S257 - Appropriations Act of 2017. (SL 2017-57)

Overview: Sec. 11C.7 of S.L. 2017-57 (SB 257) directs the Division of Social Services (DSS), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), to implement the requirements of the federal Program Improvement Plan (Plan) to bring North Carolina into compliance with national standards for child welfare policy and practices and to report on the implementation and outcomes of the Plan to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services semiannually on February 1 and August 1 until February 1, 2019. This section requires DSS and the county department of social services to develop a model of oversight for the statewide strategic plan for child welfare services while supporting the county's abilities to meet performance standards outlined in the plan. Additionally, DSS and the North Carolina State Commission on Indian Affairs must also ensure Native American children are served in a culturally appropriate manner, including in placements for adoption and foster care.

This section directs DSS to continue toward the completion of the child welfare component of the North Carolina Families Accessing Services through Technology (NC FAST) system. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the child welfare component of the NC FAST system be operational by December 31, 2017. The Division must report on the child welfare component of the NC FAST system to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services quarterly through April 1, 2019.

This section became effective July 1, 2017.