Bill > H648

This bill modifies North Carolina's laws regarding juvenile court dispositions and placement decisions by clarifying several key procedural requirements. The legislation requires courts to make more detailed written findings of fact when making placement decisions for juveniles, with a specific focus on determining the best interests of the child. When considering out-of-home care, courts must first determine if a relative is willing and able to provide proper care, and must now explicitly compare all placement options to identify the most suitable environment. The bill expands placement considerations to include potential placements with former foster parents, nonrelative kin, or persons with legal custody of the juvenile's siblings. Courts must now document their reasoning for placement decisions, including whether it is in the child's best interest to remain in their community of residence. The legislation also mandates that any court order placing a juvenile in out-of-home care must include findings that continuing in or returning to their home would be contrary to the child's health and safety, and must specify whether social services made reasonable efforts to prevent placement. These changes aim to create more transparent and child-centered decision-making processes in juvenile court proceedings, with the new provisions becoming effective on October 1, 2025, and applying to actions filed on or after that date.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H648