On June 26, 2025, Governor Stein signed House Bill 612, the Fostering Care in NC Act. This bipartisan bill was the work of multiple legislators, along with subject matter experts, including attorneys in the Office of the Parent Defender. Governor Stein made the following statement about the bill: “This bill protects our most vulnerable children and strengthens our child welfare system. I applaud the provisions of this bill that better protect children from abuse and neglect, empower a rapid response team to support those receiving mental health treatment, and help more kids stay with their family members. I thank the bill sponsors, Representatives Chesser, Bell, Loftis and Alston, for their work, as well as Senator Sydney Batch for her years of dedication to this issue.” http://www.ncleg.gov/Sessions/2025/Bills/House/PDF/H612v8.pdf
