In re L.C., 253 N.C. App. 67 (2017)
Held:
Vacated and Remanded in Part
- GS 7B-903(a1) requires the court to consider relative placement and order such placement if the court finds the relative is willing and able to provide proper care and supervision in a safe home unless the court finds the placement is not in the child’s best interests. Failure to make the finding that a child’s placement with the relative is not in the child’s best interest will result in a remand. In ordering a primary permanent plan of adoption and secondary permanent plan of guardianship that did not specify the relative that the respondent mother suggested for possible placement, the court was required to make the finding about the placement not being in the child’s best interests. Waiting for DSS to complete an evaluation of the relative’s home for a potential placement does not obviate the need for that finding.
Category:
Abuse, Neglect, DependencyStage:
Disposition (All Stages Post-Adjudication)Topic:
Relative Placement