Buncombe Seeks Contractors for Foster Care Visit Coordination

Buncombe County updated its procurement for foster care oversight on December 9, 2025, issuing Addendum 2 to the request for proposals titled "Out of County Permanency Planning Visit Support." The solicitation seeks qualified vendors to coordinate, monitor, and ensure timely completion of monthly foster care home visits conducted by contract social workers identified as OCFC SWs in support of Buncombe County Health and Human Services.

The update signals a targeted effort to shore up operational capacity as the county continues recovery from Helene and adapts to shifts in child welfare caseloads. County officials framed the procurement as a measure to preserve continuity and quality in foster care services while contract social workers carry out required monthly contacts with foster families. Ensuring those visits are completed on schedule has implications for compliance with state oversight requirements and for the stability of placements for children in care.

The addendum was posted through the county purchasing process and directs prospective vendors to the full RFQ documents and all addenda for submission requirements. Vendors seeking to respond must consult the Purchasing page for the complete package and the specific instructions for proposals. The county will evaluate submissions to identify vendors with experience in coordinating foster care visit schedules, monitoring contract social worker performance, and providing timely reporting to Health and Human Services.

For residents and stakeholders the procurement is significant because it affects how the county manages an essential core function of child welfare. Contracting for specialized coordination could ease burdens on county staff, reduce missed visits, and provide clearer accountability during a period of recovery and caseload change. It also raises policy questions about the role of private vendors in delivering oversight functions and how the county will measure performance and protect continuity of care.

Community members and local providers can track the procurement and related board actions by reviewing the county Purchasing page and Health and Human Services communications. Vendors should review the addenda and submit proposals according to the published instructions to participate in the selection process.