Foster parents 'Bill of Rights' now law in North Carolina

The bill doesn't create new rights, but it lists them all in one place. Foster parents say the measure strengthens their role.

Posted 4:29 p.m. Sep 10, 2021 — Updated 5:04 p.m. Sep 10, 2021

Travis Fain

, WRAL statehouse reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — Gov. Roy Cooper signed a bill into law Friday that lays out foster parent rights in North Carolina, putting them all in one place to clarify the notices they're due and their role in making decisions for children in their care.

House Bill 769 should provide more access to information and a clearer role in the process, Rep. Erin Paré, R-Wake, said during a signing ceremony at the Executive Mansion.

The bill lays out rights, but it also says a violation won't create a cause of action against the state, nor is anything in the bill meant to override existing rules or laws.

Foster parents and advocates cheered the measure's signing. Gaile Osborne, who has fostered more than 18 children over the years, said she left Asheville at 4:30 a.m. to be in Raleigh for the signing.

The measure "strengthens and honors our role," Osborne.

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The rights listed in the new law include:

To serve as a respected member of the child welfare team
To be notified of expenses eligible for reimbursement
Notice of hearings and a chance to be heard in court for review and permanency planning hearings
Input in court, and during periodic reviews, of any information relevant to the child's best interests
Reasonable input on the schedule for meetings they're allowed or required to attend
The ability to request a change in licensed workers
To be considered as prospective adoptive parents
To request a shared parenting agreement

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