In the Matter of C.M.

STEELMAN, Judge.

There is no prejudice resulting from the trial court's noncompliance with N.C. Gen. Stat. § 7B-1109(a) (2005), when the delay inures to respondent's benefit, affording respondent every possible opportunity to be reunited with her children.

On 11 May 2004, the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) filed a juvenile petition which alleged that C.M., V.K., Q.K., and D.B. were neglected and dependent. Pursuant to a non-secure custody order entered that same day, D.B. was placed with his grandmother and the three remaining children were placed in foster care. In an…