The Carteret County Department of Social Services is here to improve the quality of life for all citizens of our county by providing a broad range of quality services in the most cost-effective way to meet the financial, medical, and social needs of our people. We strive to make human services and humane services synonymous, treating people with dignity and respect. We believe that our mission is:

• To help people obtain the basic necessities of life;

• To assist and protect our elderly and disabled adults;

• To protect children and strengthen families;

• To promote self-sufficiency through employment.

Services:
Economic Services
Medicaid Programs
Adult Services
Families and Children Services
Work First Family Assistance Employment Program
Crisis Intervention

Work First Family Assistance-Work First shifts the focus of welfare from a money payment to a plan to help families with children under age 18 to progress to employment and self-sufficiency. Eligible families are offered temporary cash assistance, Medicaid benefits, and assistance in locating and maintaining employment. Households with one or both parents in the home must be income and reserve eligible. If a child is residing with a relative they must be deprived of parental support and care because of the absence of the parents from the home and be income and reserve eligible. Parents are required to accept responsibility for their families and work toward economic independence.

Aid to Families with Dependent Children -Emergency Assistance--(AFDC-EA)-AFDC-EA provides limited short-term financial assistance to eligible families with children under age 21 who are in an emergency situation.

Food Stamps-The Food Stamp Program is designed to help prevent hunger and malnutrition by increasing the food purchasing power of low-income families. Eligibility is based upon certain income and reserve requirements.

LIEAP (Low-Income Energy Assistance Program)-The Low-Income Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time cash benefit to help eligible households with heating costs.

Medicaid for the Aged, Blind, or Disabled This program is for individuals 65 years of age or older or, if under 65, be disabled based on the Social Security Administration's definition of disability. Blind persons of any age who meet the required definition of blindness may also receive Medicaid.

Medicare Qualified Beneficiaries (MQB) MQB provides payment of the Medicare premium for those beneficiaries who have Medicare B and who meet program income and reserve guidelines. Under this program, Medicare recipients who meet the income limit for Medicaid but are over reserve can receive a MQB card which will pay the deductibles and co-payments for Medicare covered services.

Community Alternatives Program (CAP)-CAP provides an alternative to nursing home placement by allowing individuals to remain in their home with support services. The program does not provide 24-hour support but works in conjunction with existing caretaker support. Unlike other Medicaid programs, CAP considers the income of only the person who is receiving services.

Special Assistance (SA)-The Special Assistance Program provides a cash supplement and medical assistance to low-income, aged, blind, or disabled persons who reside in a rest home or family care home.

Medicaid for Pregnant Women (MPW)-The MPW Program provides Medicaid to help with prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum care for women with income at or below 185% of the poverty level.

Medicaid for Infants and Children (MIC)-Medicaid for Infants and Children is a program for infants and children to age 19 who meet income and eligibility criteria. There is no reserve limit and no deductible for children who qualify for assistance under MIC.

Medicaid for Families with Dependent Children (MAF)-MAF provides medical assistance to low income families with children under 21 who meet the eligibility requirements. There is a reserve limit, and families with income exceeding the required limits must meet a deductible before Medicaid will pay.

NC Health Choice-NC Health Choice is an insurance program to provide medical coverage for children up to age 19 who are not eligible for Medicaid but whose families cannot afford private health insurance. Eligibility is based on an income of up to 200% of poverty level.

Health Support Services-These services help individuals and families to recognize health needs; to cope with incapacitation and limited function resulting from aging, disability, or handicap; and to obtain needed services in the community.

Individual and Family Adjustment Services-These services help individuals and their families attempt to restructure or stabilize the environment in which they live.

In-Home Aide Services-In-Home Aide Level II Services are proved to eligible agency clients through a private contractor who supplies aides trained to do home management and personal care tasks. Services focus on assisting clients with daily living activities to enable clients to remain in their own homes when they are not able to care for themselves without help.

Adult Protective Services--Services are provided to prevent or correct abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly, disabled, or handicapped adults.

Transportation-Transportation services assist eligible clients in getting to and from medical appointments, doing essential shopping and bill-paying, and accessing needed community resources.

Services for the Blind-Services are available to enable blind and visually impaired individuals to maintain the highest level of functioning possible and to prevent or reduce dependency.

Child Protective Services-The purpose of this service is to identify, evaluate, change, and/or prevent conditions causing child abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Foster Care Services-This service provides substitute care appropriate for children's needs once removed from situations of abuse, neglect, dependency, and/or exploitation.

Adoption-Adoption services are provided for children who are not able to live with their parents or other relatives and for families wanting to adopt a child. Children become available for adoption through natural parent's voluntary surrender of the children or by court order.

Child Day Care-Child day care is needed by families and children for various reasons: (1) children whose parents are working or in school; (2) children who are in need of protection; (3) children with disabilities or developmental needs. Eligibility is based on need and income, unless the purpose is child protection. A fee may be charged, according to a sliding scale.

WORK FIRST FAMILY ASSISTANCE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

The Work First Family Assistance Employment Program provides employment counseling and assistance, short-term training, and supportive services to enable eligible Work First Family Assistance recipients to secure and maintain employment as quickly as possible with the goal of leaving public assistance.

Crisis Intervention services help individuals and families who are faced with a crisis or emergency situation. Services include emergency financial assistance, crisis counseling, budgeting assistance, and information and referral services.

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