Provides a comprehensive explanation of the North Carolina law requiring all citizens to report cases of suspected child abuse, neglect, and dependency. It also describes the states child protective services system. Appendixes include useful sections of the North Carolina Juvenile Code, elements of criminal offenses against children, and relevant telephone numbers.

This primer illustrates the flow of child abuse, neglect, and dependency cases in North Carolina. A case starts with a mandated report of suspected abuse, neglect, or dependency and ends with the termination of the district court's jurisdiction over an abuse, neglect, or dependency proceeding. There are many different stages and outcomes; some involve court action, and some do not. Originally produced as a handout for courses, this reference guide addresses every stage and the possible outcomes of each stage and includes a color coded flow chart of the process from the obligation to report to the final disposition of the case. Intended to be a quick, easy-to-use resource for professionals who work in the field of child welfare, this publication is not a comprehensive analysis of North Carolina law.

This publication outlines the laws of North Carolina requiring persons to report cases of suspected child abuse or neglect and cases of disabled adults who need protective services.