In re N.C. CA1/3

I. BACKGROUND

At the conclusion of the April 12, 2013 dispositional hearing, county counsel advised the court that Mother had filed a lawsuit in federal court “against just about everyone involved in this case.” The court set a hearing for May 10 to consider the county’s request to release transcripts of hearings in the Twins’ cases to defense counsel in the federal action. At the May 10 hearing, the county withdrew it request to disclose the transcripts, and the court granted a request by the Twins’ counsel to retain psychologist Michael Ramirez to assist with the Twins’ representation. An interim review hearing was held in this case on June 28. The Department’s report for the hearing recommended continued family maintenance services to Father and reunification services to Mother. The report stated that Mother “still brings in too many ‘things’ (i.e., snacks, toys dress up clothes, activities) for the children during visits.” Mother also made comments during the visits the Department considered inappropriate, such as saying on April 8, “Hopefully my attorney will be able to help Mom get you back soon so you can come home.” On May 9, Mother told the twins they could tell her if…