NC H382

Grants juvenile courts exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings for reinstatement of parental rights in abuse, neglect, and dependency cases.

Allows courts to enter consent adjudication, disposition, and permanency planning orders when all parties are present or represented by counsel and the juvenile is represented by counsel.

Establishes procedures for reinstatement of parental rights when a juvenile is at least 12 years old (or younger with extraordinary circumstances), does not have a legal parent, and is not likely to be adopted, requiring court consideration of specified factors including remediation of conditions and juvenile consent.

Modifies termination of parental rights procedures by clarifying evidentiary standards, requiring written findings on best interest factors, and establishing new timelines for court orders (within 30 days of hearing completion).

Creates new process for selection of adoptive parents allowing guardian ad litem to challenge placements within 10 days of notification and requiring court approval that placement is in the juvenile's best interest.