Bowens-Bratts and McFadden Join “In Touch with Durham County” Show for October Episode
Durham, N.C. – The October 2026 episode of the “In Touch with Durham County” show produced by the Durham County Public Information Office has premiered, with discussions on the County’s expanding services for youth in a safe space as their cases move through the court process and how Durham County’s Internal Audit Department continues its work ensuring County programs are accountable, efficient and well-managed.
In our latest episode, host Deborah Craig-Ray, Durham County Chief Communications Officer, welcomes Sheila Bowens-Bratts, Director of the Durham County Youth Home, and Shirley McFadden, Internal Audit Director.
Watch it on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/V1LmsP-fTbA
Each episode features important conversations with Durham County Government staff, elected officials, and community partners to keep residents informed about the latest happenings, programs, and services. You can watch the show on the DCo YouTube channel (subscribe here), as well as on the Durham County Government website and the Durham Television Network.
The episode begins with a conversation with Bowens-Bratts, who was recently appointed Director of Durham’s Youth Home. While awaiting court decisions, youth at the Youth Home are cared for in a secure, structured setting that supports their well-being and personal growth. Bowens-Bratts was appointed in July 2026, has nearly 30 years of experience in youth rehabilitation and has served the County since 1998 in numerous roles. She oversees every aspect of the Youth Home, from staff and safety to the programs that help young people grow, with a focus on giving youth a secure, positive environment during a difficult time in their lives. Bowens-Bratts shares how the new facility, which opened in 2024, and its staff care for youth and provide juveniles who are detained with emotional, academic and behavioral support and coordinate with schools, mental health providers and social service agencies. The segment also highlights the Youth Home’s program, Resources for Youth Success & Empowerment (RYSE) Assessment Center. The free, volunteer program for ages 10 to 17 provides same-day screenings, support and holistic care to youth and families facing social, emotional or behavioral challenges and connects them with service recommendations.
McFadden is a first-time guest at “In Touch”; she joined the County in April 2026 as Internal Audit Director after serving most recently as Deputy Director of Internal Audit for Guilford County. With more than 20 years of experience in internal audit, compliance, and risk assessment, she has worked for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, Wake County Public School System, North Carolina Office of the State Auditor and City of Raleigh. McFadden leads the Internal Audit department that ensures County departments, programs, services and activities run efficiently, support the County’s goals, and comply with local, state and federal requirements. The conversation explores milestones and challenges in the Internal Audit Department over the past six months, including recruiting auditing talent, completing a risk assessment and developing an audit plan. McFadden also discusses how audit helps mitigate risks related to cybersecurity, data integrity, workforce shifts and funding changes.
We hope you explore this month’s show!
About “In Touch with Durham County”
The “In Touch with Durham County” show is a regular program that provides governmental programming and access to your local government and provides timely, ongoing coverage of Durham County Government. The show airs on the Durham Television Network (DTN). DTN is available on Spectrum (channel 8 and 1302), and AT&T U-verse channel 99. Residents may also download the BoxCast app, available for Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV and search for “City of Durham” to find content available on demand.
To view past editions of the “In Touch with Durham County” show, visit the DCo YouTube Channel here.
For more information on the Durham County Public Information Office, visit the PIO website, call 919-560-0000 or email publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.
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