NC H261

Raises minimum age for juvenile court jurisdiction from 6 to 10 years old for delinquent and undisciplined juvenile offenses, effective December 1, 2021.

Creates new "child consultation" program for children ages 6-9 who would otherwise qualify as delinquent or undisciplined, providing case management services and community resources for up to 6 months (extendable to 9 months).

Establishes new authority for juvenile court counselors to work with parents/guardians of children under 10, including directing them to attend parenting classes and seek medical/psychiatric evaluations.

Requires juvenile court counselors to report suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency of children under 10 receiving consultation services to the director of social services, with potential initiation of regular juvenile proceedings.

Modifies fingerprinting and photographing requirements to apply only to juveniles age 10 or older at the time of offense, and updates youth development center commitment language to specify "at least 10 years of age."