Bill > S725

This bill establishes the Foster Care and Education Council, a joint council between the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), aimed at improving educational outcomes for children in foster care. The Council will consist of 27 members appointed by various state leaders, representing a diverse range of organizations and including individuals with lived experience in the child welfare system. The Council's primary responsibilities include reviewing federal and state education laws affecting foster children, analyzing educational data, developing recommendations to improve educational support, and creating strategies to enhance coordination between child welfare and education agencies. Members will serve three-year terms and meet at least quarterly, with the ability to form committees and task forces. The Council is tasked with producing an annual report detailing progress towards education parity for foster children, including actionable recommendations, and will share this report with multiple state agencies and legislative committees. Key goals include identifying barriers to educational stability, improving school transportation, establishing dispute resolution processes, and facilitating better communication and data sharing among stakeholders. The bill emphasizes meaningful consultation with individuals who have direct experience in the foster care system and aims to proactively support foster children in completing high school and pursuing postsecondary education.

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/S725