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GASTON COUNTY, N.C. -- The Gastonia mother accused of locking her two daughters in a hot car on Saturday has been arrested before.

The Gaston County Clerk of Courts says 26-year-old Alison Matthews was arrested in March for driving while impaired.

Gastonia Police say they notified the Department of Social Services after this recent arrest. A confidentiality policy at DSS prevents the agency from confirming or denying if there is an investigation into Matthews, but it could speak generally about what they do if called.

"We do a family assessment and look at everything that is going on in the home," said Cindy Holman of Gaston County DSS. "How can we help? What can we do? We want families to think of us as a resource."

DSS responds to complaints within 72 hours and tries to close the case within 30 to 45 days.