Bill > H237

This bill makes comprehensive changes to child welfare laws in North Carolina, focusing on several key areas. First, it modifies child protection statutes to more precisely define circumstances of abuse and neglect, including expanded definitions related to substance use, sexual offenses, and medical child abuse. The bill reduces the timeframe for permanent placement of children from "a reasonable amount of time" to specifically one year from the initial order removing custody. It introduces new provisions for considering a child's developmental and attachment needs when making placement decisions, and creates a preference for placing children with relatives when possible. The bill establishes a new Regional Abuse and Medical Specialist (RAMS) program within the North Carolina Child Medical Evaluation Program, with detailed rules about its scope and involvement in child welfare cases. Additionally, the bill creates a private cause of action for individuals harmed by departmental actions taken without proper rulemaking, mandates education and training for social services board members, requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to study a potential child support tribunal, and establishes protocols for managing conflicts of interest within social services departments. The legislation also creates an interim study committee to comprehensively review child welfare programs, policies, and procedures, with a mandate to make recommendations for systemic improvements by the 2026 legislative session.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H237