Durham County’s Department of Social Services plays a vital role in caring for our community's most vulnerable children; however, it is currently operating under significant financial strain that is leaving foster parents and workers without the support they desperately need. According to The Child Welfare League of America, North Carolina's child welfare system is underfunded, which puts additional stress on foster parents and the workers who are trying to advocate for these children (source: "National Fact Sheet 2021," Child Welfare League of America). Consequently, many children in our community are not getting the care they deserve, and many workers are operating under extreme stress and burnout, contributing to a high turnover rate. We need to prioritize these children and those who care for them, and that starts with increasing the Department's funding. This not only promises a better future for our children, but also dignifies the brave work of our foster care workers and parents. Take a stand for Durham's children and those looking out for them. Sign the petition to call on our county officials to increase funding for Durham County's Department of Social Services.