October Reforms Begin: Foster Care Overhaul Now Law in NC

This summer, North Carolina quietly achieved something extraordinary—and this fall, its impact is about to be felt. Thanks to the determined leadership of Representative Allen Chesser, the Fostering Care in NC Act is now law, signaling a major shift in how the state supports its most vulnerable children. While the bill was signed in July, many of its key provisions begin taking effect on October 1, making this a timely moment to spotlight a law that’s bringing fresh hope to foster families, social workers, and advocates statewide.

Backed by co-sponsors Representatives Bell and Loftis, Chesser’s bill passed with broad bipartisan support. It’s being praised for its commonsense reforms and forward-thinking protections designed to make North Carolina’s child welfare system more compassionate, efficient, and effective.

At the heart of the new law is a simple principle: children deserve stability, safety, and a chance to thrive. To help ensure that, the law expands the definition of an “abused juvenile” to include victims of human trafficking and other violent crimes—recognizing the serious trauma these children face and the urgency needed in addressing it. For the first time in state history, families will be able to create post-adoption contact agreements that are enforceable in court. These agreements help children maintain important biological connections when it’s in their best interest, providing a measure of emotional continuity often lost in adoption cases.

The law also strengthens permanency options by lowering the eligibility age for the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) to just 10 years old. This means more children who cannot return home or be adopted will still have the chance to grow up in stable, long-term environments with relatives or guardians who love them. Young adults transitioning out of the foster care system will also benefit—those who are in school, working, undergoing vocational training, or dealing with medical challenges can now receive financial support up to age 21.

Public safety is a key theme throughout the act. From requiring criminal background checks for local government employees who work with children to expanding felony abuse laws, the legislation raises the bar for who is allowed to care for kids—and how abuse is prosecuted when it happens. It also gives judges the ability to issue permanent no-contact orders in a wider range of violent crimes, extending vital protections to victims’ families.

Other changes are aimed at improving efficiency and accountability. If a conflict of interest arises in a child welfare case, the law requires that it be reassigned to another county—an important step for ensuring objectivity in sensitive matters. When a child in the custody of the Department of Social Services needs mental health treatment, the law now mandates better coordination between hospitals, social services, and care organizations to secure timely evaluations and placements. Legal safeguards are also being strengthened: attorneys handling abuse or neglect cases must now receive specialized training and thoroughly review all petitions, a move designed to elevate the quality of advocacy these children receive.

For Rep. Chesser, this legislation is more than policy—it’s personal. “Every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can grow and succeed,” he said. “This law is about giving kids the stability and support they need to build bright futures.”

While some provisions have already begun rolling out, the majority of the law will be implemented beginning October 1. That timeline has given state agencies and advocacy groups a few months to prepare, but the work is only just beginning. Ensuring these reforms reach every corner of the child welfare system will require ongoing oversight, collaboration, and public awareness.

Still, the tone is hopeful—and rightly so. North Carolinians are recognizing the Fostering Care in NC Act as a major step forward. By blending compassion with accountability and offering new pathways to permanence, the state is sending a clear message: every child matters, and no one falls through the cracks.

As implementation begins in earnest, this landmark legislation will be one to watch—not only for its immediate effects but for the example it sets nationwide.