Abuse, Neglect, Dependency, and Termination of Parental Rights in North Carolina

This Manual is written for legal professionals involved in abuse, neglect, dependency, and related termination of parental rights proceedings in North Carolina. It provides easily accessible information about the laws, procedures, and concepts that apply to these proceedings. Topics are organized into fourteen chapters, addressing the different stages of these proceedings from a report of suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency through the achievement of a permanent plan for the child, as well as an overview of North Carolina's child welfare system, jurisdictional issues, evidence, appeals, confidentiality, and applicable federal laws. Each chapter combines applicable statutes, relevant case summaries, additional resources, and practical explanations. Nine checklists address the various types of hearings that are involved in these proceedings.

The 2023 edition updates the six previous editions. This new edition incorporates legislative changes, over 100 new appellate opinions, and additional resources available as of December 31, 2023.

Production of this Manual was made possible with funding provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Administration for Children and Families, and the Court Improvement Program of the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts.