In re J.E.

TYSON, Judge.

J.B. ("respondent") appeals from order terminating her parental rights to her minor children, J.E. and Q.D. We reverse.

I. Background

On 14 December 1999, respondent gave birth to J.E. On 18 October 2002, Mecklenburg County Youth and Family Services ("YFS") filed a juvenile petition that alleged J.E. was a neglected and dependent juvenile. A non-secure custody order placed J.E. with her maternal grandmother. YFS presented no evidence in the record to show a guardian ad litem ("GAL") was appointed to represent J.E. at that time.

On 22 October 2002, an initial (7-Day) hearing was…