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Bill

HB 274

Foster Care Services/Funds.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by William Brisson and 11 co-sponsors

Provides a one-time $5 million General Fund grant to Crossnore Communities for Children to fund trauma-informed foster care and youth independence programs across NC.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · HB 274

Summary — HB 274 (2025) — Foster Care Services / Funds (North Carolina)

Purpose

HB 274 authorizes a one-time, directed grant to strengthen foster care services in North Carolina by funding programs run by Crossnore Communities for Children, a nonprofit provider. The stated aim is to address the State’s foster care crisis through trauma-informed services, family support, youth independent-living programs, and community engagement.

Key provisions

  • Appropriation: Nonrecurring sum of $5,000,000 from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) for FY 2025–2026.
  • Grant recipient: Directed grant to Crossnore Communities for Children.
  • Authorized uses: Funds may be used to support Crossnore programs including (but not limited to):
    • Promise for Hope Campaign
    • Center for Trauma Resilient Communities
    • Bridging Families program
    • Youth independent living services
    • Foster care services
    • Family reunification and preservation services
    • Community engagement efforts
  • Service access and delivery: All services supported by these funds must be open to children from across North Carolina and delivered from Crossnore program locations in Winston‑Salem, Crossnore, and Hendersonville.
  • Effective date: The act becomes effective July 1, 2025.

Funding and fiscal impact

  • Total appropriation: $5,000,000 (nonrecurring) for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, from the State General Fund.
  • Fiscal note: The bill specifies a single-year appropriation; no multi‑year or ongoing funding is provided within the text.

Who would be affected

  • Direct beneficiary: Crossnore Communities for Children (recipient of directed grant).
  • Service recipients: Foster children, youth transitioning to independence, and families statewide who access Crossnore programs (services delivered from Winston‑Salem, Crossnore, and Hendersonville).
  • State budget: One-time reduction in the General Fund of $5 million for FY 2025–26; ongoing budget impacts depend on any subsequent appropriations.

Implementation & procedural status

  • Sponsors / primary drafters: Representatives Lambeth, K. Hall, and Loftis (primary sponsors listed in the bill text).
  • Legislative action (selected): Filed and introduced in early March 2025; referred to Appropriations; passed first reading in the House; effective July 1, 2025 if enacted.
  • Administration: OSBM receives the appropriation and administers the directed grant to Crossnore.

Considerations / potential impacts

  • Positive: Provides a sizable immediate infusion to expand trauma‑informed, family‑focused, and independent‑living services for youth involved in foster care; may increase service capacity and program innovation at Crossnore.
  • Limitations: Funding is explicitly nonrecurring — programs will need additional funding plans for sustainability beyond FY 2025–26. The bill text does not specify reporting, performance metrics, or oversight requirements tied to the grant use.
  • Geographic focus vs. statewide access: While services are required to be open to children statewide, program delivery is concentrated at specific Crossnore locations; access implications (transportation, outreach) may affect uptake in other regions.

If you want, I can draft suggested oversight/reporting language amendments or outline likely implementation steps OSBM and Crossnore would take to expend and account for the grant.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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