In the Matter of T.T.

JACKSON, Judge.

On 24 July 2003, the New Hanover County Department of Social Services ("DSS") filed a juvenile petition alleging that T.T. and A.T. were neglected and dependent as to both their mother ("respondent") and father.1 The allegations serving as the basis for the petition alleged that "neither parent has a suitable or appropriate place for the children and in that both parents abuse alcohol and perhaps other substances and in that [respondent] is afflicted with mental illness, including depression and borderline personality *345disorder." The juveniles initially came into DSS' care after…