The mission of North Carolina’s Division of Social Services (DSS) is to partner with communities to promote self-reliance and self-sufficiency, working to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation while strengthening vulnerable individuals, children, and families by providing essential support, fostering dignity, and ensuring safe environments. While the overall goal is consistent across counties, specific phrasing varies, focusing on empowering residents and connecting them with services like food assistance, Medicaid, child support, and child welfare.