In re A.P.

ELMORE, Judge.

This case arises from a custody dispute between A.P.'s mother (respondent), the Forsyth County Department of Social Services (DSS), and A.P.'s biological father, William. For the reasons stated herein, we dismiss respondent's appeal.

On 7 November 2003 DSS filed a petition alleging: 1) that A.P. was a neglected and dependent juvenile, and 2) that immediate non-secure custody by DSS was needed to protect A.P. DSS filed the petition after their initial intervention into A.P.'s life failed to rectify the circumstances needing attention. DSS had received numerous reports that A.P.…