Lead investigative reporter
Kate Martin is the lead investigative reporter for Carolina Public Press. Her work has led to the creation of four state laws and the resignation of several elected officials. Her deep analysis of years of North Carolina court records showed fewer than 1 in 4 people charged with sexual assault are ever convicted of that or a lesser related crime. @Katereports
Cindy Palmer faces multiple felony charges for role in illegal removal of children from Cherokee County families.
Legislation eliminates red tape in reuniting children with families or finding new permanent placements. New measure sets up study for a statewide child welfare hot line.
An investigative series on the state's child welfare system was powered by "a fairly simple data analysis that anyone can do if they have the right tech skills."
Most states have state-administered systems that avoid many of the inconsistencies that have plagued NC child protective services.
Troubled data system, loose compliance with standards, local autonomy, training and pay disparities, and resource imbalances add up to wide variation in child protection policies and outcomes across North Carolina.
Confidentiality rules intended to protect children present challenges for investigating allegations of DSS misconduct.
Rates at which local departments of social services remove children from families point to inequity and inconsistency, with extremes of very high and low levels.
The lack of consistency in screening abuse reports is concerning enough for state legislators to consider changes to North Carolina’s system.
