Haywood County Child Abuse Task Force

Project Goal

Haywood County is listed as second in the state of North Carolina in child abuse reporting. Child Abuse is a complex community problem, which is calling out for education to our children and citizens willing to face this problem. The number of child abuse cases has risen yearly.

Since the Haywood County Child Abuse Task Force was formed, the response time for a child abuse case has been cut by more than 40%.

The Task Force works with all law enforcement agencies in the county to investigate reports of child abuse. The Task Force also coordinates with the Department of Social Services, Smokey Mountain Mental Health, KARE, Domestic Violence and the District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prepare the cases for effective prosecution. This coordinated community response provides timely and effective intervention which is also preventive.

Child Abuse Task Force Detectives:

Heidi VanDine

Matt Shell

Contact numbers: 828-452-6768 or 828-452-6666