Opinion ID: 3026511
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alexus and Aliyaha

Text: 1 There are two related appeals in this case. One appeal is by the Estate of Porchia Bennett (06-2879), and the other is by Alexus Bennett, Aliyaha Bennett, and Priscilla Bennett, by and through their Guardian Ad Litem Jonathan Irvine (06-2978). 3 In 1997, DHS determined that Tiffany Bennett, a substance abuser who did not provide her children with necessary medical attention, posed a risk of serious harm to her children. Tiffany Bennett compounded this risk by actively avoiding contact with DHS. On May 30, 1997, DHS petitioned the family court to rule Alexus and Aliyaha dependent children because Tiffany Bennett was not cooperating with DHS in implementing a plan for their care. On June 4, 1997, the family court deferred adjudication of dependency but ordered DHS supervision of Alexus and Aliyaha. In December 1997, the family court learned Alexus was living in North Carolina with her father and ordered DHS to assess her situation. The North Carolina Department of Social Services visited Alexus in her new home and provided DHS with a positive report. The family court then discharged Alexus’ dependency petition on February 19, 1998. In July 1998, Aliyaha was temporarily committed to DHS and placed in foster care for two days because Tiffany Bennett was expelled from the shelter where they had been living. The family court returned Aliyaha to her mother and ordered Tiffany Bennett to enter another shelter, undergo a mental health evaluation, and cooperate with DHS. Tiffany Bennett and Aliyaha lived at the Salvation Army Shelter from August 1998 until May 1999. During that stay, Priscilla was born on January 12, 1999.