NC S578

Transfers authority to investigate child maltreatment in child care facilities from county departments of social services to the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Child Development and Early Education, effective January 1, 2016.

Removes child care facilities from the definition of "caretaker" under child abuse and neglect statutes (G.S. 7B-101), eliminating DSS investigative responsibility for facility-based allegations.

Creates new "child maltreatment" definition and investigation procedures specific to child care facilities, including requirements for inspections within 7 days of receiving reports and authority to issue protection plans and corrective action orders.

Establishes a Child Maltreatment Registry maintained by DCDEE containing names of confirmed maltreatment perpetrators, with individuals on the registry prohibited from working as caregivers in licensed child care facilities.

Requires DCDEE to notify the State Bureau of Investigation within 24 hours for allegations of sexual abuse in child care facilities and mandates notification of local DSS when reports meet definitions of abuse or neglect under criminal law.