Foster Youth Bill of Rights - North Carolina

About this resource

Often times a youth is placed in foster care without any information on what they're entitled to and the protections their state owes them. Not all Foster Youth Bill of Rights is the same in every state; which means the protections owed to youth by law can be different in each state. 

North Carolina does not have a shareable, youth-friendly version of its Bill of Rights, so please see below for a summary. If you would like to read the full details of this Article, please follow the link above, or open here (linked). North Carolina says the purpose of youth rights is to assign the authority to protect the health, safety, and well-being of children in out-of-home placements.  

 A safe foster home free of violence, abuse, neglect, and danger.

First priority regarding placement in a home with siblings

Ability to communicate with the assigned social worker or caseworker on the child's case. Calls made to the social worker/caseworker should be returned within a reasonable period of time.

Allowing foster youth to stay in the school they attended before being placed in foster care, if at all possible.

When a child is removed from the home, a caseworker should immediately begin an investigation to identify and locate all adult relatives of the child. Relatives should be provided with specific information and an explanation of options to participate in the placement of a child.

Participation in school extracurricular activities, community events, and religious practices.

 If a child in foster care receives or needs any immunizations, the birth parent(s) will be informed if the child will be transitioning back into a home with his/her/their birth parents. 

Starting and having access to a bank or savings account (must follow State laws and federal regulations)

Obtain identification and permanent documents by the age of 16 (including birth certificate, social security card, and health records)

Regular contact and communication with siblings, if the child placed in foster care is separated from siblings.

Help to design a transition plan for leaving/aging out of foster care.