The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) announced this week that it’s seeking public input on a proposed Social Services Block Grant Plan.

The goal is to determine how $77 million in federal Social Services Block Grant funds will be spent in fiscal 2022-2023, which runs through June 30 of next year.

The large social services grant is the main source of federal funding for several programs that provide services related to adoption, counseling, adult day care, foster care, protective services for adults, and housing help. Other uses of the funds could include child care for youngsters involved in child welfare cases and community-based services for adults who are elderly or disabled.

In addition, the money may be used for mental health services, transportation and other human services programs.

With a wide variety of options, state social services officials would like to hear the priorities of residents across the state.

NCDHHS will hold the public hearing online and over a conference call on Friday, Aug. 26 at noon. To participate in the online webinar, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7923253838185292814.

After registering, you’ll get a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The email will also contain a conference line if you would prefer to call into the public hearing.

The proposed spending plan for the $77 million is available for review online at www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/public-notices as well as online at department of social services websites in each county.

For those who prefer to offer input via snail mail, comments on the report have to be submitted in writing by Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, by one of the following methods:

Mail: Re: SSBG Plan Comments

Susan G. Osborne

Assistant Secretary for Human Services

2420 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-2420

Email: ssbg.comments@dhhs.nc.gov

(You can even fax your comments in at (919) 334-1018.)