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Primary Sponsor

Last Action

Ref To Com On Rules and Operations of the Senate2025-05-07

Vote Breakdown

Plain Language Summary

This bill creates a new Guardianship Assistance Program (KinGAP) in North Carolina that provides financial support to children who leave foster care and are placed with relative or non-relative legal guardians. The program lowers the minimum age of eligibility from 14 to 10 years old and allows youth to continue receiving assistance until age 21 if they are pursuing education, employment, or have a qualifying disability.

Arguments in Favor

• •Supporters argue this bill provides necessary financial stability for children transitioning out of foster care into guardianship arrangements, making it more feasible for relatives and caring adults to become permanent guardians rather than leaving children in the foster system.
• •The program addresses the gap between foster care support and guardianship by reimbursing guardians at foster care rates for room and board, and lowering the age requirement from 14 to 10 expands access to younger children who need permanent family placements.

Arguments Against

• •Opponents may be concerned about the fiscal impact of expanding the program to younger children and extending benefits to age 21, which increases state spending on social services during a budget period.
• •Some may question whether the program adequately ensures oversight and accountability for guardians, or worry that financial assistance alone may not address the underlying needs and trauma of children in the foster care system.