The North Carolina Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling regarding the custody and visitation of two children, T.N.S. and R.B., affirming their status as neglected and dependent juveniles. This decision, filed on November 4, 2026, affects the children's mother, who had appealed the trial court's decision made in January 2026. The ruling is significant as it addresses the responsibilities of parents and the role of the Department of Social Services (DSS) in ensuring the welfare of children.

The case originated in Carteret County District Court, where the DSS filed petitions alleging that T.N.S. was an abused, neglected, and dependent juvenile, while R.B. was a neglected juvenile. The petitions highlighted concerns about the mother's inability to provide consistent care, including mental health, medical, and educational support for her children. The court's decision to place T.N.S. in DSS custody while allowing R.B. to remain with the mother under DSS supervision was challenged by the mother.

The trial court held hearings in December 2025, where evidence was presented, including a stipulation signed by the mother and her attorney. This stipulation indicated that the mother and the father could not provide appropriate alternative childcare arrangements and that the living environment was injurious to the children's welfare. Based on this evidence, the court adjudicated T.N.S. as a dependent juvenile and R.B. as a neglected juvenile.

On January 9, 2026, the trial court issued its orders, which included a plan for reunification and a supervised visitation schedule for the mother with T.N.S. Following the trial court's decision, the mother filed a pro se notice of appeal, which led to the Court of Appeals reviewing the case.

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Tom Murry, affirmed the trial court's orders. The court ruled that the mother had not demonstrated sufficient grounds to challenge the adjudication of T.N.S. as a dependent juvenile or R.B. as a neglected juvenile. The court noted, "Mother stipulated the parents could not 'proffer an appropriate alternative childcare arrangement,' which the trial court received into evidence." This stipulation was critical in establishing the mother's inability to provide a safe environment for her children.

Additionally, the court addressed the mother's concerns regarding the visitation plan, which allowed T.N.S. to request visits with her mother. The court found that this arrangement did not constitute an improper delegation of authority. Instead, it recognized T.N.S. as a mature juvenile capable of expressing her preferences regarding visitation. The court stated, "A mature juvenile, who is capable of seeking emancipation, and working actively to reconstruct the parent-child relationship is not the adversarial third party..." This ruling emphasizes the importance of considering a child's voice in custody and visitation matters.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond this case. It reinforces the authority of DSS in child welfare cases and highlights the court's commitment to ensuring the best interests of children. The decision also sets a precedent for how courts may handle similar cases involving juvenile dependency and neglect, particularly in recognizing the maturity of older children in custody decisions.

Looking ahead, the mother may seek to appeal the Court of Appeals' decision to the North Carolina Supreme Court. However, details regarding any potential appeal or related cases were not available in the court filing. The outcome of this case serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in child custody and welfare proceedings, and the ongoing responsibilities of parents to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their children.