Stages of Abuse, Neglect, and Dependency Cases in North Carolina: From Report to Final Disposition, 2025 Edition

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.