New hearing set for Erica Parsons' adoptive parents

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By Kathryn Burcham

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A new hearing has been set for the parents of missing Rowan County teen Erica Parsons.

Casey and Sandy Parsons are fighting to regain custody of two of Erica's adoptive siblings.

Sources close to the case told Channel 9 the parents will meet with Department of Social Services workers on Thursday regarding complaints they have over the temporary custody of their two youngest children.

Later this month, a judge will decide if the kids will ever be returned to the Parsons.

For more than a month, Casey and Sandy Parsons have traveled to the DSS office once a week, for supervised visits with their two youngest children Tobie and Sadie.

"It's really their main goal right now, other than finding Erica, to get their children back," said attorney Carlyle Sherrill.

The other children are being cared for by Casey Parsons' mother, but later this month, sources told Channel 9 they will face a juvenile judge in a court proceeding where a decision will be made regarding permanent custody.

SPECIAL SECTION: Erica Parsons case

Other family members are expected to testify about what they have witnessed over the years, both before and after Erica disappeared.

Last month, a judge barred the media from all proceedings regarding the children's custody, saying information about the criminal case could come out in court and impact the case.

Channel 9 learned on Thursday, the Parsons will meet with court and DSS officials for a status review and the address the Parsons' concerns.

"(It's) to see wherever they are in their status and doing whatever the court wants them to do," Sherrill said.

Sherrill told Channel 9 he does not plan to attend the next two hearings because another lawyer is representing the family in juvenile court.

The Rowan County Sheriff's Office responded Tuesday to reports that its relationship with the Parsons is strained.

Authorities said they continue to work hand-in-hand with the FBI, and that sometimes they have to ask tough questions to family members to solve cases.

For complete coverage on the Erica Parsons case click here.