NC S488

Courts must now "determine" rather than merely "consider" whether a relative is willing and able to provide care when placing a juvenile in out-of-home care, and must make the same determination regarding whether placement in the juvenile's community of residence is in their best interest

All findings and determinations made by courts in juvenile disposition cases must be supported by written findings of fact

When a juvenile is placed with a nonrelative, courts may compare all placement options (including former foster parents, nonrelative kin, and persons with custody of a sibling) to determine the best interest of the juvenile

NC IOLTA funds received by the North Carolina State Bar from lawyer trust accounts and settlement agent escrow accounts cannot be used for grants or any purpose other than administrative costs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026

Section 1 (juvenile placement provisions) becomes effective October 1, 2025 for petitions filed on or after that date; IOLTA provisions are effective upon enactment