The North Carolina Court Improvement Program (CIP) has worked with legislators to enact legislation aimed at improving efficiencies in juvenile court cases. Among the changes, the courts will now work with and require the county department of social services to use concurrent planning to help establish permanent placement for abused and neglected children.

The CIP worked with legislators, including bill sponsor Representative Sarah Stevens and Senator Tamara Barringer, to advocate for the safety of the children. Governor Pat McCrory signed House Bill 669 into law on Tuesday, July 2, as "an act to make various changes to the juvenile laws pertaining to abuse, neglect and dependency." The bill represents the collaborative efforts of the CIP Juvenile Code Revisions Subcommittee, which includes attorney representatives from the DHHS Division of Social Services, Guardian ad Litem, Indigent Defense Services, and local Departments of Social Services.

"The safety and well-being of the children are paramount," said NCAOC Interim Director Marion Warren. "These new laws and improvements will help all cases of abused and neglected children."

The CIP's mission is to improve the performance of North Carolina's juvenile courts in abuse and neglect cases so that safety, permanence, and well-being for each child are achieved in a fair and timely manner. The federally-funded program is celebrating its 20th anniversary of implementing effective change and working with juvenile court stakeholders to improve court processes in the state. North Carolina has received federal funding for the CIP since 1995.
 

More Information

• About the N.C. Court Improvement Program
• Governor McCrory Signs Foster Care Family Act Into Law
• House Bill 669