The new training, titled “Child Welfare 101” focuses on educating local stakeholders on North Carolina’s welfare system, as well as how local Department of Social Services (DSS) offices are serving their communities. 

Child Welfare 101 is a critical component of Vaya’s ongoing commitment to enhancing collaboration between community stakeholders and those in the child welfare and behavioral health sectors. 

The Pathways to Permanency program is designed to foster synergy between Vaya and the communities it serves within its regions — building connections and partnerships with County DSS offices and mental health providers. 

Based on multi-sector focus groups conducted in the planning phases, Vaya identified key needs to be addressed within the system, such as: shared understanding, accessible quality behavioral health assessments and interventions, as well as safe and supportive homes. In response, workgroups composed of cross-system stakeholders were created to develop, plan and implement solutions — and partner with communities to address identified needs. 

To register for an upcoming training and to learn more about the Pathways to Permanency program, please reach out to Ashely Parks at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..