abuse-in-north-carolinaFollowing the investigation of reported cases in 2017-18, around 45-percent of the findings indicated that services were needed, recommended, or have been provided. Services were not recommended for 40-percent of the cases, and about 16-percent were determined to be unsubstantiated.
“Depending on the specific needs of children and families,” said Starnes, “Children’s Home Society and other organizations partner with DSS and provide a variety of options including intensive family preservation services (support and education in the home), family education programs, foster care, and adoption services.”
Demographically, the male-female ratio of investigated cases was virtually even at 51 to 49-percent. Almost 40-percent of the cases were ages 0 to 5, with 39-percent ages 6 to 12. Roughly 20-percent of the children were ages 13-17.
“Most of our abuse and neglect cases require intensive family preservation services,” said Starnes. “Teaming with DSS, our specialists work with the child and family daily, providing the education and resources they need to understand and overcome their problems and develop healthier family relationships.”
“The success rate of the intensive family preservation program is remarkable,” said Starnes. “Over 95-percent of the families completed the program. Six months following completion, 98-percent of the children are still in the home in a situation deemed safe by DSS.”
According to Starnes, abuse and neglect impacts rural and urban areas, crosses all socio-economic lines and includes every race.
Approximately 51-percent of the investigated cases of abuse and neglect last year were Caucasian. African-Americans made up the second largest segment with about 36-percent, followed by Hispanic at around 11-percent. All other races combined, including American Indian and Alaskan, were roughly 13-percent of the investigated cases.
“Partnerships with the staff of DSS are critical to achieve success for the child. One organization could not do the work alone,” said Starnes. “We all want children to be in safe, loving, and permanent families, and we’re working together to do what we can to help make that happen.”
Children’s Home Society of North Carolina helps support more than 20,000 children and families annually through a diverse array of services including adoption, foster care, parenting education, teen pregnancy prevention, and family preservation programs.
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