The IRP-Interdisciplinary Representation Program

Attention Parent Defenders:

The IRP-Interdisciplinary Representation Program essentially places contract social workers with parent attorneys (at their request) in the same manner that the DSS social worker is assigned to the child. The IRP social worker is considered a part of the attorney’s legal team and the attorney client privilege would extend to them while they are assisting the client with completing the requirements from their out of home service agreement.

If you have questions about this program, please feel free to reach out!  The IRP Program is currently in Cleveland, Buncombe, Mecklenburg, and New Hanover counties. *The next round of applications for the IRP Program should be open around the summertime.

Point of Contact:

Sharice J. Zachary, MSW | Social Worker- Interdisciplinary Representation Program Manager
NC Office of Indigent Defense Services | Office of the Parent Defender
123 W. Main Street, Suite 308
Durham, NC 27701
919-354-7230