PACA: Myths & Facts
PACA: Myths and Facts is a recorded webinar exploring North Carolina's new legislation on Post-Adoption Contact Agreements (PACAs). This session equips child welfare professionals to recognize and address common misconceptions surrounding the new law. Guest speakers Annick Lennoir Peek, Head Parent Defender for the state of North Carolina, and Stephanie Clare Smith, NC Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program Manager, unpack myths behind this legislation:
Myths
Belief that PACA is simply an informal "open adoption"
Professionals other than the biological and prospective adoptive parents control the negotiated terms
Mediation guarantees an agreement
PACA contact must resemble reunification visitation
Court may later increase the amount of ordered contact
By contrasting these myths with the governing process and practical examples, the webinar gives insight on:
Facts
When PACA may be considered
How the statutory process interacts with a specific relinquishment and adoption
Respective roles of biological parents, prospective adoptive parents, DSS, parent counsel, GAL participants, mediators, and judges
Practical sequence involving AOC-J-213, AOC-J-214, and AOC-J-215
Examines preparation for virtual mediation
Development of terms, court approval and future amendments
Listen now to better understand PACA as you advocate for children in North Carolina foster care.
Speaker info
Annick Lennoir Peek, Head Parent Defender for the state of North Carolina
Stephanie Clare Smith, NC Child Custody and Visitation Mediation Program Manager
Additional webinar resources
Note The contents of this recording are intended for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The information provided does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. Use of, and access to, this website or any of the links contained within the site do not create an attorney-client relationship between the reader and the author. You should contact an attorney in your jurisdiction to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter.
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