Fostering Hope: Rep. Allen Chesser’s Vision for North Carolina’s Children Becomes Law

In a powerful stride toward a brighter future for North Carolina’s children, Representative Allen Chesser (R-Nash County) has successfully led the charge to pass the Fostering Care in NC Act (House Bill 612), now signed into law. Joined by co-sponsors Representatives Bell and Loftis, Rep. Chesser’s leadership has delivered a transformative piece of legislation that strengthens the state’s foster care, adoption, and child welfare systems. This act is a testament to North Carolina’s commitment to protecting its most vulnerable and ensuring every child has a chance to thrive.

The Fostering Care in NC Act is a comprehensive reform package that addresses critical needs within the child welfare system. From bolstering protections for abused and neglected children to expanding opportunities for stable, permanent homes, the law introduces meaningful changes that will ripple across communities statewide. Here’s how this groundbreaking legislation is set to make a difference:

Protecting Our Most Vulnerable

At its core, the Fostering Care in NC Act enhances safeguards for children in need. The law updates the definition of an “abused juvenile” to include victims of serious crimes like human trafficking or sexually violent acts, ensuring these cases are met with the urgency and care they demand. It also clarifies court jurisdiction in abuse, neglect, or dependency cases, adding the death of a juvenile as an event that ends jurisdiction for more transparent legal processes. Perhaps most notably, the act introduces enforceable post-adoption contact agreements, allowing families to maintain meaningful connections when it serves the child’s best interests—a first for North Carolina.

Building Paths to Permanency

One of the act’s standout achievements is expanding the Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP) to include children as young as 10 years old. This change opens the door for more children to find permanency through relative or legal guardianship, offering stability for those who cannot return to their parents or be adopted. The law also provides financial support to youth up to the age of 21 who are pursuing education, vocational training, or employment, or who face medical or disability challenges. By lowering barriers to permanency, the act gives children a stronger foundation for their futures.

Prioritizing Safety and Accountability

Safety is a cornerstone of the Fostering Care in NC Act. The law mandates criminal history record checks for anyone offered a position in a local government that involves working with children, with employment contingent upon the results. This ensures that only trusted individuals work with our youth. Additionally, the act strengthens felony child abuse laws by expanding protections to anyone providing care or supervision to a child under 16—not just legal guardians—and introduces a new felony offense for intentional, routine harm meant to cause fear, emotional injury, or sexual gratification. Judges can now issue permanent no-contact orders for a broader range of violent crimes, extending protections to victims’ immediate families.

Streamlining for Better Outcomes

The act also brings efficiency and responsiveness to the child welfare system. It establishes procedures to manage conflicts of interest in cases involving abuse, neglect, or dependency, ensuring impartiality by transferring cases to other counties when necessary. For children in the Department of Social Services custody requiring mental health treatment, the law improves coordination between hospitals, social services, and managed care organizations to secure timely assessments and placements. Legal processes are further strengthened by requiring legal counsel to review petitions and complete specialized training, elevating the quality of representation in these critical cases.

Rep. Chesser’s Commitment to Children

For Rep. Allen Chesser, the Fostering Care in NC Act is a deeply personal mission. “Every child deserves a safe, loving home where they can grow and succeed,” Chesser shared. “This law is about giving kids the stability and support they need to build bright futures. I’m honored to have worked with my colleagues across the aisle to make this vision a reality, and I’m grateful to the Governor for signing it into law.”

A New Chapter for North Carolina

With key provisions taking effect on October 1, 2025, and others already in motion, the Fostering Care in NC Act is poised to transform lives. From fostering permanency to strengthening protections, this law reflects North Carolina’s dedication to its children and families. Rep. Chesser and his fellow sponsors are committed to overseeing the implementation to ensure it delivers on its promise of hope and opportunity.

North Carolinians are celebrating Allen Chesser’s Fostering Care in NC milestone and supporting efforts to create a safer, stronger future for our children.