North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7B. Juvenile Code § 7B-535. General provisions for safe babies court

(a) Purpose.--The purpose of this Article is to establish safe babies court to improve the long-term well-being of parents, children, and families involved with the department of social services and the juvenile court by providing them with trauma-informed support and services and to achieve timely permanence, reduce generational trauma, and eliminate maltreatment.

(b) Referral.--The Administrative Office of the Courts shall set the criteria and referral process for a juvenile court matter to enroll into a safe babies court.

(c) Limitations.--Nothing contained in this Article shall confer a right or an expectation of a right of participation in safe babies court to a party involved in an abuse, neglect, or dependency proceeding.  A party's participation in safe babies court is voluntary.

(d) Permanency and Hearings.--Nothing contained in this Article shall alter any requirements or limit the court's authority to conduct hearings under this Subchapter.