On Thursday, August 21st, approximately 40 attorneys attended the 19th Annual Parent Attorney Conference at the UNC School of Government in Chapel
New Child Welfare Specialists
Congratulations to parent attorneys Danielle Caldwell and Jason Senges! They are the two of the most recent class of child welfare specialists. Both
Office of the Parent Defender Presents at National Conference in Cleveland
The National Association of Counsel for Children held its 48th National Child Welfare Law Conference in Cleveland, Ohio, August 10-13th. This year’s
OPD Welcomes New Assistant Parent Defender
Benjamin J. Kull, Assistant Parent Defender, is a 2006 graduate of the University of the District of Columbia David A. Clarke School of Law. Before
Lenoir-Peek Named New Parent Defender for the State of North Carolina
IDS announces the appointment of Annick Lenoir-Peek by the IDS Commission as the new Parent Defender for the state of North Carolina. A
HB612 – A Cause to Celebrate
On June 26, 2025, Governor Stein signed House Bill 612, the Fostering Care in NC Act. This bipartisan bill was the work of multiple legislators, along
Inaugural Leader for the state Office of the Parent Defender (OPD) is set to retire
Wendy Sotolongo announces her retirement effective June 30, 2025. "It has been a great honor to be appointed as North Carolina’s first Parent
Deputy Parent Defender Defends Client at NC Supreme Court
For the first time this year, the North Carolina Supreme Court heard oral arguments in an abuse/neglect/dependency case. On April 16, 2025, Annick
OPD and School of Government go on a road trip
OPD and the School of Government (SOG) have a long-standing collaboration to create quality, cost-effective education in all areas of indigent
Celebrating the Interdisciplinary Parent Representation Program!
OPD’s Interdisciplinary Parent Representation (IPR) Program pairs experienced social workers with parent attorneys to enhance legal representation for
OPD’s IPR Program Manager Sharice Zachary selected for prestigious mentorship program!
AdoptUSKids Minority Professional Leadership Development (MPLD) is a 12-month program designed for emerging leaders working in child welfare. The
State Parent Defender Wendy Sotolongo gives testimony to the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on Civil Rights.
On August 7, 2024, State Parent Defender Wendy Sotolongo gave testimony to the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the United States Commission on
OPD Attorney Lee Gilliam is recognized as one of only a handful of NC attorneys with dual specializations.
On May 17, 2024, the NC State Bar Board of Legal Specialization held its annual Recognition Event. OPD’s Lee Gilliam was recognized for his
NC is well represented at the ABA’s 2024 National Conference on Parent Representation!
Almost 40 NC attorneys, defense SWs and law students attended the ABA's 2024 National Conference on Parent Representation. Thanks to a grant from the
Best interest of the child: Presumption of guilt
By WBTV / The Assembly Garnell Hill has never been accused of abuse or neglect. But Durham County has kept his son in foster care for more than
Best interest of the child: No-win scenario
By WBTV / The Assembly Jatoia Potts lost both her children because she couldn’t explain her baby’s injuries. The second of a three-part