In re J.H.K.

PARKER, Chief Justice.

The sole issue before this Court is whether the Guardian ad Litem (GAL) volunteer is required to be present in the courtroom at a termination of parental rights (TPR) hearing. For the reasons stated herein, we reverse the decision of the Court of Appeals holding that N.C.G.S. §§ 7B-601 and 7B-1108 mandate the physical presence of the GAL volunteer during a TPR hearing. In re J.H.K., _ N.C. App. _, 695 S.E.2d 162, 167-68 (2010).

On 25 January 2007, the Guilford County Department of Social Services (DSS) filed a juvenile petition alleging that the minor children J.H.K. and…