NC H648

Amends G.S. 7B-903 to strengthen placement requirements for abused, neglected, or dependent juveniles by changing courts from "considering" to "determining" whether relatives can provide proper care and supervision in a safe home

Allows courts to compare all placement options when a juvenile has already been placed with a non-relative, enabling determination of which option serves the juvenile's best interest

Requires courts to make written findings of fact supporting the determination of whether remaining in the juvenile's community of residence is in the juvenile's best interest

Mandates that all findings and determinations made under the dispositional alternatives section be supported by written findings of fact

Becomes effective October 1, 2025, applying to actions filed on or after that date