Report of DSS/APS Illegal Removal of my Autistic Son- James George-Age 22.
By Angie Empath.
Due to the flooding in Fayetteville, NC caused by hurricane Matthew late summer of 2016 my family was homeless and evacuated from Fayetteville NC (Cumberland County), we were offered refuge under the care of APC (Abuse Prevention Counsel) Domestic Violence shelter in Shelby, NC.
Upon arrival in Cleveland County DSS/APS began to harass my family regarding my autistic son James, (Age 22 who draws a Disability Check) alleging that he was ‘wandering’ into the road in Shelby outside of the hotel we were placed in by APC DV shelter.
Two case workers came to speak with /investigate these allegations made by ‘concerned citizens’ Megan Carscaddon and an unnamed female DSS caseworker with APS~
We had an informal meeting/discussion regarding our situation and I shared our backstory timeline as to how we arrived in Cleveland county at which point I asked for additional leads/services or guidance to assist my family including services for my son James who again is HIGH functioning on the autism spectrum.
After speaking at length with Megan Carscaddon and sharing all the details and facts of our situation I was then informed that after DSS provided 30 days of “financial emergency assistance we were pretty much on our own” This also was stated by the DSS /APS supervisor Tom Ensley as well as Courtney Morehead, Steve Shore. I called the County Manager to express my concerns regarding the lack of mental /developmental health services in Cleveland County I receive a call from Tom Ensley demanding that I not make those types of calls in this town.
After securing our own permanent residence without the help of social services after making SEVERAL request for information to services for my son and any assistance for our situation, the harassment began again with allegations of James wandering onto Blacksburg Road near the trailer we were leasing from Wane Allan who generously allowed us to obtain residence in one of his many rental properties.
