On behalf of myself and my colleagues, we are excited to announce the availability of three new resources addressing abuse, neglect, dependency (A/N/D), and termination of parental rights (TPR) proceedings. We hope these resources assist you in your work, which we know is challenging.
- Abuse, Neglect, Dependency, and Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings in North Carolina (2025 ed), by Sara DePasquale and Caitlin Little
The 2025 edition of the A/N/D Manual is now available at no charge on the SOG website on its own microsite (or landing page). This edition, which has a green cover, replaces the 2023 (orange cover) edition and is current through December 31, 2025. This new edition includes 89 new appellate opinions, the numerous and significant legislative changes that were made impacting child welfare, as well as changes made on the federal level – all since January 1, 2023. Please stop using your orange (or even older) edition, as it is outdated. Embrace the green!
This 2025 edition is digitally accessible, so it looks a little different online than before. There is no longer a reader pane for each chapter. If you download the chapter or manual, a bookmarks navigation panel appears for ease of use. If you simply open the chapter in the browser without downloading it, bookmarks navigation must be selected to view. Additionally, chapter table of contents are hyperlinked and function whether viewed in browser or downloaded.
For those of you who prefer a soft-bound printed version of the Manual, one will be available to purchase later this month. If you’d like to be notified when a printed version of the Manual is available for purchase, see our
online bookstore.
The School’s partner for this Manual is the North Carolina Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). 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 AOC. Thank you Kiesha Crawford!
This Manual takes a team to produce. Caitlin Little and I would like to give a specific shout out to our School colleagues who worked with us on this edition: Timothy Heinle, Mark Botts, Kirsten Leloudis, Kevin Justice, Kit Sweeney, and Matias Silva.
- Stages of Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Cases in North Carolina: From Report to Final Disposition (2025 ed), otherwise referred to as “candyland,” by Sara DePasquale.
This 2025 edition is a 16-page primer with accompanying color-coded flow chart and replaces the 2021 edition. The flow chart has changed because of the legislative changes to concurrent permanency planning effective October 1, 2025. This 2025 edition has a new green cover that corresponds with the 2025 ed of the A/N/D Manual cover. Do not rely on your blue or older versions as they are not current. This primer is only available in print and can be purchased on the School’s
online bookstore.
- Rule 17 Guardians ad Litem for Respondents in Abuse, Neglect, Dependency, and Termination of Parental Rights Proceedings: Frequently Asked Questions (Juvenile Law Bulletin N0. 2026/01), by Timothy Heinle and Sara DePasquale
This new 43-page bulletin seeks to answer many questions that arise about Rule 17 guardians ad litem (GAL) in A/N/D and TPR cases. Using a question and answer format, the bulletin is organized into seven sections that examine Rule 17 GALs generally; the applicability of Rule 17 to A/N/D and TPR proceedings; the appointment procedures, timing, and standards for GALS when incompetency is the issue; the appointment of a GAL for unemancipated minor parents; who may serve as a GAL and their compensation; the duties and responsibilities of a GAL; and the termination of a GAL appointment.
- Other Resources
The School has other resources that address A/N/D and TPR cases. For ease of use, the
microsite for the A/N/D Manual now identifies and hyperlinks to those other resources. This gives users one place to look on the School’s website.
Finally, questions, comments, and suggestions on the Manual, “candyland,” or new publication topics are welcome. Contact Sara DePasquale at
sara@sog.unc.edu.
