Bill > H795

This bill expands North Carolina's guardianship assistance program to provide financial support and services for children in foster care who are placed with relatives or guardians. Specifically, the bill allows children as young as 10 years old to be eligible for kinship guardianship assistance payments (known as KinGAP) if they meet certain criteria, such as having been removed from their home due to welfare concerns, living with a licensed relative guardian for at least six consecutive months, and demonstrating a strong attachment to that guardian. The bill also allows youth who enter guardianship agreements at 16 or older to continue receiving assistance until age 21 if they are pursuing education, employment, or have a qualifying disability. Additionally, the bill creates provisions for guardianship assistance agreements that specify payment amounts, additional services, and reimbursement rates for guardians, which will be set at the same rate as foster care room and board rates. The Social Services Commission is required to adopt temporary rules to implement these changes, and the provisions will become effective on July 1, 2025, with the aim of providing more stable and supportive placements for children in the foster care system.

Government Affairs, Justice

https://www.ncleg.gov/BillLookUp/2025/H795