You’ve probably driven past the building on North Highland Avenue in Winston-Salem. It’s a big complex. Honestly, for most people, the Forsyth County Department of Social Services is one of those places you never think about until you suddenly, desperately need it. Maybe a job loss hit out of nowhere. Perhaps an elderly parent can’t live alone anymore. Or maybe there's a kid in the neighborhood who doesn't seem safe.
When things go sideways, this is the agency that catches the fall. But here's the thing: it is way more than just "the welfare office." That’s a label from thirty years ago that doesn't really fit what’s happening inside those walls in 2026.
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What the Forsyth County Department of Social Services Actually Does
Basically, they manage the safety net. It’s a massive operation that touches everything from food stamps to foster care. In North Carolina, social services are county-run but state-supervised. This means the folks at the Forsyth County office have to follow strict federal and state rules, but they are your neighbors. They live in Winston-Salem, Kernersville, and Clemmons.
The department is roughly split into two worlds: Economic Services and Social Work Services.
Economic Services: Keeping the Lights On
This is the "financial" side. If you are struggling to pay for groceries or doctor visits, this is where you go.
- Food and Nutrition Services (FNS): Most people still call these food stamps. You get an EBT card, and every month, money is loaded onto it for groceries.
- Medicaid: This is huge. It covers health insurance for kids, disabled adults, and seniors. With the recent expansions in North Carolina, more people qualify than ever before.
- Energy Assistance: Programs like LIEAP (Low Income Energy Assistance Program) and CIP (Crisis Intervention Program) are lifesavers in January when the heating bill hits $300 and the bank account is at zero.
Social Work: The Human Element
This side is about protection and stability. It's often the hardest part of the job.
- Child Protective Services (CPS): They investigate reports of abuse or neglect. The goal isn't just to "take kids away"—contrary to what you see on TV—but to try and keep families together safely if possible.
- Adult Protective Services (APS): We don't talk about this enough. They protect seniors from financial scams, physical abuse, or just plain self-neglect when they can no longer care for themselves.
- Foster Care and Adoption: When kids can’t stay home, DSS finds them a place to go. They are constantly looking for new foster parents in Forsyth County.
The Big Misconception: It’s Only for the "Poor"
One thing most people get wrong is thinking you have to be at rock bottom to interact with the Forsyth County Department of Social Services. That's just not true.
Take Child Support Services. You could be making six figures, but if your ex isn't paying their court-ordered support, DSS is the agency that helps track them down and garnish wages. They also handle Adoption Services for families of all income levels who want to open their homes to a child.
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Then there’s the Adult Guardianship program. If a judge decides an adult is "incompetent" (meaning they can't make their own decisions due to dementia or disability) and there's no family member to step up, DSS becomes the legal guardian. They manage that person’s entire life—medical care, housing, everything. It’s a heavy responsibility that has nothing to do with how much money is in the bank.
How to Actually Get Help (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be real: government offices can be a headache. Long wait times and thick stacks of paperwork are part of the deal. But if you know how to navigate the system, it’s much smoother.
- Use ePASS: Honestly, don't drive down there if you don't have to. The North Carolina ePASS website lets you apply for Medicaid and FNS from your couch. You can upload photos of your pay stubs right from your phone.
- The 24-Hour Hotline: If you suspect a child is being hurt, you don't wait for business hours. The Forsyth County CPS intake line at 336-703-2287 is open 24/7.
- Be Prepared: If you do go to 741 North Highland Ave, bring everything. ID, Social Security cards for everyone in the house, proof of income, and your lease or utility bills. If you're missing one piece of paper, they might have to move you to the back of the line.
Recent Changes and 2026 Updates
As of early 2026, the department has seen some shifts. Technology is finally catching up. The launch of PATH NC—the state's newer child welfare information system—has helped caseworkers spend less time on data entry and more time actually visiting families.
Also, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) recently received a fresh round of federal funding. If you’re over 60 or disabled, you get first dibs on those funds starting in December, while everyone else can apply in January. It’s a "first-come, first-served" situation, so if you're behind on your Duke Energy bill, you've gotta move fast before the money runs out.
Actionable Steps for Forsyth Residents
If you find yourself needing help from the Forsyth County Department of Social Services, here is exactly what you should do right now:
- Check Eligibility Online First: Go to the North Carolina ePASS portal. There is a "Do I Qualify?" tool that takes about 10 minutes. It won't give you a final answer, but it’ll tell you if you’re wasting your time or not.
- Gather Your "Big Three": Before calling or applying, have your last 30 days of pay stubs, your most recent utility bill, and your ID ready.
- Call the Main Line for Specifics: For general questions about an existing case or how to start a new one, the main number is 336-703-3800.
- Consider Fostering: If you’ve ever thought about it, attend an orientation. Forsyth County is currently in need of homes for teenagers and sibling groups, who are often the hardest to place.
- Report Abuse Immediately: Don't assume someone else called. If you see something that doesn't look right regarding a child or an elderly neighbor, call the intake line. You can remain anonymous.
The system isn't perfect. It's often underfunded and the workers are usually stressed. But it is the primary tool Forsyth County has to make sure people don't fall through the cracks. Whether you're looking for a way to feed your kids this month or trying to navigate the complexities of adult Medicaid, the resources are there if you know where to look and which forms to sign.