Mecklenburg County, February 18, 2026
A group of foster mothers in Mecklenburg County has established Path to Permanency, a nonprofit organization aimed at reforming the local foster care system. The initiative seeks to eliminate systemic barriers that delay permanency for children, with data showing many spend years in temporary placements. By collaborating with stakeholders like social workers and judges, the organization aims to expedite the process of finding stable, permanent homes for children in care. Their efforts highlight the urgent need for changes to support vulnerable children effectively.
Charlotte
A collective of foster mothers in Mecklenburg County has recently formed a nonprofit organization, Path to Permanency, with the critical aim of overhauling the local foster care system, which they describe as significantly flawed. The new group is focused on dramatically accelerating the process of placing children into stable, permanent homes. Their efforts come as statistics reveal alarming delays in permanency for children within the county’s care system, with many spending years in temporary placements rather than months.
The Path to Permanency initiative seeks to bring together key stakeholders, including social workers, guardians ad litem, foster parents, and judges, to identify and dismantle the systemic barriers that cause prolonged stays for children in foster care. This collaborative approach is designed to foster a more efficient and effective path to permanency, addressing the challenges that lead to children experiencing multiple moves and emotional distress.
Addressing Systemic Roadblocks
The organization has identified several critical obstacles within the Mecklenburg County foster care system. These include persistent issues with accountability and communication failures, significant mental health challenges faced by child welfare workers, and a high rate of staff turnover. A particularly concerning finding is the routine violation of a state law requiring 90-day check-in meetings for foster care cases within Mecklenburg County, indicating a systemic lack of oversight.
Children navigating the foster care system often endure profound instability. One individual who experienced the system firsthand, Xzavier McGhee, recounted being moved frequently between foster homes without warning or the chance to say goodbye, a situation he described as extremely stressful. His experience underscores the personal urgency driving the foster mothers’ advocacy. Another co-founder, Josclyn Reed, embarked on her advocacy journey after a five-year struggle to adopt her son through the system, realizing her challenges were widespread.
The Need for Quicker Permanency
The foster care system is inherently designed to be a temporary solution for children unable to safely reside with their biological families. However, for a substantial number of children in Mecklenburg County, this temporary status extends into years of uncertainty. Data for Mecklenburg County indicates that approximately three out of four children lack permanent placement after one year in foster care, and half remain in care after two years. The median duration a child spends in care in the county is approximately 784 days.
Furthermore, children in Mecklenburg County’s foster care system experience an average of one placement move every 10 months. The median time it takes for a child to achieve permanency—whether through reunification, guardianship, or adoption—in Mecklenburg County is more than two years. These prolonged timelines often lead to increased emotional and developmental impacts on vulnerable children.
Wider Challenges in Foster Care
The issues in Mecklenburg County reflect broader challenges impacting the foster care system across North Carolina. The state has seen a significant decline in foster family recruitment and retention, with a 22% drop in the past five years statewide. More than 50% of foster homes in North Carolina close within their first year, exacerbating the shortage of available placements. This shortage has led to dozens of children in Mecklenburg County reportedly sleeping in county offices due to the lack of available foster homes. At any given time, between 400 and 500 children are in foster care in Mecklenburg County.
The strains on the system also extend to the workforce. Social workers across the state face heavy caseloads and relatively low pay, contributing to high turnover rates. This understaffing and high workload can impede the consistent support and timely case progression essential for children in foster care.
Mecklenburg County’s performance in achieving timely permanency for children lags behind the state average, which itself is below the national average. Previous reform efforts in Mecklenburg County between 2013 and 2017 did yield positive results, including a reduction in foster care entries, improved data systems, and efforts to address racial disparities and staff morale. However, the current advocacy highlights the persistent need for ongoing improvements and vigilance within the system.
Future Outlook
Path to Permanency is actively organizing events to mobilize community support and educate stakeholders. Recent activities included a “People’s Assembly” focused on leveraging individual narratives for collective change, and an upcoming training session on “Permanency Planning Review (PPR) Meetings,” which are crucial for timely case progression. The organization’s commitment signals a determined effort to advocate for the reforms necessary to ensure children in Mecklenburg County receive the stable, loving homes they need more quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main goal of Path to Permanency?
The main goal of Path to Permanency is to overhaul the foster care system in Mecklenburg County and speed up the process of placing children into permanent homes.
Who founded Path to Permanency?
Path to Permanency was co-founded by foster mothers in Mecklenburg County, including Josclyn Reed, who experienced the foster care system firsthand.
What are some of the barriers identified by Path to Permanency in the foster care system?
Identified barriers include accountability and communication failures, mental health challenges among workers, high staff turnover, and routine violation of a state law requiring 90-day check-in meetings for foster care cases in Mecklenburg County.
How long do children typically stay in foster care in Mecklenburg County?
Data for Mecklenburg County indicates that approximately three out of four children lack permanent placement after one year in foster care, and half remain in care after two years. The median duration a child spends in care in the county is approximately 784 days. The median time to achieve permanency in Mecklenburg County is more than two years.
Are there enough foster homes in North Carolina?
North Carolina has seen a significant decline in foster family recruitment and retention, with a 22% drop in the past five years statewide. More than 50% of foster homes in North Carolina close within their first year.
Key Features of the Mecklenburg County Foster Care System Challenges and Path to Permanency’s Efforts
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Formed | Path to Permanency, a nonprofit by foster mothers. | Mecklenburg County |
| Primary Goal | Speed up placement of children into permanent homes. | Mecklenburg County |
| Identified Barriers | Accountability and communication failures, mental health challenges among workers, high staff turnover. | Mecklenburg County |
| State Law Violation | Routine violation of 90-day check-in meetings for foster care cases. | Mecklenburg County |
| Children Lacking Permanency (1 year) | Approximately 3 out of 4 children. | Mecklenburg County |
| Children Remaining in Care (2 years) | Approximately half of children. | Mecklenburg County |
| Median Days in Care | 784 days. | Mecklenburg County |
| Average Placement Moves | Every 10 months. | Mecklenburg County |
| Median Time to Permanency | More than two years. | Mecklenburg County |
| Foster Family Retention Decline | 22% drop in the past five years. | North Carolina |
| Foster Homes Closing | More than 50% close after the first year. | North Carolina |
| Children Sleeping in Offices | Dozens due to home shortages. | Mecklenburg County |
| Worker Challenges | Overworked, high caseloads, low pay leading to high turnover. | State-level / Nationwide context |
| Performance Comparison | Mecklenburg County lags behind state and national averages in timely permanency. | Mecklenburg County |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Atrium Health Sponsors Truist Championship in Charlotte
Charlotte’s Public Safety Debate: Accountability and Community Action
Cabarrus Candidates Eye Tax Cuts and Teacher Pay Hikes
New Mural in Charlotte Honors Ukrainian Refugee Iryna Zarutska
Serious Accident on I-485 Leaves Four Seriously Injured
Charlotte’s Community Spirit Fuels Local Innovation
Charlotte’s Economy & NC Tax Cuts: Unpacking the Latest Report
New Federal Prosecutor Sworn in for Western North Carolina
Deadly Collision Claims Lives in York County
North Carolina Basketball: N.C. State and UNC Showcase Talent
Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
