The Association traces its origins to the early 1900s when the heads of the "orphanages" in the state met for exchange of information and mutual support. Today the Association seeks to strengthen the work of the member agencies as they serve children and families under stress or disruption, to speak with a voice of unity on matters of concern to the Association members, and to assist the agencies in striving for excellence in programs and services.

In fulfilling this mission, the Association works in partnership with the following agencies in North Carolina in matters of policy and service:

• The Departments of Health and Human Services
• The Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
• The Department of Public Instruction 

The Association seeks to keep the plight of abused and neglected children, children with behavioral health needs, and families under stress before the General Assembly. In an effort to provide the best help possible to clients, the Association continually works to close the gap between the public funds provided fo reimbursement for care and treatment and the cost of that care to the agencies.

The Association office is an administrative office located in Raleigh. Our member providers are all across the state and serve all 100 counties. On any given day, approximately 7000 children would be receiving services, either through community or residential programs. Children are referred by local Departments of Social Services, Area Mental Health or Local Management Entities (LMEs), Department of Juvenile Justice, the schools or private referrals. Some have been abused physically, sexually, and emotionally; others come from homes that at a particular point in time are not an appropriate environment for the child.

Among the many ways the Association carries out its mission of promoting excellence is to offer specific training opportunities for staff. The Association also recognizes and presents awards for outstanding service to children and families.

A copy of our IRS Form 990 is available at www.guidestar.org or by contacting our office at 919.828.1864.  For more information, please contact us.