Amends GS 7B-903 (regarding disposition alternatives for abused, neglected, or dependent juveniles) to add clarification as title indicates through the addition of a requirement that the court cannot consider out-of-home placement with a nonrelative unless the court determines that there is either no relative willing and able to care for and supervise the juvenile in a safe home, or placement with a relative willing and able to do so would not be in the juvenile’s best interest. Adds an appropriate former foster parent to the list of nonrelatives a court can consider in determining who could provide proper care and supervision for the juvenile in a safe home (was, nonrelative kin or other persons with legal custody of the juvenile’s siblings). Adds an appropriate former foster parent and other persons with legal custody of a juvenile’s siblings to those nonrelatives a court may order placement of the juvenile with (was, only nonrelative kin). Makes technical changes by moving language mandating that the court consider if it is in the juvenile’s best interest to remain in their community of residence and that the placement with a relative outside of the state be in accordance with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children when placing a juvenile in out-of-home care to its own subsection.

Amends GS 7B-505 (regarding placement of a juvenile while in nonsecure custody) by adding identical clarifying provisions for when the court can consider out-of-home placement with a non-relative as detailed in the first sentence discussing GS 78-903 amendments above. Removes language allowing the court to order the Department of Social Services to notify the juvenile’s state-recognized tribe of the need for nonsecure custody to locate relatives or nonrelative kin for placement. Adds an appropriate former foster parent and other persons with legal custody of a juvenile’s sibling to the list of people the court can order placement of the juvenile to be with if it is in the juvenile’s best interests.

Effective October 1, 2025, for actions filed on or after that date.