NC H237

Shortens permanency timelines for children in foster care, requiring placement in a permanent home within one year of removal instead of "a reasonable amount of time," and reduces the time period for termination of parental rights from 12 to 9 months in foster care

Expands the definition of neglected juvenile to include prenatal substance exposure (alcohol, illegal substances, or controlled substances used in violation of law) while a child is in utero

Stays the Regional Abuse and Medical Specialist (RAMS) program pending formal rulemaking through the Social Services Commission, and limits RAMS involvement to specific case types including children under 4 with unexplained injuries and substance-affected infants

Requires mandatory education and training for new county social services board members, regional social services board members, and consolidated human services board members within their first year of service

Directs the Administrative Office of the Courts to study the feasibility of creating a dedicated child support tribunal and requires the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services to study various child welfare improvements including a Foster Ombudsman program