Head of Nash DSS out after state takeover of child welfare services
WRAL has learned the head of the Nash County Department of Social Services has been removed from leadership after the death of two children in the department's care.
In a memo sent by Nash County Health and Human Services head Bill Hill, which was obtained by WRAL News, Hill informed members of the Nash DSS staff that Amy Pridgen-Hamlett is no longer in charge of the department, effective immediately.
According to her LinkedIn page, Pridgen-Hamlett was the director since 2018 and has worked for Nash County for over 25 years.
"We are continuing to evaluate with our State partners and contractors the strengths within our agency and encourage you to continue the cooperation you have already displayed," Hill said in the memo.
Nash County Board of Commissioners Chair Robbie Davis said he was not surprised by an interim taking over after state recently took over the department and is hopeful things will turn around at the department
"I hope it makes us make the right decisions moving forward," Davis said. "My key hope is that we get much better through this process to help protect the children of Nash County."
Hill named Sarah Bradshaw interm director until further notice, adding all responsibilities that fall under the role, excluding Chlid Welfare, will be hers.
Bradshaw, an industry veteran, has more than 30 years of DSS experience, including over 20 years as Director of the Sampson County Department of Social Services. In 2016, Bradshaw was named the DSS Director of the Year by the North Carolina Association of County Directors of Social Services’ (NCACDSS).
In October 2022, Bradshaw was named Interim Director of Durham County’s Department of Social Services.
Timeline of Nash DSS problems
The state found that welfare violations occurred before 8-year-old Christal Lane died after being severely beaten in February. Authorities charged her grandmother, Patricia Ann Ricks, with first-degree murder and felony child abuse in her death. A Nash DSS employee was terminated after the state discovered the violations.
A WRAL Investigation six months later revealed a second child, 1-year-old Chase Hilliard, died after he too was severely beaten. Authorities charged his mother, Vonequetta Hilliard, with his murder.
In both cases, Nash DSS employees or law enforcement recommended the children be removed from the home, but upper management within the department did not approve the recommendations and the children were returned to their guardians.
WRAL News asked Pridgen-Hamlett for a response during the investigation. We also asked her specifically about claims that Nicholson decided against recommendations to remove Lane and Hilliard, which wouldn’t allow the cases to go further up the chain of command.
Nash DSS nor its employees would answer WRAL's specific questions during the investigation. Instead, the county released a statement on behalf of the department:
A Statement from Nash County DSS:
"The Nash County Department of Social Services cannot release any information regarding the case mentioned without violating general statute 7B-2902 D3. While we cannot speak directly about this or any other case, Nash County Social Services is subject to NCDHHS guidelines for its operational policies and procedures. Like other agencies across North Carolina, the department is also regularly monitored by the State, which includes the inspection and review of random cases from the agency to ensure that Nash County DSS is adhering to state and federal guidelines and utilizing appropriate practices when handling cases involving child protective services. The department also falls within the purview of the Nash County Health and Human Services Board and regularly meets with this body in order to identify and respond to the health and human service needs that exist in our community."
