In Re Shepard

McCullough, judge.

On 6 May 1996, the Forsyth County Department of Social Services (DSS) filed Juvenile Petitions pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-517 (now N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-400), alleging Dashaun Shepard, aged nine, Shalita Shepard, aged seven, Jarico Shepard, aged five, Asia Shepard, aged four, and their two older siblings to be “dependent juveniles” as defined by N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7A-517(13) (now N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-101(9) (2001)). Dashaun, Shalita, Jarico, and Asia (the “Shepard Children” when referred to collectively) were taken into non-secure custody by DSS, adjudicated to be…