103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3251

 

Introduced 2/6/2024, by Sen. Tom Bennett

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
705 ILCS 405/2-13  from Ch. 37, par. 802-13
705 ILCS 405/2-23  from Ch. 37, par. 802-23
705 ILCS 405/2-28

    Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides a statutory form for a petition for adjudication of wardship. Deletes language prohibiting the court from ordering specific placements, specific services, or the use of specific service providers.


LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

SB3251LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    AN ACT concerning courts.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 is amended by
5changing Sections 2-13, 2-23, and 2-28 as follows:
 
6    (705 ILCS 405/2-13)  (from Ch. 37, par. 802-13)
7    Sec. 2-13. Petition.
8    (1) Any adult person, any agency or association by its
9representative may file, or the court on its own motion,
10consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the
11minor may direct the filing through the State's Attorney of a
12petition in respect of a minor under this Act. The petition and
13all subsequent court documents shall be entitled "In the
14interest of ...., a minor".
15    (2) The petition shall be verified but the statements may
16be made upon information and belief. It shall allege that the
17minor is abused, neglected, or dependent, with citations to
18the appropriate provisions of this Act, and set forth (a)
19facts sufficient to bring the minor under Section 2-3 or 2-4
20and to inform respondents of the cause of action, including,
21but not limited to, a plain and concise statement of the
22factual allegations that form the basis for the filing of the
23petition; (b) the name, age and residence of the minor; (c) the

 

 

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1names and residences of the minor's parents; (d) the name and
2residence of the minor's legal guardian or the person or
3persons having custody or control of the minor, or of the
4nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found;
5and (e) if the minor upon whose behalf the petition is brought
6is sheltered in custody, the date on which such temporary
7custody was ordered by the court or the date set for a
8temporary custody hearing. If any of the facts herein required
9are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.
10    (3) The petition must allege that it is in the best
11interests of the minor and of the public that the minor be
12adjudged a ward of the court and may pray generally for relief
13available under this Act. The petition need not specify any
14proposed disposition following adjudication of wardship. The
15petition may request that the minor remain in the custody of
16the parent, guardian, or custodian under an Order of
17Protection. The petition shall be substantially in the
18following form:
19
PETITION FOR ADJUDICATION OF WARDSHIP
20    Now comes ............., petitioner, and petitions this
21court to adjudicate ................................ a ward of
22the court. In support, the petitioner, on oath or affirmation,
23based on information or belief states as follows:
24    (1) ............. is a (male/female) minor born on
25    ................., ........., who resides or may be found
26    in this County at .......................................

 

 

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1    (2) The names and residence addresses of the minor's
2    parents, legal guardian, and/or custodian are:
3Name andPlace ofCity/
4RelationshipResidenceState/Zip
5    .............................................................
6    .............................................................
7    .............................................................
8The minor and the persons named in (1) and (2) are designated
9respondents.
 
10(3) The minor was
11    ( ) not taken into protective custody.
12    ( ) taken into protective custody on ..............,
13    ........ at ...........(a.m./p.m.).
 
14( ) (4) A temporary custody hearing has been set for
15.............., ........ at ...........(a.m./p.m.).
 
16( ) (5) The minor was neglected pursuant to the following
17Section or Sections of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987:
18    ( ) 2-3(1)(a), (lack of care), the facts supporting this
19    are:
20    .............................................................
21    .............................................................
22    ( ) 2-3(1)(b), (injurious environment), the facts
23    supporting this are:

 

 

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1    .............................................................
2    .............................................................
3    ( ) 2-3(1)(c), (drug-exposed infant), the facts supporting
4    this are:
5    .............................................................
6    .............................................................
 
7( ) (6) The minor was abused pursuant to the following Section
8or Sections of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987:
9    ( ) 2-3(2)(i), (physical abuse), the facts supporting this
10    are:
11    .............................................................
12    .............................................................
13    ( ) 2-3(2)(ii), (substantial risk/physical injury), the
14    facts supporting this are:
15    .............................................................
16    .............................................................
17    ( ) 2-3(2)(iii), (sexual abuse), the facts supporting this
18    are:
19    .............................................................
20    .............................................................
21    ( ) 2-3(2)(iv), (torture), the facts supporting this are:
22    .............................................................
23    .............................................................
24    ( ) 2-3(2)(v), (excessive corporal punishment), the facts
25    supporting this are:

 

 

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1    .............................................................
2    .............................................................
 
3( ) (7) The minor is dependent pursuant to Section 2-4 of the
4Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the facts supporting this are:
5.............................................................
6.............................................................
 
7(8) It is in the best interests of the minor and the public
8that the minor be adjudged a ward of the court.
 
9    WHEREFORE, the petitioner asks that the minor be adjudged
10a ward of the court and that the court enter such orders as are
11in the best interests of the minor and grant other relief under
12the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
 
13
......................
14
Petitioner (Signature)
15    (4) If termination of parental rights and appointment of a
16guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the
17minor under Section 2-29 is sought, the petition shall so
18state. If the petition includes this request, the prayer for
19relief shall clearly and obviously state that the parents
20could permanently lose their rights as a parent at this
21hearing.
22    In addition to the foregoing, the petitioner, by motion,

 

 

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1may request the termination of parental rights and appointment
2of a guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption
3of the minor under Section 2-29 at any time after the entry of
4a dispositional order under Section 2-22.
5    (4.5) (a) Unless good cause exists that filing a petition
6to terminate parental rights is contrary to the child's best
7interests, with respect to any minors committed to its care
8pursuant to this Act, the Department of Children and Family
9Services shall request the State's Attorney to file a petition
10or motion for termination of parental rights and appointment
11of guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of
12the minor under Section 2-29 if:
13        (i) a minor has been in foster care, as described in
14    subsection (b), for 15 months of the most recent 22
15    months; or
16        (ii) a minor under the age of 2 years has been
17    previously determined to be abandoned at an adjudicatory
18    hearing; or
19        (iii) the parent is criminally convicted of:
20            (A) first degree murder or second degree murder of
21        any child;
22            (B) attempt or conspiracy to commit first degree
23        murder or second degree murder of any child;
24            (C) solicitation to commit murder of any child,
25        solicitation to commit murder for hire of any child,
26        or solicitation to commit second degree murder of any

 

 

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1        child;
2            (D) aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a
3        child, or felony domestic battery, any of which has
4        resulted in serious injury to the minor or a sibling of
5        the minor;
6            (E) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child;
7            (E-5) aggravated criminal sexual assault;
8            (E-10) criminal sexual abuse in violation of
9        subsection (a) of Section 11-1.50 of the Criminal Code
10        of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;
11            (E-15) sexual exploitation of a child;
12            (E-20) permitting sexual abuse of a child;
13            (E-25) criminal sexual assault; or
14            (F) an offense in any other state the elements of
15        which are similar and bear a substantial relationship
16        to any of the foregoing offenses.
17    (a-1) For purposes of this subsection (4.5), good cause
18exists in the following circumstances:
19        (i) the child is being cared for by a relative,
20        (ii) the Department has documented in the case plan a
21    compelling reason for determining that filing such
22    petition would not be in the best interests of the child,
23        (iii) the court has found within the preceding 12
24    months that the Department has failed to make reasonable
25    efforts to reunify the child and family, or
26        (iv) the parent is incarcerated, or the parent's prior

 

 

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1    incarceration is a significant factor in why the child has
2    been in foster care for 15 months out of any 22-month
3    period, the parent maintains a meaningful role in the
4    child's life, and the Department has not documented
5    another reason why it would otherwise be appropriate to
6    file a petition to terminate parental rights pursuant to
7    this Section and the Adoption Act. The assessment of
8    whether an incarcerated parent maintains a meaningful role
9    in the child's life may include consideration of the
10    following:
11            (A) the child's best interest;
12            (B) the parent's expressions or acts of
13        manifesting concern for the child, such as letters,
14        telephone calls, visits, and other forms of
15        communication with the child and the impact of the
16        communication on the child;
17            (C) the parent's efforts to communicate with and
18        work with the Department for the purpose of complying
19        with the service plan and repairing, maintaining, or
20        building the parent-child relationship; or
21            (D) limitations in the parent's access to family
22        support programs, therapeutic services, visiting
23        opportunities, telephone and mail services, and
24        meaningful participation in court proceedings.
25    (b) For purposes of this subsection, the date of entering
26foster care is defined as the earlier of:

 

 

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1        (1) The date of a judicial finding at an adjudicatory
2    hearing that the child is an abused, neglected, or
3    dependent minor; or
4        (2) 60 days after the date on which the child is
5    removed from the child's parent, guardian, or legal
6    custodian.
7    (c) (Blank).
8    (d) (Blank).
9    (5) The court shall liberally allow the petitioner to
10amend the petition to set forth a cause of action or to add,
11amend, or supplement factual allegations that form the basis
12for a cause of action up until 14 days before the adjudicatory
13hearing. The petitioner may amend the petition after that date
14and prior to the adjudicatory hearing if the court grants
15leave to amend upon a showing of good cause. The court may
16allow amendment of the petition to conform with the evidence
17at any time prior to ruling. In all cases in which the court
18has granted leave to amend based on new evidence or new
19allegations, the court shall permit the respondent an adequate
20opportunity to prepare a defense to the amended petition.
21    (6) At any time before dismissal of the petition or before
22final closing and discharge under Section 2-31, one or more
23motions in the best interests of the minor may be filed. The
24motion shall specify sufficient facts in support of the relief
25requested.
26(Source: P.A. 103-22, eff. 8-8-23.)
 

 

 

SB3251- 10 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    (705 ILCS 405/2-23)  (from Ch. 37, par. 802-23)
2    Sec. 2-23. Kinds of dispositional orders.
3    (1) The following kinds of orders of disposition may be
4made in respect of wards of the court:
5        (a) A minor found to be neglected or abused under
6    Section 2-3 or dependent under Section 2-4 may be (1)
7    continued in the custody of the minor's parents, guardian
8    or legal custodian; (2) placed in accordance with Section
9    2-27; (3) restored to the custody of the parent, parents,
10    guardian, or legal custodian, provided the court shall
11    order the parent, parents, guardian, or legal custodian to
12    cooperate with the Department of Children and Family
13    Services and comply with the terms of an after-care plan
14    or risk the loss of custody of the child and the possible
15    termination of their parental rights; or (4) ordered
16    partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the
17    provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act.
18        If the minor is being restored to the custody of a
19    parent, legal custodian, or guardian who lives outside of
20    Illinois, and an Interstate Compact has been requested and
21    refused, the court may order the Department of Children
22    and Family Services to arrange for an assessment of the
23    minor's proposed living arrangement and for ongoing
24    monitoring of the health, safety, and best interest of the
25    minor and compliance with any order of protective

 

 

SB3251- 11 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    supervision entered in accordance with Section 2-24.
2        However, in any case in which a minor is found by the
3    court to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 of this
4    Act, custody of the minor shall not be restored to any
5    parent, guardian or legal custodian whose acts or
6    omissions or both have been identified, pursuant to
7    subsection (1) of Section 2-21, as forming the basis for
8    the court's finding of abuse or neglect, until such time
9    as a hearing is held on the issue of the best interests of
10    the minor and the fitness of such parent, guardian or
11    legal custodian to care for the minor without endangering
12    the minor's health or safety, and the court enters an
13    order that such parent, guardian or legal custodian is fit
14    to care for the minor.
15        (b) A minor found to be dependent under Section 2-4
16    may be (1) placed in accordance with Section 2-27 or (2)
17    ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance
18    with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act.
19        However, in any case in which a minor is found by the
20    court to be dependent under Section 2-4 of this Act,
21    custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent,
22    guardian or legal custodian whose acts or omissions or
23    both have been identified, pursuant to subsection (1) of
24    Section 2-21, as forming the basis for the court's finding
25    of dependency, until such time as a hearing is held on the
26    issue of the fitness of such parent, guardian or legal

 

 

SB3251- 12 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    custodian to care for the minor without endangering the
2    minor's health or safety, and the court enters an order
3    that such parent, guardian or legal custodian is fit to
4    care for the minor.
5        (b-1) A minor between the ages of 18 and 21 may be
6    placed pursuant to Section 2-27 of this Act if (1) the
7    court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate
8    wardship of the minor pursuant to subsection (2) of
9    Section 2-33, (2) the court has adjudicated the minor a
10    ward of the court, permitted the minor to return home
11    under an order of protection, and subsequently made a
12    finding that it is in the minor's best interest to vacate
13    the order of protection and commit the minor to the
14    Department of Children and Family Services for care and
15    service, or (3) the court returned the minor to the
16    custody of the respondent under Section 2-4b of this Act
17    without terminating the proceedings under Section 2-31 of
18    this Act, and subsequently made a finding that it is in the
19    minor's best interest to commit the minor to the
20    Department of Children and Family Services for care and
21    services.
22        (c) When the court awards guardianship to the
23    Department of Children and Family Services, the court
24    shall order the parents to cooperate with the Department
25    of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of
26    the service plans, and correct the conditions that require

 

 

SB3251- 13 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    the child to be in care, or risk termination of their
2    parental rights.
3    (2) Any order of disposition may provide for protective
4supervision under Section 2-24 and may include an order of
5protection under Section 2-25.
6    Unless the order of disposition expressly so provides, it
7does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition,
8but is subject to modification, not inconsistent with Section
92-28, until final closing and discharge of the proceedings
10under Section 2-31.
11    (3) The court also shall enter any other orders necessary
12to fulfill the service plan, including, but not limited to,
13(i) orders requiring parties to cooperate with services, (ii)
14restraining orders controlling the conduct of any party likely
15to frustrate the achievement of the goal, and (iii) visiting
16orders. When the child is placed separately from a sibling,
17the court shall review the Sibling Contact Support Plan
18developed under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children
19and Family Services Act, if applicable. If the Department has
20not convened a meeting to develop a Sibling Contact Support
21Plan, or if the court finds that the existing Plan is not in
22the child's best interest, the court may enter an order
23requiring the Department to develop and implement a Sibling
24Contact Support Plan under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of
25the Children and Family Services Act or order mediation.
26Unless otherwise specifically authorized by law, the court is

 

 

SB3251- 14 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1not empowered under this subsection (3) to order specific
2placements, specific services, or specific service providers
3to be included in the plan. If, after receiving evidence, the
4court determines that the services contained in the plan are
5not reasonably calculated to facilitate achievement of the
6permanency goal, the court shall put in writing the factual
7basis supporting the determination and enter specific findings
8based on the evidence. The court also shall enter an order for
9the Department to develop and implement a new service plan or
10to implement changes to the current service plan consistent
11with the court's findings. The new service plan shall be filed
12with the court and served on all parties within 45 days after
13the date of the order. The court shall continue the matter
14until the new service plan is filed. Except as authorized by
15subsection (3.5) of this Section or authorized by law, the
16court is not empowered under this Section to order specific
17placements, specific services, or specific service providers
18to be included in the service plan.
19    (3.5) If, after reviewing the evidence, including evidence
20from the Department, the court determines that the minor's
21current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate
22to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court
23shall put in writing the factual basis supporting its
24determination and enter specific findings based on the
25evidence. If the court finds that the minor's current or
26planned placement is not necessary or appropriate, the court

 

 

SB3251- 15 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1may enter an order directing the Department to implement a
2recommendation by the minor's treating clinician or a
3clinician contracted by the Department to evaluate the minor
4or a recommendation made by the Department. If the Department
5places a minor in a placement under an order entered under this
6subsection (3.5), the Department has the authority to remove
7the minor from that placement when a change in circumstances
8necessitates the removal to protect the minor's health,
9safety, and best interest. If the Department determines
10removal is necessary, the Department shall notify the parties
11of the planned placement change in writing no later than 10
12days prior to the implementation of its determination unless
13remaining in the placement poses an imminent risk of harm to
14the minor, in which case the Department shall notify the
15parties of the placement change in writing immediately
16following the implementation of its decision. The Department
17shall notify others of the decision to change the minor's
18placement as required by Department rule.
19    (4) In addition to any other order of disposition, the
20court may order any minor adjudicated neglected with respect
21to the minor's own injurious behavior to make restitution, in
22monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions
23of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except
24that the "presentence hearing" referred to therein shall be
25the dispositional hearing for purposes of this Section. The
26parent, guardian or legal custodian of the minor may pay some

 

 

SB3251- 16 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1or all of such restitution on the minor's behalf.
2    (5) Any order for disposition where the minor is committed
3or placed in accordance with Section 2-27 shall provide for
4the parents or guardian of the estate of such minor to pay to
5the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such
6sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the
7person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. Such
8payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by
9Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.
10    (6) Whenever the order of disposition requires the minor
11to attend school or participate in a program of training, the
12truant officer or designated school official shall regularly
13report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual
14truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code.
15    (7) The court may terminate the parental rights of a
16parent at the initial dispositional hearing if all of the
17conditions in subsection (5) of Section 2-21 are met.
18(Source: P.A. 102-489, eff. 8-20-21; 103-22, eff. 8-8-23.)
 
19    (705 ILCS 405/2-28)
20    Sec. 2-28. Court review.
21    (1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian
22of the person appointed under this Act to report periodically
23to the court or may cite the legal custodian or guardian into
24court and require the legal custodian, guardian, or the legal
25custodian's or guardian's agency to make a full and accurate

 

 

SB3251- 17 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1report of the doings of the legal custodian, guardian, or
2agency on behalf of the minor. The custodian or guardian,
3within 10 days after such citation, or earlier if the court
4determines it to be necessary to protect the health, safety,
5or welfare of the minor, shall make the report, either in
6writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open
7court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of
8the report the court may remove the custodian or guardian and
9appoint another in the custodian's or guardian's stead or
10restore the minor to the custody of the minor's parents or
11former guardian or custodian. However, custody of the minor
12shall not be restored to any parent, guardian, or legal
13custodian in any case in which the minor is found to be
14neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent under
15Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can be cared for at
16home without endangering the minor's health or safety and it
17is in the best interests of the minor, and if such neglect,
18abuse, or dependency is found by the court under paragraph (1)
19of Section 2-21 of this Act to have come about due to the acts
20or omissions or both of such parent, guardian, or legal
21custodian, until such time as an investigation is made as
22provided in paragraph (5) and a hearing is held on the issue of
23the fitness of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian to
24care for the minor and the court enters an order that such
25parent, guardian, or legal custodian is fit to care for the
26minor.

 

 

SB3251- 18 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    (1.5) The public agency that is the custodian or guardian
2of the minor shall file a written report with the court no
3later than 15 days after a minor in the agency's care remains:
4        (1) in a shelter placement beyond 30 days;
5        (2) in a psychiatric hospital past the time when the
6    minor is clinically ready for discharge or beyond medical
7    necessity for the minor's health; or
8        (3) in a detention center or Department of Juvenile
9    Justice facility solely because the public agency cannot
10    find an appropriate placement for the minor.
11    The report shall explain the steps the agency is taking to
12ensure the minor is placed appropriately, how the minor's
13needs are being met in the minor's shelter placement, and if a
14future placement has been identified by the Department, why
15the anticipated placement is appropriate for the needs of the
16minor and the anticipated placement date.
17    (1.6) Within 30 days after placing a child in its care in a
18qualified residential treatment program, as defined by the
19federal Social Security Act, the Department of Children and
20Family Services shall prepare a written report for filing with
21the court and send copies of the report to all parties. Within
2220 days of the filing of the report, or as soon thereafter as
23the court's schedule allows but not more than 60 days from the
24date of placement, the court shall hold a hearing to consider
25the Department's report and determine whether placement of the
26child in a qualified residential treatment program provides

 

 

SB3251- 19 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child
2in the least restrictive environment and if the placement is
3consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the
4child, as specified in the permanency plan for the child. The
5court shall approve or disapprove the placement. If
6applicable, the requirements of Sections 2-27.1 and 2-27.2
7must also be met. The Department's written report and the
8court's written determination shall be included in and made
9part of the case plan for the child. If the child remains
10placed in a qualified residential treatment program, the
11Department shall submit evidence at each status and permanency
12hearing:
13        (1) demonstrating that on-going assessment of the
14    strengths and needs of the child continues to support the
15    determination that the child's needs cannot be met through
16    placement in a foster family home, that the placement
17    provides the most effective and appropriate level of care
18    for the child in the least restrictive, appropriate
19    environment, and that the placement is consistent with the
20    short-term and long-term permanency goal for the child, as
21    specified in the permanency plan for the child;
22        (2) documenting the specific treatment or service
23    needs that should be met for the child in the placement and
24    the length of time the child is expected to need the
25    treatment or services; and
26        (3) the efforts made by the agency to prepare the

 

 

SB3251- 20 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    child to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing
2    relative, a legal guardian, or an adoptive parent, or in a
3    foster family home.
4    (2) The first permanency hearing shall be conducted by the
5judge. Subsequent permanency hearings may be heard by a judge
6or by hearing officers appointed or approved by the court in
7the manner set forth in Section 2-28.1 of this Act. The initial
8hearing shall be held (a) within 12 months from the date
9temporary custody was taken, regardless of whether an
10adjudication or dispositional hearing has been completed
11within that time frame, (b) if the parental rights of both
12parents have been terminated in accordance with the procedure
13described in subsection (5) of Section 2-21, within 30 days of
14the order for termination of parental rights and appointment
15of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, or (c) in
16accordance with subsection (2) of Section 2-13.1. Subsequent
17permanency hearings shall be held every 6 months or more
18frequently if necessary in the court's determination following
19the initial permanency hearing, in accordance with the
20standards set forth in this Section, until the court
21determines that the plan and goal have been achieved. Once the
22plan and goal have been achieved, if the minor remains in
23substitute care, the case shall be reviewed at least every 6
24months thereafter, subject to the provisions of this Section,
25unless the minor is placed in the guardianship of a suitable
26relative or other person and the court determines that further

 

 

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1monitoring by the court does not further the health, safety,
2or best interest of the child and that this is a stable
3permanent placement. The permanency hearings must occur within
4the time frames set forth in this subsection and may not be
5delayed in anticipation of a report from any source or due to
6the agency's failure to timely file its written report (this
7written report means the one required under the next paragraph
8and does not mean the service plan also referred to in that
9paragraph).
10    The public agency that is the custodian or guardian of the
11minor, or another agency responsible for the minor's care,
12shall ensure that all parties to the permanency hearings are
13provided a copy of the most recent service plan prepared
14within the prior 6 months at least 14 days in advance of the
15hearing. If not contained in the agency's service plan, the
16agency shall also include a report setting forth (i) any
17special physical, psychological, educational, medical,
18emotional, or other needs of the minor or the minor's family
19that are relevant to a permanency or placement determination
20and (ii) for any minor age 16 or over, a written description of
21the programs and services that will enable the minor to
22prepare for independent living. If not contained in the
23agency's service plan, the agency's report shall specify if a
24minor is placed in a licensed child care facility under a
25corrective plan by the Department due to concerns impacting
26the minor's safety and well-being. The report shall explain

 

 

SB3251- 22 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1the steps the Department is taking to ensure the safety and
2well-being of the minor and that the minor's needs are met in
3the facility. The agency's written report must detail what
4progress or lack of progress the parent has made in correcting
5the conditions requiring the child to be in care; whether the
6child can be returned home without jeopardizing the child's
7health, safety, and welfare, and, if not, what permanency goal
8is recommended to be in the best interests of the child, and
9why the other permanency goals are not appropriate. The
10caseworker must appear and testify at the permanency hearing.
11If a permanency hearing has not previously been scheduled by
12the court, the moving party shall move for the setting of a
13permanency hearing and the entry of an order within the time
14frames set forth in this subsection.
15    At the permanency hearing, the court shall determine the
16future status of the child. The court shall set one of the
17following permanency goals:
18        (A) The minor will be returned home by a specific date
19    within 5 months.
20        (B) The minor will be in short-term care with a
21    continued goal to return home within a period not to
22    exceed one year, where the progress of the parent or
23    parents is substantial giving particular consideration to
24    the age and individual needs of the minor.
25        (B-1) The minor will be in short-term care with a
26    continued goal to return home pending a status hearing.

 

 

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1    When the court finds that a parent has not made reasonable
2    efforts or reasonable progress to date, the court shall
3    identify what actions the parent and the Department must
4    take in order to justify a finding of reasonable efforts
5    or reasonable progress and shall set a status hearing to
6    be held not earlier than 9 months from the date of
7    adjudication nor later than 11 months from the date of
8    adjudication during which the parent's progress will again
9    be reviewed.
10        (C) The minor will be in substitute care pending court
11    determination on termination of parental rights.
12        (D) Adoption, provided that parental rights have been
13    terminated or relinquished.
14        (E) The guardianship of the minor will be transferred
15    to an individual or couple on a permanent basis provided
16    that goals (A) through (D) have been deemed inappropriate
17    and not in the child's best interests. The court shall
18    confirm that the Department has discussed adoption, if
19    appropriate, and guardianship with the caregiver prior to
20    changing a goal to guardianship.
21        (F) The minor over age 15 will be in substitute care
22    pending independence. In selecting this permanency goal,
23    the Department of Children and Family Services may provide
24    services to enable reunification and to strengthen the
25    minor's connections with family, fictive kin, and other
26    responsible adults, provided the services are in the

 

 

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1    minor's best interest. The services shall be documented in
2    the service plan.
3        (G) The minor will be in substitute care because the
4    minor cannot be provided for in a home environment due to
5    developmental disabilities or mental illness or because
6    the minor is a danger to self or others, provided that
7    goals (A) through (D) have been deemed inappropriate and
8    not in the child's best interests.
9    In selecting any permanency goal, the court shall indicate
10in writing the reasons the goal was selected and why the
11preceding goals were deemed inappropriate and not in the
12child's best interest. Where the court has selected a
13permanency goal other than (A), (B), or (B-1), the Department
14of Children and Family Services shall not provide further
15reunification services, except as provided in paragraph (F) of
16this subsection (2), but shall provide services consistent
17with the goal selected.
18        (H) Notwithstanding any other provision in this
19    Section, the court may select the goal of continuing
20    foster care as a permanency goal if:
21            (1) The Department of Children and Family Services
22        has custody and guardianship of the minor;
23            (2) The court has deemed all other permanency
24        goals inappropriate based on the child's best
25        interest;
26            (3) The court has found compelling reasons, based

 

 

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1        on written documentation reviewed by the court, to
2        place the minor in continuing foster care. Compelling
3        reasons include:
4                (a) the child does not wish to be adopted or to
5            be placed in the guardianship of the minor's
6            relative or foster care placement;
7                (b) the child exhibits an extreme level of
8            need such that the removal of the child from the
9            minor's placement would be detrimental to the
10            child; or
11                (c) the child who is the subject of the
12            permanency hearing has existing close and strong
13            bonds with a sibling, and achievement of another
14            permanency goal would substantially interfere with
15            the subject child's sibling relationship, taking
16            into consideration the nature and extent of the
17            relationship, and whether ongoing contact is in
18            the subject child's best interest, including
19            long-term emotional interest, as compared with the
20            legal and emotional benefit of permanence;
21            (4) The child has lived with the relative or
22        foster parent for at least one year; and
23            (5) The relative or foster parent currently caring
24        for the child is willing and capable of providing the
25        child with a stable and permanent environment.
26    The court shall set a permanency goal that is in the best

 

 

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1interest of the child. In determining that goal, the court
2shall consult with the minor in an age-appropriate manner
3regarding the proposed permanency or transition plan for the
4minor. The court's determination shall include the following
5factors:
6        (1) Age of the child.
7        (2) Options available for permanence, including both
8    out-of-state and in-state placement options.
9        (3) Current placement of the child and the intent of
10    the family regarding adoption.
11        (4) Emotional, physical, and mental status or
12    condition of the child.
13        (5) Types of services previously offered and whether
14    or not the services were successful and, if not
15    successful, the reasons the services failed.
16        (6) Availability of services currently needed and
17    whether the services exist.
18        (7) Status of siblings of the minor.
19    The court shall consider (i) the permanency goal contained
20in the service plan, (ii) the appropriateness of the services
21contained in the plan and whether those services have been
22provided, (iii) whether reasonable efforts have been made by
23all the parties to the service plan to achieve the goal, and
24(iv) whether the plan and goal have been achieved. All
25evidence relevant to determining these questions, including
26oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied on

 

 

SB3251- 27 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1to the extent of their probative value.
2    The court shall make findings as to whether, in violation
3of Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting
4Act, any portion of the service plan compels a child or parent
5to engage in any activity or refrain from any activity that is
6not reasonably related to remedying a condition or conditions
7that gave rise or which could give rise to any finding of child
8abuse or neglect. The services contained in the service plan
9shall include services reasonably related to remedy the
10conditions that gave rise to removal of the child from the home
11of the child's parents, guardian, or legal custodian or that
12the court has found must be remedied prior to returning the
13child home. Any tasks the court requires of the parents,
14guardian, or legal custodian or child prior to returning the
15child home must be reasonably related to remedying a condition
16or conditions that gave rise to or which could give rise to any
17finding of child abuse or neglect.
18    If the permanency goal is to return home, the court shall
19make findings that identify any problems that are causing
20continued placement of the children away from the home and
21identify what outcomes would be considered a resolution to
22these problems. The court shall explain to the parents that
23these findings are based on the information that the court has
24at that time and may be revised, should additional evidence be
25presented to the court.
26    The court shall review the Sibling Contact Support Plan

 

 

SB3251- 28 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1developed or modified under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of
2the Children and Family Services Act, if applicable. If the
3Department has not convened a meeting to develop or modify a
4Sibling Contact Support Plan, or if the court finds that the
5existing Plan is not in the child's best interest, the court
6may enter an order requiring the Department to develop,
7modify, or implement a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or order
8mediation.
9    If the goal has been achieved, the court shall enter
10orders that are necessary to conform the minor's legal custody
11and status to those findings.
12    If, after receiving evidence, the court determines that
13the services contained in the plan are not reasonably
14calculated to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal,
15the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting
16the determination and enter specific findings based on the
17evidence. The court also shall enter an order for the
18Department to develop and implement a new service plan or to
19implement changes to the current service plan consistent with
20the court's findings. The new service plan shall be filed with
21the court and served on all parties within 45 days of the date
22of the order. The court shall continue the matter until the new
23service plan is filed. Except as authorized by subsection
24(2.5) of this Section and as otherwise specifically authorized
25by law, the court is not empowered under this Section to order
26specific placements, specific services, or specific service

 

 

SB3251- 29 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1providers to be included in the service plan.
2    A guardian or custodian appointed by the court pursuant to
3this Act shall file updated case plans with the court every 6
4months.
5    Rights of wards of the court under this Act are
6enforceable against any public agency by complaints for relief
7by mandamus filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.
8    (2.5) If, after reviewing the evidence, including evidence
9from the Department, the court determines that the minor's
10current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate
11to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court
12shall put in writing the factual basis supporting its
13determination and enter specific findings based on the
14evidence. If the court finds that the minor's current or
15planned placement is not necessary or appropriate, the court
16may enter an order directing the Department to implement a
17recommendation by the minor's treating clinician or a
18clinician contracted by the Department to evaluate the minor
19or a recommendation made by the Department. If the Department
20places a minor in a placement under an order entered under this
21subsection (2.5), the Department has the authority to remove
22the minor from that placement when a change in circumstances
23necessitates the removal to protect the minor's health,
24safety, and best interest. If the Department determines
25removal is necessary, the Department shall notify the parties
26of the planned placement change in writing no later than 10

 

 

SB3251- 30 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1days prior to the implementation of its determination unless
2remaining in the placement poses an imminent risk of harm to
3the minor, in which case the Department shall notify the
4parties of the placement change in writing immediately
5following the implementation of its decision. The Department
6shall notify others of the decision to change the minor's
7placement as required by Department rule.
8    (3) Following the permanency hearing, the court shall
9enter a written order that includes the determinations
10required under subsection (2) of this Section and sets forth
11the following:
12        (a) The future status of the minor, including the
13    permanency goal, and any order necessary to conform the
14    minor's legal custody and status to such determination; or
15        (b) If the permanency goal of the minor cannot be
16    achieved immediately, the specific reasons for continuing
17    the minor in the care of the Department of Children and
18    Family Services or other agency for short-term placement,
19    and the following determinations:
20            (i) (Blank).
21            (ii) Whether the services required by the court
22        and by any service plan prepared within the prior 6
23        months have been provided and (A) if so, whether the
24        services were reasonably calculated to facilitate the
25        achievement of the permanency goal or (B) if not
26        provided, why the services were not provided.

 

 

SB3251- 31 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1            (iii) Whether the minor's current or planned
2        placement is necessary, and appropriate to the plan
3        and goal, recognizing the right of minors to the least
4        restrictive (most family-like) setting available and
5        in close proximity to the parents' home consistent
6        with the health, safety, best interest, and special
7        needs of the minor and, if the minor is placed
8        out-of-state, whether the out-of-state placement
9        continues to be appropriate and consistent with the
10        health, safety, and best interest of the minor.
11            (iv) (Blank).
12            (v) (Blank).
13    (4) The minor or any person interested in the minor may
14apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the
15appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for
16the restoration of the minor to the custody of the minor's
17parents or former guardian or custodian.
18    When return home is not selected as the permanency goal:
19        (a) The Department, the minor, or the current foster
20    parent or relative caregiver seeking private guardianship
21    may file a motion for private guardianship of the minor.
22    Appointment of a guardian under this Section requires
23    approval of the court.
24        (b) The State's Attorney may file a motion to
25    terminate parental rights of any parent who has failed to
26    make reasonable efforts to correct the conditions which

 

 

SB3251- 32 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    led to the removal of the child or reasonable progress
2    toward the return of the child, as defined in subdivision
3    (D)(m) of Section 1 of the Adoption Act or for whom any
4    other unfitness ground for terminating parental rights as
5    defined in subdivision (D) of Section 1 of the Adoption
6    Act exists.
7        When parental rights have been terminated for a
8    minimum of 3 years and the child who is the subject of the
9    permanency hearing is 13 years old or older and is not
10    currently placed in a placement likely to achieve
11    permanency, the Department of Children and Family Services
12    shall make reasonable efforts to locate parents whose
13    rights have been terminated, except when the Court
14    determines that those efforts would be futile or
15    inconsistent with the subject child's best interests. The
16    Department of Children and Family Services shall assess
17    the appropriateness of the parent whose rights have been
18    terminated, and shall, as appropriate, foster and support
19    connections between the parent whose rights have been
20    terminated and the youth. The Department of Children and
21    Family Services shall document its determinations and
22    efforts to foster connections in the child's case plan.
23    Custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent,
24guardian, or legal custodian in any case in which the minor is
25found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent
26under Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can be cared

 

 

SB3251- 33 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1for at home without endangering the minor's health or safety
2and it is in the best interest of the minor, and if such
3neglect, abuse, or dependency is found by the court under
4paragraph (1) of Section 2-21 of this Act to have come about
5due to the acts or omissions or both of such parent, guardian,
6or legal custodian, until such time as an investigation is
7made as provided in paragraph (5) and a hearing is held on the
8issue of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and
9the fitness of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian to
10care for the minor and the court enters an order that such
11parent, guardian, or legal custodian is fit to care for the
12minor. If a motion is filed to modify or vacate a private
13guardianship order and return the child to a parent, guardian,
14or legal custodian, the court may order the Department of
15Children and Family Services to assess the minor's current and
16proposed living arrangements and to provide ongoing monitoring
17of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor during
18the pendency of the motion to assist the court in making that
19determination. In the event that the minor has attained 18
20years of age and the guardian or custodian petitions the court
21for an order terminating the minor's guardianship or custody,
22guardianship or custody shall terminate automatically 30 days
23after the receipt of the petition unless the court orders
24otherwise. No legal custodian or guardian of the person may be
25removed without the legal custodian's or guardian's consent
26until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by the court.

 

 

SB3251- 34 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1    When the court orders a child restored to the custody of
2the parent or parents, the court shall order the parent or
3parents to cooperate with the Department of Children and
4Family Services and comply with the terms of an after-care
5plan, or risk the loss of custody of the child and possible
6termination of their parental rights. The court may also enter
7an order of protective supervision in accordance with Section
82-24.
9    If the minor is being restored to the custody of a parent,
10legal custodian, or guardian who lives outside of Illinois,
11and an Interstate Compact has been requested and refused, the
12court may order the Department of Children and Family Services
13to arrange for an assessment of the minor's proposed living
14arrangement and for ongoing monitoring of the health, safety,
15and best interest of the minor and compliance with any order of
16protective supervision entered in accordance with Section
172-24.
18    (5) Whenever a parent, guardian, or legal custodian files
19a motion for restoration of custody of the minor, and the minor
20was adjudicated neglected, abused, or dependent as a result of
21physical abuse, the court shall cause to be made an
22investigation as to whether the movant has ever been charged
23with or convicted of any criminal offense which would indicate
24the likelihood of any further physical abuse to the minor.
25Evidence of such criminal convictions shall be taken into
26account in determining whether the minor can be cared for at

 

 

SB3251- 35 -LRB103 38045 JRC 68177 b

1home without endangering the minor's health or safety and
2fitness of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian.
3        (a) Any agency of this State or any subdivision
4    thereof shall cooperate with the agent of the court in
5    providing any information sought in the investigation.
6        (b) The information derived from the investigation and
7    any conclusions or recommendations derived from the
8    information shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or
9    legal custodian seeking restoration of custody prior to
10    the hearing on fitness and the movant shall have an
11    opportunity at the hearing to refute the information or
12    contest its significance.
13        (c) All information obtained from any investigation
14    shall be confidential as provided in Section 5-150 of this
15    Act.
16(Source: P.A. 102-193, eff. 7-30-21; 102-489, eff. 8-20-21;
17102-813, eff. 5-13-22; 103-22, eff. 8-8-23; 103-154, eff.
186-30-23; 103-171, eff. 1-1-24; revised 12-15-23.)