Amends Chapter 115C by adding Article 6E.

Enacts GS 115C-64.31 providing definitions for the Article. Defines foster care as a 24-hour substitute care for children who are placed away from their parents and are the responsibility of Title IV-E of the Social Security Act and provides a list of placements encompassed by the term. Establishes the Foster Care and Education Council (Council), a joint council between the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

Enacts GS 115C-64.32 outlining membership requirements and the appointment process. Mandates that the council consist of 27 members. Lists the two ex officio members from DPI and DHHS, and provides guidelines for the appointments by the Senate, House, Governor, State Board of Education, and Secretary of Health and Human Services (5 appointments for each). Requires members to serve three-year terms, allows reappointment, and provides details for filling vacancies and reasons for removal.

Enacts GS 115C-64.32 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.33) providing details for organization, meetings, and compensation. Requires DPI and DHHS to provide necessary staff support and supplies to the Council to carry out its duties effectively. Requires the Council, in conjunction with DPI and DHHS, to prepare a resource plan that allows the Council to carry out its functions.

Enacts GS 115C-64.33 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.34) providing the Council’s powers and duties. Requires the Council to establish a vision for the achievement of parity in education outcomes for children in foster care and provides a list of items the Council must engage with including review of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act of 2008, associated federal and state laws and guidance related to education of children in foster care; review of educational outcomes of children in foster care to assess challenges to education success; development of recommendations for changes to law, policy, rules, or guidance for children in foster care; strategy development to improve programs and agencies coordination and communication; provision of assistance to state agencies to collect and disseminate information on best practices to support educational needs of children in foster care; and identification of training needs for relevant stakeholders. Requires Council engagement with listed stakeholders. Permits the chair to establish standing and ad hoc committees and task forces of Council members. Permits the Council to apply for and receive federal, public or private initiative, grant program, or donor funding. Requires DPI and DHHS to enter, or revise existing, memorandums of understanding that facilitate child referral, data and information exchange, agency roles and responsibilities, and cooperation and collaboration among state agencies and non-governmental entities to support high school completion and enrollment/completion of postsecondary education by children in foster care. Requires appropriate agencies cooperation with the Council.

Enacts GS 115C-64.34 (we believe they may mean GS 115C-64.35) detailing the Council’s annual report requirements. Also requires the chair to report quarterly to the Superintendent of Public Instruction and Secretary of Health and Human Services.