House committee substitute to the 4th edition makes the following changes.

Part I.

Removes requirement from new GS 108-15.25 that the Child Welfare Case Escalation Team (Team) be comprised of representatives from each region. Instead, simply requires that the Division of Social Services (Division) maintain a team of representatives. Now requires the Team to collaborate with the director of the regional social services department, in addition to the other individuals listed (was, regional persons assigned to the county). Modifies extensive child welfare history and high-risk home in GS 108A-15.26 (definitions). Makes technical changes to GS 108A-15.27 (Team initial procedure).  Removes provision requiring the escalation specialist to be involved in determining the case decision in GS 108A-15.28, and instead requires the escalation specialist to provide guidance to the county regarding the case decision. Makes a conforming change.  Reduces the Team members from eight to six. Appropriates $550,000 in recurring funds from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) beginning in 2026-27 and $157,000 in nonrecurring funds for that year to fund those positions, as described. Makes a conforming change. Directs the Division to now amend its protocols and rules necessary to integrate Team involvement for entry into private residences for services for juveniles (was, high-risk juveniles) at risk of abuse or neglect.

Part II.

Makes technical changes to depiction of GS 7B-302. Removes provision authorizing the director or their representative to enter a private residence if the Team is involved.

Part III.

Appropriates $100,000 from the General Fund to DHHS for 2026-27 for the described training.

Adds the following new parts.

Part X.

Enacts Part 2D, “Predictive Risk Modeling for Child Welfare,” to Article 1 of GS Chapter 108A. Directs the Division to establish a Predictive Risk Modeling Pilot Program (Program) to deploy a state-validated predictive risk model that produces risk stratification tiers for children who are the subject of reports of abuse or neglect. The Program is designed to supplement and not replace frontline workers and supervisors or the Team. Lists four Program purposes, including helping frontline staff, supervisors, and escalation teams recognize cumulative patterns of concern that may otherwise remain fragmented across multiple referrals, investigations, and system contacts. Sets forth five requirements for the predictive risk model, including rigorous validation and production of static statistical risk estimates that are fully human-controlled, nonautonomous, and do not learn or adapt in operation without express authorization by the Division. Prevents the model from being used for any of the following:

• A decision to screen in or screen out a report of abuse or neglect.
• A decision to substantiate or unsubstantiate a finding of abuse or neglect.
• A decision to remove a juvenile from the home.
• A decision to deny services to a family.

Provides for four initial deployment modules, including a hotline screening module, an investigation supervision module, and a quality assurance module. Requires the Division to choose from two of the modules provided to initially deploy the predictive risk model. Requires the Division to integrate outputs from the predictive risk model into the escalation criteria and workflows established to enhance the identification of cases warranting Team activation. Provides for ongoing monitoring. Requires the Division to annually report to the specified NCGA Committee on model performance metrics, equity analyses, the number of cases flagged for enhanced review, and outcomes for flagged cases. Effective October 1, 2026.

Appropriates $250,000 from the General Fund to the Division for 2026-27 for customized build and implementation of a state-validated predictive risk model and $430,000 in recurring funds beginning in 2027-28 for ongoing maintenance. Effective July 1, 2026.

Requires the Division to issue a request for proposals or otherwise procure the predictive risk model in accordance with Article 3 of GS Chapter 143. Authorizes the Division to utilize federal funds, including Title IV-E administrative funds, to offset State costs to the extent permitted under federal law.

Part XI.

Adds new GS 108A-15.31, establishing a publicly accessible, internet-based county child safety dashboard that reports county-level child safety performance indicators statewide, with the seven enumerated indicators. Instructs the Division to update the dashboard at least quarterly. Provides for aggregation of data. Requires the dashboard to be publicly accessible by no later than July 1, 2028.  Effective October 1, 2026.

Appropriates (1) $200,000 for 2026-27 and (2) $75,000 in recurring funds starting in 2027-28 from the General Fund to the Division for construction of the dashboard and ongoing maintenance. Effective July 1, 2026.

Part XII.

Beginning March 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, requires the Division, in new GS 108A-15.32, to report on the activities and findings of the Team to the specified NCGA committee and division, as described. Requires the Division to also publish its report online.

Part XIII.

Adds new GS 108A-15.33, requiring the Division, within five business days of receiving a report involving a child fatality (defined) or near fatality (defined) for which there is suspected abuse or neglect, or in which abuse or neglect may have contributed to the child's death or serious injury, to provide a preliminary notification to the public on its website, as specified. Provides for an online public summary by the Division, as specified, within 90 days after the date of the report. Requires the Division to appoint a designated employee to have primary responsibility for and serve as the dedicated liaison for all matters regarding child fatalities and near fatalities, including the public disclosures. Requires the Division to notify the specified NCGA committee cochairs within 48 hours of any child fatality that is under investigation for suspected abuse or neglect and in which there exists a prior child protective services history with the family. Specifies that the statute does not impact confidentiality provisions pertaining to child welfare cases and does not create a private right of action.

Effective October 1, 2026.

Part XIV.

Clarifies that the act should not be construed to diminish, or otherwise limit:

(1) The confidentiality protections for juvenile records established under Article 29 of Subchapter IV of GS Chapter 7B.

(2) The rights and protections established under GS 7B-302 through GS 7B-311 regarding the assessment and investigation of reports of abuse or neglect.  

(3) The provisions of Part 2A or Part 2B of Article 1 of GS Chapter 108A, as enacted or amended by prior sessions of the General Assembly.

(4) Any reforms to the child welfare system enacted by the General Assembly during the 2023, 2024, or 2025 sessions, including but not limited to provisions relating to central intake, structured decision-making, supervisor qualifications, caseworker training requirements, or mandatory reporter protections.