Although many of these Division's programs are Federally mandated, the North Carolina Legislature and Executive Branch also establishes programs for citizens. There are also commissions which develop operating rules that impact county departments of Social Services. The Joint Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittee has responsibility for approving the Division's budget while the other legislative committees have responsibility for any statutory changes made to the General Statutes that govern DSS programs and services. DSS is the Social Services Commission. The North Carolina Social Services Commission is a statutorily based body, G.S. 143B-153.
Membership consists of one member from each congressional district.
Members are appointed by the Governor to serve for four-year terms. Staff support for the Commission is provided by the Director of the Division of Social Services, at the direction of the Secretary of Health and Human Resources. The Office of the Special Assistant to the Director of Social Services provides technical, clerical, logistical and other support for the work of the Commission. The Attorney General's Office serves as legal counsel to the Commission. In addition to the Social Services Commission, NC DSS, along with NC DMA and NC DCD work closely with both the NC Medical Care Commission and the NC Child Care Commission.