GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2015

H 1

HOUSE BILL 669

Short Title: Juvenile Law Changes/Abuse/Neglect/Dependency.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Stevens (Primary Sponsor). For a complete list of Sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly Web Site.
Referred to:	Judiciary III.

April 14, 2015

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to make various changes to the juvenile laws pertaining to abuse, neglect, and dependency.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1. G.S. 7B‑101 is amended by adding the following new subdivisions to read:

"§ 7B‑101. Definitions.

As used in this Subchapter, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following words have the listed meanings:

…

(8a) Department. – Each county's child welfare agency. Unless the context clearly implies otherwise, when used in this Subchapter, "department" or "department of social services" shall refer to the county agency providing child welfare services, regardless of the name of the agency or whether the county has consolidated human services, pursuant to G.S. 153A‑77.

…

(15a) Nonrelative kin. – An individual having a substantial relationship with the juvenile. In the case of a juvenile member of a State‑recognized tribe as set forth in G.S. 143B‑407(a), nonrelative kin also includes any member of a State‑recognized tribe or a member of a federally recognized tribe, whether or not there is a substantial relationship with the juvenile.

…."

SECTION 2. G.S. 7B‑401.1 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑401.1. Parties.

(a) Petitioner. – Only a county director of social services or the director's authorized representative may file a petition alleging that a juvenile is abused, neglected, or dependent. The petitioner shall remain a party until the court terminates its jurisdiction in the case.

(b) Parents. – The juvenile's parent shall be a party unless one of the following applies:

(1) The parent's rights have been terminated.

(2) The parent has relinquished the juvenile for adoption, unless the court orders that the parent be made a party.

(3) The parent has been convicted under G.S. 14‑27.2 or G.S. 14‑27.3 for an offense that resulted in the conception of the juvenile.

(c) Guardian. – A person who is the child's court‑appointed guardian of the person or general guardian when the petition is filed shall be a party. A person appointed as the child's guardian pursuant to G.S. 7B‑600 shall automatically become a party but only if the court has found that the guardianship is the permanent plan for the juvenile.

(d) Custodian. – A person who is the juvenile's custodian, as defined in G.S. 7B‑101(8), when the petition is filed shall be a party. A person to whom custody of the juvenile is awarded in the juvenile proceeding shall automatically become a party but only if the court has found that the custody arrangement is the permanent plan for the juvenile.

(e) Caretaker. – A caretaker shall be a party only if (i) the petition includes allegations relating to the caretaker, (ii) the caretaker has assumed the status and obligation of a parent, or (iii) the court orders that the caretaker be made a party.

(e1) Foster Parent. – A foster parent as defined in G.S. 131D‑10.2(9a) providing foster care for the juvenile is not a party to the case and may be allowed to intervene only if the foster parent has authority to file a petition to terminate the parental rights of the juvenile's parents pursuant to G.S. 7B‑1103.

(f) The Juvenile. – The juvenile shall be a party.

(g) Removal of a Party. – If a guardian, custodian, or caretaker is a party, the court may discharge that person from the proceeding, making the person no longer a party, if the court finds that the person does not have legal rights that may be affected by the action and that the person's continuation as a party is not necessary to meet the juvenile's needs.

(h) Intervention. – Except as provided in ~~G.S. 7B‑1103(b),~~G.S. 7B‑1103(b) and subsection (e1) of this section, the court shall not allow intervention by a person who is not the juvenile's parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker but may allow intervention by another county department of social services that has an interest in the proceeding. This section shall not prohibit the court from consolidating a juvenile proceeding with a civil action or claim for custody pursuant to G.S. 7B‑200."

SECTION 3. G.S. 7B‑502 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑502. Authority to issue custody orders; delegation.

(a) In the case of any juvenile alleged to be within the jurisdiction of the court, the court may order that the juvenile be placed in nonsecure custody pursuant to criteria set out in G.S. 7B‑503 when custody of the juvenile is necessary. The order for nonsecure custody may be entered ex parte. Unless the petition is being filed pursuant to G.S. 7B‑404, telephonic communication of intent to seek nonsecure custody shall be given to counsel, or if unavailable, to a partner or employee at the attorney's office when any of the following occur:

(1) The department has received written notification that a respondent has counsel for the juvenile matter.

(2) The respondent is represented by counsel in a juvenile proceeding within the same county involving another juvenile of the respondent.

Notice is not required to provisional counsel appointed pursuant to G.S. 7B‑602.

(b) Any district court judge shall have the authority to issue nonsecure custody orders pursuant to G.S. 7B‑503. The chief district court judge may delegate the court's authority to persons other than district court judges by administrative order which shall be filed in the office of the clerk of superior court. The administrative order shall specify which persons shall be contacted for approval of a nonsecure custody order pursuant to G.S. 7B‑503."

SECTION 4. G.S. 7B‑505 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑505. Placement while in nonsecure custody.

(a) A juvenile meeting the criteria set out in G.S. 7B‑503 may be placed in nonsecure custody with the department of social services or a person designated in the order for temporary residential placement in:

(1) A licensed foster home or a home otherwise authorized by law to provide such care; or

(2) A facility operated by the department of social services; or

(3) Any other home or facility, including a relative's home approved by the court and designated in the order.

(b) The court shall order the department to make diligent efforts to notify relatives and any custodial parents of the juvenile's siblings that the juvenile is in nonsecure custody and of any hearings scheduled to occur pursuant to G.S. 7B‑506, unless the court finds the notification would be contrary to the juvenile's best interest. In placing a juvenile in nonsecure custody under this section, the court shall first consider whether a relative of the juvenile is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision of the juvenile in a safe home. If the court finds that the relative is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision in a safe home, then the court shall order placement of the juvenile with the relative unless the court finds that placement with the relative would be contrary to the best interests of the juvenile.

(c) If the court does not place the juvenile with a relative, the court may consider whether nonrelative kin or a custodial parent of the juvenile's sibling is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision of the juvenile in a safe home. Nonrelative kin is an individual having a substantial relationship with the juvenile. In the case of a juvenile member of a State‑recognized tribe as set forth in G.S. 143B‑407(a), nonrelative kin also includes any member of a State‑recognized tribe or a member of a federally recognized tribe, whether or not there is a substantial relationship with the juvenile. The court may order the ~~Department~~ department to notify the juvenile's State‑recognized tribe of the need for nonsecure custody for the purpose of locating relatives or nonrelative kin for placement. The court may order placement of the juvenile with nonrelative kin if the court finds the placement is in the juvenile's best interests.

(d) In placing a juvenile in nonsecure custody under this section, the court shall also consider whether it is in the juvenile's best interest to remain in the juvenile's community of residence. In placing a juvenile in nonsecure custody under this section, the court shall consider the Indian Child Welfare Act, Pub. L. No. 95‑608, 25 U.S.C. §§ 1901, et seq., as amended, and the Howard M. Metzenbaum Multiethnic Placement Act of 1994, Pub. L. No. 103‑382, 108 Stat. 4056, as amended, as they may apply. Placement of a juvenile with a relative outside of this State must be in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, Article 38 of this Chapter."

SECTION 5. Article 5 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 7B‑505.1. Juvenile placed in nonsecure custody of a department of social services.

(a) Unless the court orders otherwise, when a juvenile is placed in the nonsecure custody of a county department of social services, the director may arrange for, provide, or consent to any of the following:

(1) Routine medical and dental care or treatment.

(2) Emergency medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or mental health care or treatment.

(b) The director shall obtain consent from the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian for all care or treatment not covered by subsection (a) of this section, including:

(1) Prescriptions for psychotropic medications.

(2) Participation in clinical trials.

(3) Immunizations when it is known that the parent has a bona fide religious objection to the standard schedule of immunizations.

(4) Child Medical Evaluations, comprehensive clinical assessments, or other mental health evaluations.

(5) Surgical, medical, or dental procedures or tests that require informed consent.

(6) Psychiatric, psychological, or mental health care or treatment that requires informed consent.

The court may authorize the director to provide consent after a hearing at which the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the specific care, treatment, or evaluation requested is in the juvenile's best interest.

(c) For any care or treatment provided, the director shall make reasonable efforts to promptly notify the parent, guardian, or custodian that care or treatment will be or has been provided and give the parent or guardian frequent status reports on the juvenile's treatment and the care provided. Upon request of the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian, the director shall make available to the parent, guardian, or custodian any results or records of the aforementioned evaluations, except when prohibited by G.S. 122C‑53(d). The results of a Child Medical Evaluation shall only be disclosed according to the provisions of G.S. 7B‑700.

(d) To the extent provided by federal law, the department may disclose confidential information deemed necessary for the juvenile's assessment and treatment to a health care provider serving the juvenile.

(e) Unless the court has ordered otherwise, to the extent provided by federal law, a health care provider shall disclose confidential information about a juvenile to a director of a county department of social services with custody of the juvenile and a parent, guardian, or custodian.

(f) The director is immune from any civil or criminal liability that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of any action taken or omission pursuant to the requirements of this section as long as the director was acting in good faith. The immunity established by this subsection does not extend to gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing that would otherwise be actionable."

SECTION 6. G.S. 7B‑506(h)(2a) reads as rewritten:

"(h) At each hearing to determine the need for continued custody, the court shall determine the following:

…

(2a) If the court does not place the juvenile with a relative, the court may consider whether nonrelative kin is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision of the juvenile in a safe home. Nonrelative kin is an individual having a substantial relationship with the juvenile. In the case of a juvenile member of a State‑recognized tribe as set forth in G.S. 143B‑407(a), nonrelative kin also includes any member of a State‑recognized tribe or a member of a federally recognized tribe, whether or not there is a substantial relationship with the juvenile. The court may order the ~~Department~~ department to notify the juvenile's State‑recognized tribe of the need for nonsecure custody for the purpose of locating relatives or nonrelative kin for placement. The court may order placement of the juvenile with nonrelative kin if the court finds the placement is in the juvenile's best interests."

SECTION 7. G.S. 7B‑507 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑507. ~~Reasonable efforts.~~Juvenile placed in nonsecure custody of a department of social services.

(a) An order placing or continuing the placement of a juvenile in the nonsecure custody ~~or placement responsibility~~ of a county department of social ~~services, whether an order for continued nonsecure custody, a dispositional order, or a review order:~~services:

(1) Shall contain a finding that the juvenile's continuation in or return to the juvenile's own home would be contrary to the juvenile's ~~best interest;~~health and safety.

(2) Shall contain specific findings as to whether a county department of social services has made reasonable efforts to either prevent the need for placement ~~or eliminate the need for placement of the juvenile, unless the court has previously determined under subsection (b) of this section that such efforts are not required or shall cease;~~of the juvenile. In determining whether efforts to prevent the placement of the juvenile were reasonable, the juvenile's health and safety shall be the paramount concern. The court may find that efforts to prevent the need for the juvenile's placement were precluded by an immediate threat of harm to the juvenile. A finding that reasonable efforts were not made by a county department of social services shall not preclude the entry of an order authorizing the juvenile's placement when the court finds that placement is necessary for the protection of the juvenile.

~~(3)~~ Shall contain findings as to whether a county department of social services should continue to make reasonable efforts to prevent or eliminate the need for placement of the juvenile, unless the court has previously determined or determines under subsection (b) of this section that such efforts are not required or shall cease;

(4) Shall specify that the juvenile's placement and care are the responsibility of the county department of social services and that the department is to provide or arrange for the foster care or other placement of the ~~juvenile. After~~juvenile, unless after considering the department's recommendations, the court ~~may order~~orders a specific placement the court finds to be in the juvenile's best ~~interest; and~~interest.

(5) May ~~provide for~~order services or other efforts aimed at returning the juvenile to a safe ~~home or at achieving another permanent plan for the juvenile.~~home.

A finding that reasonable efforts have not been made by a county department of social services shall not preclude the entry of an order authorizing the juvenile's placement when the court finds that placement is necessary for the protection of the juvenile. Where efforts to prevent the need for the juvenile's placement were precluded by an immediate threat of harm to the juvenile, the court may find that the placement of the juvenile in the absence of such efforts was reasonable.

~~(b)~~ In any order placing a juvenile in the custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services, whether an order for continued nonsecure custody, a dispositional order, or a review order, the court may direct that reasonable efforts to eliminate the need for placement of the juvenile shall not be required or shall cease if the court makes written findings of fact that:

~~(1)~~ ~~Such efforts clearly would be futile or would be inconsistent with the juvenile's health, safety, and need for a safe, permanent home within a reasonable period of time;~~

~~(2)~~ ~~A court of competent jurisdiction has determined that the parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances as defined in G.S. 7B‑101;~~

~~(3)~~ ~~A court of competent jurisdiction has terminated involuntarily the parental rights of the parent to another child of the parent; or~~

~~(4)~~ A court of competent jurisdiction has determined that: the parent has committed murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child of the parent; has aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit murder or voluntary manslaughter of the child or another child of the parent; has committed a felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent; has committed sexual abuse against the child or another child of the parent; or has been required to register as a sex offender on any government‑administered registry.

~~(c)~~ When the court determines that reunification efforts are not required or shall cease, the court shall order a plan for permanence as soon as possible, after providing each party with a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence. If the court's determination to cease reunification efforts is made in a hearing that was duly and timely noticed as a permanency planning hearing, then the court may immediately proceed to consider all of the criteria contained in G.S. 7B‑906.1(e), make findings of fact, and set forth the best plan of care to achieve a safe, permanent home within a reasonable period of time. If the court's decision to cease reunification efforts arises in any other hearing, the court shall schedule a subsequent hearing within 30 days to address the permanent plan in accordance with G.S. 7B‑906.1. At any hearing at which the court orders that reunification efforts shall cease, the affected parent, guardian, or custodian may give notice to preserve the right to appeal that order in accordance with G.S. 7B‑1001. The party giving notice shall be permitted to make a detailed offer of proof as to any evidence that party sought to offer in opposition to cessation of reunification that the court refused to admit.

~~(d)~~ In determining reasonable efforts to be made with respect to a juvenile and in making such reasonable efforts, the juvenile's health and safety shall be the paramount concern. Reasonable efforts to preserve or reunify families may be made concurrently with efforts to plan for the juvenile's adoption, to place the juvenile with a legal guardian, or to place the juvenile in another permanent arrangement."

SECTION 8. G.S. 7B‑800.1(a)(4) reads as rewritten:

"(a) Prior to the adjudicatory hearing, the court shall consider the following:

…

(4) Whether ~~relatives~~ relatives, a custodial parent of a sibling of the juvenile, or nonrelative kin have been identified and notified as potential resources for placement or support."

SECTION 9. G.S. 7B‑901 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑901. ~~Dispositional~~ Initial dispositional hearing.

(a) The dispositional hearing shall take place immediately following the adjudicatory hearing and shall be concluded within 30 days of the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing. The dispositional hearing may be informal and the court may consider written reports or other evidence concerning the needs of the juvenile. The juvenile and the juvenile's parent, guardian, or custodian shall have the right to present evidence, and they may advise the court concerning the disposition they believe to be in the best interests of the juvenile. The court may consider any evidence, including hearsay evidence as defined in G.S. 8C‑1, Rule 801, including testimony or evidence from any person who is not a party, that the court finds to be relevant, reliable, and necessary to determine the needs of the juvenile and the most appropriate disposition. ~~The court may exclude the public from the hearing unless the juvenile moves that the hearing be open, which motion shall be granted.~~

(b) At the dispositional hearing, the court shall inquire as to the identity and location of any missing parent and whether paternity is at issue. The court shall include findings of the efforts undertaken to locate the missing parent and to serve that parent and efforts undertaken to establish paternity when paternity is an issue. The order may provide for specific efforts in determining the identity and location of any missing parent and specific efforts in establishing paternity. ~~The~~ At the disposition hearing, the court shall ~~also~~ inquire about efforts made to identify and notify ~~relatives as potential resources for placement or support.~~relatives, the custodial parent of a sibling of the juvenile, or nonrelative kin about the juvenile's placement and any scheduled hearings.

(c) If the disposition order places a juvenile in the custody of a county department of social services, the court may direct that reasonable efforts for reunification as defined in G.S. 7B‑101 shall not be required if the court makes written findings of fact pertaining to any of the following:

(1) A court of competent jurisdiction has determined that the parent has subjected the child to aggravated circumstances as defined in G.S. 7B‑101.

(2) A court of competent jurisdiction has terminated involuntarily the parental rights of the parent to another child of the parent.

(3) A court of competent jurisdiction has determined that (i) the parent has committed murder or voluntary manslaughter of another child of the parent; (ii) has aided, abetted, attempted, conspired, or solicited to commit murder or voluntary manslaughter of the child or another child of the parent; (iii) has committed a felony assault resulting in serious bodily injury to the child or another child of the parent; (iv) has committed sexual abuse against the child or another child of the parent; (v) or has been required to register as a sex offender on any government‑administered registry.

(d) When the court determines that reunification efforts are not required, the court shall order a permanent plan as soon as possible, after providing each party with a reasonable opportunity to prepare and present evidence. The court shall schedule a subsequent hearing within 30 days to address the permanent plans in accordance with G.S. 7B‑906.1 and G.S. 7B‑906.2."

SECTION 10. G.S. 7B‑903 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑903. Dispositional alternatives for abused, neglected, or dependent juvenile.

(a) The following alternatives for disposition shall be available to any court exercising jurisdiction, and the court may combine any of the applicable alternatives when the court finds the disposition to be in the best interests of the juvenile:

(1) ~~The court may dismiss~~Dismiss the case or continue the case in order to allow the parent, guardian, custodian, caretaker or others to take appropriate action.

(2) ~~In the case of any juvenile who needs more adequate care or supervision or who needs placement, the court may:~~Require that the juvenile be supervised in the juvenile's own home by the department of social services in the juvenile's county, or by another individual as may be available to the court, subject to conditions applicable to the parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker as the court may specify.

a. Require that the juvenile be supervised in the juvenile's own home by the department of social services in the juvenile's county, or by other personnel as may be available to the court, subject to conditions applicable to the parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker as the court may specify; or

b. ~~Place the juvenile in the custody of a parent, relative, private agency offering placement services, or some other suitable person; or~~

c. Place the juvenile in the custody of the department of social services in the county of the juvenile's residence, or in the case of a juvenile who has legal residence outside the State, in the physical custody of the department of social services in the county where the juvenile is found so that agency may return the juvenile to the responsible authorities in the juvenile's home state. The director may, unless otherwise ordered by the court, arrange for, provide, or consent to, needed routine or emergency medical or surgical care or treatment. In the case where the parent is unknown, unavailable, or unable to act on behalf of the juvenile, the director may, unless otherwise ordered by the court, arrange for, provide, or consent to any psychiatric, psychological, educational, or other remedial evaluations or treatment for the juvenile placed by a court or the court's designee in the custody or physical custody of a county department of social services under the authority of this or any other Chapter of the General Statutes. Prior to exercising this authority, the director shall make reasonable efforts to obtain consent from a parent or guardian of the affected juvenile. If the director cannot obtain such consent, the director shall promptly notify the parent or guardian that care or treatment has been provided and shall give the parent frequent status reports on the circumstances of the juvenile. Upon request of a parent or guardian of the affected juvenile, the results or records of the aforementioned evaluations, findings, or treatment shall be made available to such parent or guardian by the director unless prohibited by G.S. 122C‑53(d). If a juvenile is removed from the home and placed in custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services, the director shall not allow unsupervised visitation with, or return physical custody of the juvenile to, the parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker without a hearing at which the court finds that the juvenile will receive proper care and supervision in a safe home.

In placing a juvenile in out‑of‑home care under this section, the court shall first consider whether a relative of the juvenile is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision of the juvenile in a safe home. If the court finds that the relative is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision in a safe home, then the court shall order placement of the juvenile with the relative unless the court finds that the placement is contrary to the best interests of the juvenile. In placing a juvenile in out‑of‑home care under this section, the court shall also consider whether it is in the juvenile's best interest to remain in the juvenile's community of residence. Placement of a juvenile with a relative outside of this State must be in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

~~(3)~~ In any case, the court may order that the juvenile be examined by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified expert as may be needed for the court to determine the needs of the juvenile:

a. Upon completion of the examination, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the juvenile is in need of medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or other treatment and who should pay the cost of the treatment. The county manager, or such person who shall be designated by the chairman of the county commissioners, of the juvenile's residence shall be notified of the hearing, and allowed to be heard. If the court finds the juvenile to be in need of medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or other treatment, the court shall permit the parent or other responsible persons to arrange for treatment. If the parent declines or is unable to make necessary arrangements, the court may order the needed treatment, surgery, or care, and the court may order the parent to pay the cost of the care pursuant to G.S. 7B‑904. If the court finds the parent is unable to pay the cost of treatment, the court shall order the county to arrange for treatment of the juvenile and to pay for the cost of the treatment. The county department of social services shall recommend the facility that will provide the juvenile with treatment.

b. If the court believes, or if there is evidence presented to the effect that the juvenile is mentally ill or is developmentally disabled, the court shall refer the juvenile to the area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services director for appropriate action. A juvenile shall not be committed directly to a State hospital or mental retardation center; and orders purporting to commit a juvenile directly to a State hospital or mental retardation center except for an examination to determine capacity to proceed shall be void and of no effect. The area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse director shall be responsible for arranging an interdisciplinary evaluation of the juvenile and mobilizing resources to meet the juvenile's needs. If institutionalization is determined to be the best service for the juvenile, admission shall be with the voluntary consent of the parent or guardian. If the parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker refuses to consent to a mental hospital or retardation center admission after such institutionalization is recommended by the area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse director, the signature and consent of the court may be substituted for that purpose. In all cases in which a regional mental hospital refuses admission to a juvenile referred for admission by a court and an area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse director or discharges a juvenile previously admitted on court referral prior to completion of treatment, the hospital shall submit to the court a written report setting out the reasons for denial of admission or discharge and setting out the juvenile's diagnosis, indications of mental illness, indications of need for treatment, and a statement as to the location of any facility known to have a treatment program for the juvenile in question.

(4) Place the juvenile in the custody of a parent, relative, private agency offering placement services, or some other suitable person. If the court determines that the juvenile should be placed in the custody of an individual other than a parent, the court shall verify that the person receiving custody of the juvenile understands the legal significance of the placement and will have adequate resources to care appropriately for the juvenile.

(5) Appoint a guardian of the person for the juvenile as provided in G.S. 7B‑600.

(6) Place the juvenile in the custody of the department of social services in the county of the juvenile's residence. In the case of a juvenile who has legal residence outside the State, the court may place the juvenile in the physical custody of the department of social services in the county where the juvenile is found so that agency may return the juvenile to the responsible authorities in the juvenile's home state.

(a1) In placing a juvenile in out‑of‑home care under this section, the court shall first consider whether a relative of the juvenile is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision of the juvenile in a safe home. If the court finds that the relative is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision in a safe home, then the court shall order placement of the juvenile with the relative unless the court finds that the placement is contrary to the best interests of the juvenile. In placing a juvenile in out‑of‑home care under this section, the court shall also consider whether it is in the juvenile's best interest to remain in the juvenile's community of residence. Placement of a juvenile with a relative outside of this State must be in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

(a2) An order under this section placing or continuing the juvenile in out‑of‑home care shall contain a finding that the juvenile's continuation in or return to the juvenile's own home would be contrary to the juvenile's health and safety.

(a3) An order under this section placing the juvenile in out‑of‑home care shall contain specific findings as to whether the department has made reasonable efforts to prevent the need for placement of the juvenile. In determining whether efforts to prevent the placement of the juvenile were reasonable, the juvenile's health and safety shall be the paramount concern.

The court may find that efforts to prevent the need for the juvenile's placement were precluded by an immediate threat of harm to the juvenile. A finding that reasonable efforts were not made by a county department of social services shall not preclude the entry of an order authorizing the juvenile's placement when the court finds that placement is necessary for the protection of the juvenile.

(b) When the court has found that a juvenile has suffered physical abuse and that the individual responsible for the abuse has a history of violent behavior against people, the court shall consider the opinion of the mental health professional who performed an evaluation under G.S. 7B‑503(b) before returning the juvenile to the custody of that individual.

~~(c)~~ If the court determines that the juvenile shall be placed in the custody of an individual other than the parents, the court shall verify that the person receiving custody of the juvenile understands the legal significance of the placement and will have adequate resources to care appropriately for the juvenile.

(d) The court may order that the juvenile be examined by a physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or other qualified expert as may be needed for the court to determine the needs of the juvenile. Upon completion of the examination, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the juvenile is in need of medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or other treatment and who should pay the cost of the treatment. The county manager, or such person who shall be designated by the chairman of the county commissioners, of the juvenile's residence shall be notified of the hearing, and allowed to be heard. If the court finds the juvenile to be in need of medical, surgical, psychiatric, psychological, or other treatment and the juvenile is not in the custody of the department of social services, the court shall permit the parent or other responsible persons to arrange for treatment. If the parent declines or is unable to make necessary arrangements, the court may order the needed treatment, surgery, or care, and the court may order the parent to pay the cost of the care pursuant to G.S. 7B‑904. If the court finds the parent is unable to pay the cost of treatment, the court shall order the county to arrange for treatment of the juvenile and to pay for the cost of the treatment. The county department of social services shall recommend the facility that will provide the juvenile with treatment.

(e) If the court determines that the juvenile may be mentally ill or developmentally disabled, the court may order the county department of social services to coordinate with the appropriate representative of the area mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services authority or other managed care organization responsible for managing public funds for mental health and developmental disabilities to develop a treatment plan for the juvenile. The court shall not commit a juvenile directly to a State hospital or developmental center for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities; and orders purporting to commit a juvenile directly to a State hospital or developmental center for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities shall be void and of no effect. If the court determines that institutionalization is the best service for the juvenile, admission shall be with the voluntary consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian. If the parent, guardian, or custodian refuses to consent to admission to a mental hospital or developmental center for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, the signature and consent of the court may be substituted for that purpose. A State hospital or developmental center for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities that refuses admission to a juvenile referred for admission by a court, or discharges a juvenile previously admitted on court referral prior to completion of treatment, shall submit to the court a written report setting out the reasons for denial of admission or discharge and setting out the juvenile's diagnosis, indications of mental illness or intellectual and developmental disabilities, indications of need for treatment, and a statement as to the location of any facility known to have a treatment program for the juvenile in question."

SECTION 11. Article 9 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 7B‑903.1. Juvenile placed in custody of a department of social services.

(a) When a juvenile is placed in the custody of a county department of social services, G.S. 7B‑505.1 applies.

(b) To the extent authorized by federal law, the director of a county department of social services with custody of a juvenile shall be authorized to make decisions about matters not addressed herein that are generally made by a juvenile's custodian, including, but not limited to, educational decisions and consenting to the sharing of the juvenile's information. The court may delegate any part of this authority to the juvenile's parent, foster parent, or another individual.

(c) When a juvenile is in the custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services, the placement provider may, in accordance with G.S. 131D‑10.2A, provide or withhold permission, without prior approval of the court or county department of social services, to allow a juvenile to participate in normal childhood activities. If such authorization is not in the juvenile's best interest, the court shall set out alternative parameters for approving normal childhood activities.

(d) If a juvenile is removed from the home and placed in the custody or placement responsibility of a county department of social services, the director shall not allow unsupervised visitation with or return physical custody of the juvenile to the parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker without a hearing at which the court finds that the juvenile will receive proper care and supervision in a safe home.

(e) When a county department of social services having custody or placement responsibility of a juvenile intends to change the juvenile's placement, the department shall give the guardian ad litem for the juvenile notice of its intention unless precluded by emergency circumstances from doing so. Where emergency circumstances exist, the department of social services shall notify the guardian ad litem or the attorney advocate within 72 hours of the placement change, unless local rules require notification within a shorter time period."

SECTION 12. G.S. 7B‑905 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑905. Dispositional order.

(a) The dispositional order shall be in writing, signed, and entered no later than 30 days from the completion of the hearing, and shall contain appropriate findings of fact and conclusions of law. The court shall state with particularity, both orally and in the written order of disposition, the precise terms of the disposition including the kind, duration, and the person who is responsible for carrying out the disposition and the person or agency in whom custody is vested. If the order is not entered within 30 days following completion of the hearing, the clerk of court for juvenile matters shall schedule a subsequent hearing at the first session of court scheduled for the hearing of juvenile matters following the 30‑day period to determine and explain the reason for the delay and to obtain any needed clarification as to the contents of the order. The order shall be entered within 10 days of the subsequent hearing required by this subsection.

(b) A dispositional order under which a juvenile is removed from the custody of a parent, guardian, custodian, or caretaker shall direct that the review hearing required by G.S. 7B‑906.1 be held within 90 days from of the date of the dispositional hearing and, if practicable, shall set the date and time for the review hearing.

~~(c)~~ ~~Any dispositional order shall comply with the requirements of G.S. 7B‑507.~~

~~(d)~~ When a county department of social services having custody or placement responsibility of a juvenile intends to change the juvenile's placement, the department shall give the guardian ad litem for the juvenile notice of its intention unless precluded by emergency circumstances from doing so. Where emergency circumstances exist, the department of social services shall notify the guardian ad litem or the attorney advocate within 72 hours of the placement change, unless local rules require notification within a shorter time period."

SECTION 13. Article 9 of Chapter 7B of the General Statutes is amended by adding the following new sections to read:

"§ 7B‑906.2. Permanent plans; concurrent planning.

(a) At any permanency planning hearing pursuant to G.S. 7B‑906.1, the court shall adopt one or more of the following permanent plans the court finds is in the juvenile's best interest:

(1) Reunification as defined by G.S. 7B‑101. Reunification shall remain a primary or secondary permanent plan unless the court made findings under G.S. 7B‑901(c).

(2) Adoption under Article 3 of Chapter 48 of the General Statutes.

(3) Guardianship pursuant to G.S. 7B‑600(b).

(4) Custody to a relative or other suitable person.

(5) Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) pursuant to G.S. 7B‑912.

(6) Reinstatement of parental rights pursuant to G.S. 7B‑1114.

(b) Unless contrary to the juvenile's best interest, the court shall adopt concurrent permanent plans and shall identify the primary plan and any secondary plans. The court shall order the county department of social services to make efforts toward finalizing the primary and secondary permanent plans and may specify efforts that are reasonable to timely achieve permanence for the juvenile.

(c) At the first permanency planning hearing held pursuant to G.S. 7B‑906.1, the court shall make a finding about whether the efforts of the county department of social services toward reunification were reasonable, unless reunification efforts were ceased in accordance with G.S. 7B‑901(c). In every subsequent permanency planning hearing held pursuant to G.S. 7B‑906.1, the court shall make written findings about the efforts the county department of social services has made toward the primary permanent plan and any secondary permanent plans in effect prior to the hearing. The court shall make a conclusion about whether efforts to finalize the permanent plan were reasonable to timely achieve permanence for the juvenile.

(d) If the juvenile is 14 years of age or older, the court shall make written findings in accordance with G.S. 7B‑912(a), regardless of the juvenile's permanent plan.

"§ 7B‑912. Juveniles 14 years of age and older; Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement.

(a) In addition to the permanency planning requirements of G.S. 7B‑906.1, at every permanency planning hearing for a juvenile in the custody of a county department of social services that is 14 years of age or older, the court shall inquire and make written findings about each of the following:

(1) The services provided to assist the juvenile in making a transition to adulthood.

(2) The steps the county department of social services is taking to ensure that the foster family or other licensed placement provider follows the reasonable and prudent parent standard as provided in G.S. 131D‑10.2A.

(3) Whether the juvenile has regular opportunities to engage in age‑ or developmentally appropriate activities.

(b) At or before the last scheduled permanency planning hearing, but at least 90 days before a juvenile's 18th birthday, the court shall inquire about whether the juvenile has a copy of the juvenile's birth certificate, Social Security card, health insurance information, drivers license or other identification card, and any educational or medical records the juvenile requests, and determine the person or entity that should assist the juvenile in obtaining these documents before the juvenile's 18th birthday.

(c) The plan of Another Planned Permanent Living Arrangement (APPLA) is only available as a juvenile's primary permanent plan when the court concludes each of the following:

(1) The juvenile is 16 or 17 years old.

(2) The county department of social services has made diligent efforts to place the juvenile permanently with a parent, relative, or in a guardianship or adoptive placement.

(3) There are compelling reasons why it is not in the best interest of the juvenile to be placed permanently with a parent, relative, or in a guardianship or adoptive placement.

(4) APPLA is the best permanency plan for the juvenile.

(d) When APPLA is the juvenile's permanent plan, the court shall, after questioning the juvenile, make written findings addressing the juvenile's desired permanency outcome."

SECTION 14. G.S. 7B‑1001 reads as rewritten:

"§ 7B‑1001. Right to appeal.

(a) In a juvenile matter under this Subchapter, appeal of a final order of the court in a juvenile matter shall be made directly to the Court of Appeals. Only the following juvenile matters may be appealed:

(1) Any order finding absence of jurisdiction.

(2) Any order, including the involuntary dismissal of a petition, which in effect determines the action and prevents a judgment from which appeal might be taken.

(3) Any initial order of disposition and the adjudication order upon which it is based.

(4) Any order, other than a nonsecure custody order, that changes legal custody of a juvenile.

~~(5)~~ ~~An order entered under G.S. 7B‑507(c) with rights to appeal properly preserved, as follows:~~

a. ~~The Court of Appeals shall review the order to cease reunification together with an appeal of the termination of parental rights order if all of the following apply:~~

1. ~~A motion or petition to terminate the parent's rights is heard and granted.~~

2. ~~The order terminating parental rights is appealed in a proper and timely manner.~~

3. ~~The order to cease reunification is identified as an issue in the record on appeal of the termination of parental rights.~~

b. ~~A party who is a parent shall have the right to appeal the order if no termination of parental rights petition or motion is filed within 180 days of the order.~~

c. ~~A party who is a custodian or guardian shall have the right to immediately appeal the order.~~

(6) Any order that terminates parental rights or denies a petition or motion to terminate parental rights.

(b) Notice of appeal ~~and notice to preserve the right to appeal~~ shall be given in writing by a proper party as defined in G.S. 7B‑1002 and shall be made within 30 days after entry and service of the order in accordance with G.S. 1A‑1, Rule 58.

(c) Notice of appeal shall be signed by both the appealing party and counsel for the appealing party, if any. In the case of an appeal by a juvenile, notice of appeal shall be signed by the guardian ad litem attorney advocate."

SECTION 15. Part 1 of Article 1A of Chapter 131D of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

"§ 131D‑10.2A. Reasonable and prudent parenting standard.

(a) The reasonable and prudent parenting standard is characterized by careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain a child's health, safety, and best interests while at the same time encouraging the child's emotional and developmental growth.

(b) Every child care institution shall designate an on‑site official authorized to apply the reasonable and prudent parenting standard.

(c) A caregiver, including the child's foster parent or the designated official at a child care institution where the child is placed, shall use the reasonable and prudent parenting standard when determining whether to allow a child in foster care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, and social activities.

(d) Unless otherwise ordered by a court with jurisdiction pursuant to G.S. 7B‑200, a caregiver exercising the reasonable and prudent parenting standard has the authority to provide or withhold permission, without prior approval of the court or county department of social services, to allow a child in foster care, in the custody of a county department of social services, or under the placement authority of a county department of social services through a voluntary placement agreement, to participate in normal childhood activities. Normal childhood activities include, but are not limited to, extracurricular, enrichment and social activities, and may include overnight activities outside the direct supervision of the caregiver for periods of over 24 hours and up to 72 hours.

(e) The caregiver or the county department of social services with custody of or placement authority over the child is immune from any civil or criminal liability as a result of injuries to the child that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of any omission or action taken pursuant to this section as long as that individual was acting in good faith. The immunity established by this subsection does not extend to gross negligence, wanton conduct, or intentional wrongdoing that would otherwise be actionable."

SECTION 16. This act becomes effective October 1, 2015, and applies to actions filed or pending on or after that date.