Matter of Yow

WEBB, Judge.

This proceeding was brought pursuant to Article 23 of Chapter 7A of the General Statutes of North Carolina. This appeal is by a parent who has contested an award of custody under this Article of the General Statutes. The parties in their briefs have cited no cases and we have found none dealing with such a contest. We believe it is a case of first impression. We quote at length some pertinent parts of Article 23.

G.S. 7A-278 says:

* * *(3) “Dependent child” is a child who is in need of placement, special care or treatment because such child has no parent, guardian or custodian to be…