Senator Steve Jarvis Celebrates Passage of ‘Fostering Care in NC Act’ as American Children’s Home Hosts Info Sessions
{Photo Credit: Steve Jarvis’ July 4th Newsletter of signing with Governor Josh Stein. Jarvis is pictured far right}
State Senator Steve Jarvis is celebrating the passage of a bill that hits close to home.
“I am especially proud of a recent bill passage, Fostering Care in NC Act,” said Jarvis. “This bill resonates personally for me and my family, as I grew up with many fostered siblings. I am thrilled that after many years of tirelessly working on this initiative, it has finally passed both chambers and was welcomed into law with Governor Stein's signature last week. It was an honor to create and collaborate with other lawmakers to achieve our goal of improving the lives of fostered children.”
House Bill 612, a bipartisan effort formally titled the Fostering Care in NC Act, has been in the works for years. The bill gives the state Department of Health and Human Services more power to hold county-run social services departments accountable. It also tightens procedures and enforces stricter deadlines for investigating reports of abuse and neglect within the foster care system.
Governor Josh Stein signed the bill into law alongside another measure, Senate Bill 400, which focuses on protecting older and disabled North Carolinians. “This bill will help counties improve their adult protective services for older and disabled North Carolinians by creating teams that can share information and collaborate, making vulnerable people safer,” Stein said in a statement.
In step with these legislative victories, the American Children’s Home (ACH)—a nonprofit with nearly 100 years of service—is opening its doors for prospective foster families. The organization is hosting a series of foster care information sessions for individuals who feel called to make a difference.
A Local Legacy of Care
Founded in 1925 by the Junior Order United American Mechanics National Council, the American Children’s Home originally served orphaned children of its members. As times changed and the number of true orphans declined, ACH began working with county Departments of Social Services to provide care for children in need.
Today, ACH provides a nurturing, licensed, and COA-accredited environment for children from birth to age 21. The campus includes six residential cottages with a capacity of 50, housing children for stays that range from just a few days to several years. The organization also operates licensed family foster homes within a 50-mile radius of its Lexington campus.
ACH also offers on-site child care through the Evans Child Development Center, which serves children ages 6 weeks to 12 years. ECDC provides quality, affordable care focused on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional growth.
Interested in Becoming a Foster Parent?
Find upcoming info session dates and registration details at: https://www.ach-nc.org/foster-care-information-sessions
Senator Jarvis encourages community members to consider the opportunity. “I have included the contact information and dates for you to consider such a meaningful commitment,” he added.
To learn more about the mission and work of ACH, visit www.ach-nc.org.
