NC H795

Establishes the Kinship Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) to provide financial support for children age 10 and older who exit foster care into relative guardianship, with payments continuing until age 18 or up to age 21 if certain education or employment conditions are met

Creates a separate Guardianship Assistance Program using State foster care funds for children age 10 and older placed with non-relative legal guardians who meet eligibility criteria including six consecutive months in a permanent family placement

Allows siblings under age 10 to qualify for kinship guardianship assistance if an older sibling is eligible and the agency and guardian agree the arrangement is appropriate

State will pay up to $2,000 for nonrecurring legal expenses associated with obtaining guardianship, and guardian reimbursement rates will match foster care room and board rates

Section 1 becomes effective July 1, 2025, with the Social Services Commission directed to adopt temporary rules for implementation