Domestic Relations – Parent & Child – Termination of Parental Rights – Failure to Engage in Services 

Despite diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder, amphetamine use disorder, opioid use disorder and cannabis use disorder, the respondent-mother failed to participate in a parenting/psychological assessment, a substance abuse program or mental health services. In the ten months after entering her case plan, respondent did not obtain employment or maintain stable housing. Under these circumstances, the trial court could conclude that grounds existed to terminate respondent’s parental rights and that termination was in the best interest of respondent’s children.

In re D.L.B. (Lawyers Weekly No. 012-333-22, 8 pp.) (Jeffery Carpenter, J.) Appealed from Guilford County District Court (William Davis, J.) Mercedes Chut for petitioner; Richard Croutharmel for respondent; James Weiss for guardian ad litem. 2022-NCCOA-535