Governor McCrory Signs Foster Care Family Act Into Law

Governor Pat McCrory signed two bills into law July 2 to support foster care children and families.

Senate Bill 423, or the Foster Care Family Act includes provisions to improve the care of foster children and allows foster parents to obtain liability insurance for the children under their care. The governor also signed House Bill 669, which will require county social services departments to find foster children permanent placement and changes juvenile laws pertaining to abuse, neglect and dependency

“Foster children deserve the chance to have the support they need to reach their full potential,” Governor McCrory said. “The Foster Care Family Act will expand social opportunities for foster children and give foster parents the insurance protection they need.”

SB 423 will provide liability insurance for foster parents, reduce barriers to obtaining a driver’s license for foster children, and require county social services departments to work diligently to find foster children permanent placement. Additionally, the new law establishes the Reasonable and Prudent Parent Standard and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to draft a Medicaid waiver to serve foster children with serious emotional disturbances in home and community settings.