A class action lawsuit has been filed against North Carolina's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and child welfare agencies in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties, alleging severe neglect and endangerment of children in the foster care system. The plaintiffs claim that inadequate staffing and resources have resulted in children being denied essential services and subjected to harmful placements, including instances of abuse. Specific cases highlighted include a child sexually abused while placed with a relative and others left in hospitals due to inadequate foster care options. The lawsuit underscores a systemic crisis, with a significant shortage of licensed homes leading to children sleeping in government buildings and emergency rooms. Advocates argue that the state's failure to address these issues has created an ongoing tragedy for vulnerable youth. This lawsuit follows previous litigation addressing the overreliance on institutional care, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive reform in the system.