NC H815

Establishes a maximum of five children in any family foster home, including foster parents' biological children, day care children, and babysitting children.

Allows exceptions to the five-child limit if written documentation is submitted showing siblings will be placed together and the foster parents have the skill, stamina, and ability to care for them.

Permits homes that would otherwise qualify for licensure but only fail due to having five existing children to be licensed if siblings will be placed together.

Requires the Social Services Commission to adopt temporary rules to implement the new provisions until permanent rules are approved.

Becomes effective October 1, 2023, or upon approval of an amended State Plan by the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services if federal approval is necessary to maintain foster care funding.