From:
Clements, Linda
Sent: 3/25/2021 9:05:28 AM
To:
Carelli, Gail <gcarelli@ncdoj.gov>
Cc:
Whisnant, Leeanne <lwhisnant@alexandercountync.gov> Strom, Teresa A <Teresa.Strom@dhhs.nc.gov>
Subject:

RE: DSS Attorney Need


We have not been successful in advocating for remote hearings in our court.  I believe we have posted our vacancy on the DSS attorney listserv, but I will confirm.

Thank you.

 

Linda Clements

Assistant Director

Alexander County Department of Social Services

604 7th St. SW

Taylorsville, NC 28681

O: 828-352-7667

F: 828-632-1359

 

From: Carelli, Gail <gcarelli@ncdoj.gov>
Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2021 8:59 AM
To: Clements, Linda <lclements@alexandercountync.gov>
Cc: Whisnant, Leeanne <lwhisnant@alexandercountync.gov>; Strom, Teresa A <Teresa.Strom@dhhs.nc.gov>
Subject: RE: DSS Attorney Need

 

Linda:

 

I’m sorry to hear this about your attorney.  The AG office can only advise state agencies, but I do have a few suggestions if you have not done these already:  I would reach out to your local district bar association for them to get the word out.  I would also have your attorney post something to the DSS attorney listserv about it.  If you are conducting hearings remotely it should help a great deal because you could cast the net a bit wider.

 

I wish you good luck and if I hear of anyone looking I will certainly send them your way.

 

Gail

 

From: Clements, Linda <lclements@alexandercountync.gov>
Sent: Wednesday, March 24, 2021 5:54 PM
To: Carelli, Gail <gcarelli@ncdoj.gov>
Cc: Whisnant, Leeanne <lwhisnant@alexandercountync.gov>
Subject: DSS Attorney Need
Importance: High

 

Good evening,

 

Alexander County DSS is in a tough place. Our current DSS attorney has resigned for personal reasons and her last day is April 1st and this is not negotiable. We have posted the position but it will take some time to hire a replacement. I have contacted many of the neighboring county directors to see if they could assist in any way or had recommendations. These neighboring counties do not have the capacity to assist due to the backlog created by COVID but did provide the names of a couple of attorneys. We have directly contacted attorneys who may be available to provide legal coverage, through a contract, and have yet to get any positive response. Our primary needs are:

A/N/D court

Child Support court

Adult Guardianship court

We plan to delay/continue what cases we can. However you know that non-secure custody hearings must be conducted.

 

I am reaching out to inquire if the AG office has any guidance or recommendations for Alexander County. Feel free to contact on my cell phone if it is more convenient to call after hours: 929-436-0817.

 

Any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

Linda Clements

Assistant Director

Alexander County Department of Social Services

604 7th St. SW

Taylorsville, NC 28681

O: 828-352-7667

F: 828-632-1359

 

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