Bill > S625

This bill makes various changes to the laws affecting juveniles and associated services, county social services boards and departments, regional social services boards and departments, consolidated human services boards and agencies, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Key provisions include: - Establishing a one-year timeline for placing a juvenile in a safe, permanent home if it is not in the juvenile's best interest to be returned home - Expanding the definition of "abused juvenile" and "neglected juvenile" to include additional circumstances, such as exposure to illegal substances and sexual offenses - Allowing the court to order nonsecure custody of a substance-affected infant and requiring consideration of the developmental and attachment needs of the juvenile in making nonsecure custody determinations - Requiring the county director of social services to decide issues where a disagreement arises between the local social services worker and the Regional Abuse and Medical Specialist (RAMS) team - Establishing a private cause of action against the Department of Health and Human Services if actions are taken through a program that is operating without going through the required rulemaking process - Requiring new county, regional, and consolidated human services board members to attend education and training sessions during their first year of service - Directing the Administrative Office of the Courts to study the feasibility of a child support tribunal with dedicated court officers - Authorizing the Social Services Commission to adopt rules regarding conflicts of interest management within county, regional, and consolidated human services agencies - Establishing an interim legislative study committee to review child welfare programs, policies, and procedures and the Department of Health and Human Services' compliance with rulemaking requirements.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2023/S625