child custody; best interests; minor children; abuse of discretion; attorney’s fees; guardian ad litem fees; Chapter 50.

Negligence; directed verdict

Rule 3.1; juvenile; abuse-and-neglect proceeding; termination of parental rights; abuse-of-discretion standard.

delinquent juvenile; right to confront witnesses; disposition level; disposition order; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-2501(c); mootness doctrine; capable of repetition yet evading review; public interest exception.

termination of parental rights, willful failure to make reasonable progress, N.C.G.S. Section 7B-1111(a)(2)

Motion for Guardian ad litem; N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-1111(a)(2); best interests

Sufficient findings; DSS; Foster care; Adjudicated abandoned and neglected; ICPC assessment; PWC; Chapter 50; Collateral estoppel; Cessation of reunification efforts; Custody with foster parents; Statutory requirements; Relative placement

Evidentiary standard; clear, cogent, and convincing; N.C. Gen. Stat. Section 7B-1111(a)(7); abandonment; willfulness

dependency and neglect, involuntary commitment, nonsecure custody, care and supervision, findings of fact, conclusions of law, visitation.

NCGS 7B-1101.1, right to counsel, termination of parental rights