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Local startup attracts out of state funding to reduce the time children spend in foster care by improving communication, accountability and transparency in child welfare cases.
March 24, 2025 – Following a successful statewide implementation in Oklahoma, Your Case Plan by Sunlight continues to expand its footprint. Today, the company announced their expansion into North Carolina, after receiving $100,000 in funding from Eagle Freedom Fund, which Tim Tebow is a partner in.
Founded in North Carolina’s Research Triangle, Sunlight created Your Case Plan’s iOS, Android and web applications to improve communication and legal representation in the child welfare system. They are excited to announce they have begun multiple pilot programs throughout the state with a diverse group of pilot partners demonstrating the urgent need for modern, technology-driven solutions to reduce court delays and improve outcomes for children in foster care. The platform ensures that all parties have real-time access to critical case information, improving coordination and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes for children and parents. The product provides families, attorneys, caseworkers, and other stakeholders with tools to improve communication via in-app messaging as well as voice and video calling and the ability to securely share files, documents, and photos. For example, families can receive text reminders for court hearings, visitation plans, and child team meetings.
Your Case Plan is live in multiple counties today and expects to be available statewide by the end of 2025. The product is free for families, including birth parents, kinship caregivers, and resource parents as well as GAL volunteers. Individual attorneys and caseworkers can use the product for free for up to 10 clients. Interested individuals or organizations can join the waitlist to request access found at yourcaseplan.com/nc.
Ryan O’Donnell, CEO & Co-Founder of Your Case Plan, shared about the launch:
“North Carolina is my home so as a former foster parent, I’m proud to bring our product to more families across the state. With the support of Tim Tebow’s Eagle Freedom Fund, we’re proving that technology can be a force for good and improve outcomes for children and families impacted by the child welfare system.”
Earlier this month, Your Case Plan received the funding from Eagle Freedom Fund’s Global Anti-Trafficking Global Pitch Competition held in Washington D.C. O’Donnell highlighted how the latest statistics point to the troubling reality that 60 - 90% of trafficking victims in the United States spent time or are currently in foster care. Previously, the company had received one of the prestigious NC IDEA grants, supporting startups headquartered in North Carolina.
Wes Lyons, General Partner at Eagle Freedom Fund shared,
“We are excited to partner with Your Case Plan to reduce the time children spend in foster care. 60-90% of US trafficking survivors report a history in the foster care system, and we believe that scalable and profitable solutions like Your Case Plan play a scalable and sustainable role in reforming the foster care system and stopping trafficking before it starts.”
The platform’s early adopters and supporters represent a broad public-private partnership throughout the state. The product was developed with input and support from over 30 county DSS leaders as well as dozens of attorneys, caseworkers, and families throughout the state. Early users and supporters shared the following:
Karen Mcleod, President and CEO of Benchmarks, shared her excitement for the partnership, stating:
"Your Case Plan was developed from a perspective of someone with lived experience as a foster parent, who understands that ineffective communication erodes the outcomes of children in foster care. We are delighted that this software offers a powerful solution to provide enhanced communication, for all parties, to effectively support our youth in the child welfare system.”
Gaile Osborne, Executive Director of Foster Family Alliance of NC shared:
“Communication issues are a major cause of burnout for foster parents and social workers so we’re excited North Carolina is getting access to Your Case Plan. This is a much needed step towards more transparency and accountability and we can’t wait to see how their app helps children and families across the state!”
Kaushiki Chowdhury, Executive Director of Carolina Parent Defenders, shared:
“As a parent attorney, I see how vital clear communication and organization are during this process. Your Case Plan can streamline case management, documentation, and collaboration in one platform, making it easier for parents and their legal teams to work together to navigate the system. By enhancing transparency among all professionals in the abuse, neglect, and dependency system, YCP has the potential to improve legal advocacy, and ultimately, outcomes for families.”
The launch in North Carolina follows our founder’s deep commitment to improve outcomes for children and families in North Carolina’s child welfare system. After being a therapeutic foster parent in Durham County, Ryan O’Donnell became an outspoken advocate for child welfare reforms as covered by WBTV and The Assembly’s “Best Interest of the Child” series. Last year, O’Donnell provided expert testimony to the US Commission of Civil Rights during their investigation into North Carolina’s child welfare system following the passage of Rylan’s Law. By expanding into its home state, Your Case Plan is furthering its mission to reduce time children spend in foster care by improving legal representation and communication in child welfare cases.
For more information, visit yourcaseplan.com