NC 1500-2.44 Ward of the State

Plain English summary

This regulation defines 'ward of the State' for purposes of NC special education law, covering foster children, state wards, and children in public child welfare custody. It excludes foster children whose foster parents meet the definition of 'parent' under NC 1500-2.27. The definition determines which children may require surrogate parent assignment for special education purposes.

Key requirements

• ward of the State means a child who, as determined by the State where the child resides, is a foster child, a ward of the State, or in the custody of a public child welfare agency
• Ward of the State does not include a foster child who has a foster parent who meets the definition of a parent in NC 1500-2.27

Affected parties

• foster children
• wards of the state
• children in custody of public child welfare agencies
• foster parents
• public child welfare agencies
• local education agencies

Official source

https://www.dpi.nc.gov/documents/publications/catalog/ec144-policies-governing-services/open#page=22