In a somber yet crucial gathering at the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners meeting, Paula Yost, chair of the Child Protection and Fatality Team, presented a stark report on child welfare issues that resonate deeply within the community. As she addressed the board, Yost emphasized the gravity of the topics at hand—child abuse, neglect, and the tragic realities of teenage suicide and assault. These discussions, though uncomfortable, are vital for understanding the future of the county's youth and the implications for its budget.

Yost, who has led the team for over a decade, highlighted the statutory requirement for every county in North Carolina to have a child protection and fatality team. Her team meets monthly to review every child fatality in Cabarrus County, ensuring that no case goes unnoticed. In her report, she noted a slight increase in child abuse investigations, with 3,516 cases reported in 2024, leading to 1,462 accepted reports of abuse and neglect. Among these, 466 cases were deemed particularly severe, involving human trafficking and various forms of abuse.

The report also shed light on the challenges faced by families in the county. Yost pointed out that many children in need of services are victims of poverty rather than abuse, with 68 families receiving in-home support—up from 45 the previous year. This support aims to provide resources for families struggling with homelessness and food insecurity, highlighting the complex interplay between economic hardship and child welfare.

The meeting also addressed the decline in foster care numbers, which dropped from 182 to 77 children, indicating a shift in how the county is managing child welfare cases. Yost stressed the importance of social workers in this process, noting that they often serve as the only safe adults in the lives of vulnerable children. Their role is critical, as mistakes in child welfare can have devastating consequences for already traumatized youth.

As the meeting progressed, Yost shared the heartbreaking statistics of child fatalities, including eight unavoidable deaths due to illness and accidents. She pointed out that unsafe sleep environments remain the leading cause of preventable fatalities, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding children.

The discussions at the Cabarrus County BOC meeting serve as a call to action for the community, urging a collective effort to address these pressing issues. As Yost concluded her presentation, the weight of her words lingered in the air, underscoring the urgent need for continued investment in the welfare of the county's children. The future of Cabarrus County hinges on how well it protects its most vulnerable residents today.