27 NCAC 01D .3402 Definition of Specialty

Child welfare law is a unique area of law that requires knowledge of substantive and procedural rights provided for in the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 7B. The cases are complex and multi-faceted both in the issues they present and the number of type of court hearings required by federal and state law. The substantive area includes abuse, neglect, dependency, and termination of parental rights. Knowledge of additional substantive areas is also required; such as child custody, the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children, the Indian Child Welfare Act, adoptions, and education law. The cases revolve around children and families that are experiencing significant issues resulting in the government's intervention to protect children's safety while also protecting parents' constitutional rights to parent their children. Child welfare differs from family law/domestic relations in that different laws and procedures apply and the government through a county department of social services is involved.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 84-23;

Approved by the Supreme Court December 14, 2021.