Matter of Mitchell

MARTIN, John C., Judge.

Respondent parents appeal from an order adjudicating their daughter a neglected juvenile as defined in G.S. § 7A-517(21). The procedural history is as follows: On 18 March 1996, the Warren County Department of Social Services (DSS) received information suggesting that the juvenile had been sexually abused. On the same date, DSS formulated a Child Protective Services Protection Plan, to which the respondents agreed. On 21 March 1996, DSS filed a juvenile petition alleging the juvenile to be a neglected juvenile. No summons was issued as required by G.S. § 7A-564,…