Rep. Stevens files bill in North Carolina House to revise child welfare laws

A new bill filed by State Rep. Sarah Stevens in the North Carolina House seeks to enhance protections and improve processes within the state’s child welfare system, according to the North Carolina State House.

The bill, filed as HB 237 on Feb. 26 during the 2025 regular session, was formally listed with the short title: ‘Child Welfare.’

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill makes several changes to child welfare laws in North Carolina, focusing on enhancing standards for juvenile protection, updating definitions of abuse and neglect, and refining placement processes. It strengthens requirements for notifying relatives when a juvenile enters nonsecure custody and emphasizes placing juveniles with capable relatives to maintain familial ties. The bill also calls for improved harmonization of child welfare programs with federal standards, particularly regarding substance-affected newborns and expedited reunification efforts. It mandates education and training for new board members of county and regional social services, aiming for uniform standards. Additionally, the bill requires the Administrative Office of the Courts to study the feasibility of dedicated child support tribunals and outlines steps to address conflicts of interest in social services. It also stays the Regional Abuse and Medical Specialist program pending federal compliance and establishes a private cause of action for individuals harmed by actions outside rulemaking processes. A legislative oversight study committee will explore foster care improvements. The bill includes various effective dates, primarily starting October 1, 2025, for implementing specific provisions.

Stevens proposed another three bills during the 2025 regular session.

Bills in North Carolina follow a multi-step process before becoming law. A lawmaker starts by filing a bill, which is assigned to a committee for review. The bill must be read three times in each chamber. If one chamber changes the bill after the other passes it, both must agree on the final version. Once both chambers approve the same bill, it goes to the governor, who has 10 days (or 30 if the legislature is not in session) to sign, veto, or let it become law without a signature.

You can read more about the bills and other measures here.

Stevens graduated from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 1981 with a BS and again in 1986 from Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law with a JD.

Stevens, a Republican, was elected to the North Carolina State House in 2009 to represent the state’s 90th House district, replacing previous state representative Jim Harrell.