Sets out nine “Whereas” clauses identifying statistics that support the need for paternal engagement in children’s lives. Appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Office of State Budget and management for 2025-26 for a directed grant to Family First, Inc., a Florida nonprofit corporation (the nonprofit), to expand its All Pro Dad fatherhood program to North Carolina. Also appropriates $3 million from the General Fund to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for 2025-26 for grants to address the needs of fathers and allows using up to $2 million to contract for the required Program Manger. Requires the nonprofit to register with the Secretary of State in North Carolina and to use the funds to encourage father-child engagement. Gives DHHS six months to implement the grant to the nonprofit from the effective date of July 1, 2025.
Amends Article 2 of GS Chapter 108A adding Part 12, “Responsible Fatherhood NC Act.” Defines Department as DHHS, and Program as Responsible Fatherhood NC (the Program). Identifies the intent of the legislature to recognize and support the role of fathers in children’s lives. Requires DHHS to contract with a Program Manager to implement the Program. Sets out criteria for the Program Manager to be a nonprofit organization with a history of focusing on responsible fatherhood and the capacity to manage a statewide initiative. Requires the Program Manager to develop, implement, and manage the Program with a focus on awareness of the role of fathers and resources for fathers, including the identification and use of existing available resources.
Requires DHHS to create two grants to be awarded to nonprofit community-based organizations to address the needs of fathers: (1) grants for services tailored to the needs of the father supported by case management and (2) grants for parenting education, specifically for fathers. Requires DHHS to prioritize grant applicants based on a list of nine priorities, including need in a geographic area, mission of the organization, community involvement, and capacity. Limits grants to three years contingent on the organization’s compliance with requirements and its performance. Limits grant duration to three years, with subsequent funding contingent on compliance with the grant requirements and adequate performance. Requires grantees to report to the DHHS.
Effective July 1, 2025.