In re S.L.L.

TIMMONS-GOODSON, Judge.

Scott Lee Lewis, Sr.,1 (“respondent”) appeals an order of the trial court adjudicating his minor child, Scott Lee Lewis, Jr., (“Scott”) a neglected child. For the reason stated herein, we reverse the order of the trial court and remand the case for a new hearing.

On 2 January 2003, the Haywood County Department of Social Services (“D.S.S.”) filed a petition with the trial court alleging that Scott was a neglected child. Upon the case being called for trial on 15 May 2003, the following exchange took place between the trial court and respondent regarding respondent’s…