97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB5592

 

Introduced 2/15/2012, by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz

 

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:
 
20 ILCS 505/7  from Ch. 23, par. 5007
20 ILCS 505/7.4
705 ILCS 405/1-3  from Ch. 37, par. 801-3
705 ILCS 405/2-10  from Ch. 37, par. 802-10
705 ILCS 405/2-23  from Ch. 37, par. 802-23
705 ILCS 405/2-28  from Ch. 37, par. 802-28
750 ILCS 50/18.3  from Ch. 40, par. 1522.3

    Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that in placing a child under the Act, the Department of Children and family Services shall place the child with the child's sibling or siblings unless the placement is not in each child's best interest, or is otherwise not possible under the Department's rules. Provides that if the child is not placed with a sibling under the Department's rules, the Department shall consider placements that are likely to develop, preserve, nurture, and support sibling relationships, where doing so is in each child's best interest. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that where the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator is appointed as the executive temporary custodian, and when the child has siblings in care, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file with the court and serve on the parties a sibling placement and contact plan within 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the appointment. Amends the Adoption Act. Provides that former wards of the Department of Children and Family Services between the ages of 18 and 21 who have been surrendered or adopted shall not be required to complete an Illinois Adoption Registry Application prior to commencement of the search of birth parent information. Effective immediately.


LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

 

 

A BILL FOR

 

HB5592LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    AN ACT concerning siblings.
 
2    Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois,
3represented in the General Assembly:
 
4    Section 5. The Children and Family Services Act is amended
5by changing Sections 7 and 7.4 as follows:
 
6    (20 ILCS 505/7)  (from Ch. 23, par. 5007)
7    Sec. 7. Placement of children; considerations.
8    (a) In placing any child under this Act, the Department
9shall place the such child, as far as possible, in the care and
10custody of some individual holding the same religious belief as
11the parents of the child, or with some child care facility
12which is operated by persons of like religious faith as the
13parents of such child.
14    (a-5) In placing a child under this Act, the Department
15shall place the child with the child's sibling or siblings
16under Section 7.4 of this Act unless the placement is not in
17each child's best interest, or is otherwise not possible under
18the Department's rules. If the child is not placed with a
19sibling under the Department's rules, the Department shall
20consider placements that are likely to develop, preserve,
21nurture, and support sibling relationships, where doing so is
22in each child's best interest.
23    (b) In placing a child under this Act, the Department may

 

 

HB5592- 2 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1place a child with a relative if the Department determines that
2the relative will be able to adequately provide for the child's
3safety and welfare based on the factors set forth in the
4Department's rules governing relative placements, and that the
5placement is consistent with the child's best interests, taking
6into consideration the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of
7Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
8    When the Department first assumes custody of a child, in
9placing that child under this Act, the Department shall make
10reasonable efforts to identify and locate a relative who is
11ready, willing, and able to care for the child. At a minimum,
12these efforts shall be renewed each time the child requires a
13placement change and it is appropriate for the child to be
14cared for in a home environment. The Department must document
15its efforts to identify and locate such a relative placement
16and maintain the documentation in the child's case file.
17    If the Department determines that a placement with any
18identified relative is not in the child's best interests or
19that the relative does not meet the requirements to be a
20relative caregiver, as set forth in Department rules or by
21statute, the Department must document the basis for that
22decision and maintain the documentation in the child's case
23file.
24    If, pursuant to the Department's rules, any person files an
25administrative appeal of the Department's decision not to place
26a child with a relative, it is the Department's burden to prove

 

 

HB5592- 3 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1that the decision is consistent with the child's best
2interests.
3    When the Department determines that the child requires
4placement in an environment, other than a home environment, the
5Department shall continue to make reasonable efforts to
6identify and locate relatives to serve as visitation resources
7for the child and potential future placement resources, except
8when the Department determines that those efforts would be
9futile or inconsistent with the child's best interests.
10    If the Department determines that efforts to identify and
11locate relatives would be futile or inconsistent with the
12child's best interests, the Department shall document the basis
13of its determination and maintain the documentation in the
14child's case file.
15    If the Department determines that an individual or a group
16of relatives are inappropriate to serve as visitation resources
17or possible placement resources, the Department shall document
18the basis of its determination and maintain the documentation
19in the child's case file.
20    When the Department determines that an individual or a
21group of relatives are appropriate to serve as visitation
22resources or possible future placement resources, the
23Department shall document the basis of its determination,
24maintain the documentation in the child's case file, create a
25visitation or transition plan, or both, and incorporate the
26visitation or transition plan, or both, into the child's case

 

 

HB5592- 4 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1plan. For the purpose of this subsection, any determination as
2to the child's best interests shall include consideration of
3the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the
4Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
5    The Department may not place a child with a relative, with
6the exception of certain circumstances which may be waived as
7defined by the Department in rules, if the results of a check
8of the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) identifies
9a prior criminal conviction of the relative or any adult member
10of the relative's household for any of the following offenses
11under the Criminal Code of 1961:
12        (1) murder;
13        (1.1) solicitation of murder;
14        (1.2) solicitation of murder for hire;
15        (1.3) intentional homicide of an unborn child;
16        (1.4) voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child;
17        (1.5) involuntary manslaughter;
18        (1.6) reckless homicide;
19        (1.7) concealment of a homicidal death;
20        (1.8) involuntary manslaughter of an unborn child;
21        (1.9) reckless homicide of an unborn child;
22        (1.10) drug-induced homicide;
23        (2) a sex offense under Article 11, except offenses
24    described in Sections 11-7, 11-8, 11-12, 11-13, 11-35,
25    11-40, and 11-45;
26        (3) kidnapping;

 

 

HB5592- 5 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (3.1) aggravated unlawful restraint;
2        (3.2) forcible detention;
3        (3.3) aiding and abetting child abduction;
4        (4) aggravated kidnapping;
5        (5) child abduction;
6        (6) aggravated battery of a child as described in
7    Section 12-4.3 or subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05;
8        (7) criminal sexual assault;
9        (8) aggravated criminal sexual assault;
10        (8.1) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child;
11        (9) criminal sexual abuse;
12        (10) aggravated sexual abuse;
13        (11) heinous battery as described in Section 12-4.1 or
14    subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05;
15        (12) aggravated battery with a firearm as described in
16    Section 12-4.2 or subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), or
17    (e)(4) of Section 12-3.05;
18        (13) tampering with food, drugs, or cosmetics;
19        (14) drug-induced infliction of great bodily harm as
20    described in Section 12-4.7 or subdivision (g)(1) of
21    Section 12-3.05;
22        (15) aggravated stalking;
23        (16) home invasion;
24        (17) vehicular invasion;
25        (18) criminal transmission of HIV;
26        (19) criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly or

 

 

HB5592- 6 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    disabled person as described in Section 12-21 or subsection
2    (b) of Section 12-4.4a;
3        (20) child abandonment;
4        (21) endangering the life or health of a child;
5        (22) ritual mutilation;
6        (23) ritualized abuse of a child;
7        (24) an offense in any other state the elements of
8    which are similar and bear a substantial relationship to
9    any of the foregoing offenses.
10For the purpose of this subsection, "relative" shall include
11any person, 21 years of age or over, other than the parent, who
12(i) is currently related to the child in any of the following
13ways by blood or adoption: grandparent, sibling,
14great-grandparent, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin,
15second cousin, godparent, great-uncle, or great-aunt; or (ii)
16is the spouse of such a relative; or (iii) is the child's
17step-father, step-mother, or adult step-brother or
18step-sister; "relative" also includes a person related in any
19of the foregoing ways to a sibling of a child, even though the
20person is not related to the child, when the child and its
21sibling are placed together with that person. For children who
22have been in the guardianship of the Department, have been
23adopted, and are subsequently returned to the temporary custody
24or guardianship of the Department, a "relative" may also
25include any person who would have qualified as a relative under
26this paragraph prior to the adoption, but only if the

 

 

HB5592- 7 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1Department determines, and documents, that it would be in the
2child's best interests to consider this person a relative,
3based upon the factors for determining best interests set forth
4in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act
5of 1987. A relative with whom a child is placed pursuant to
6this subsection may, but is not required to, apply for
7licensure as a foster family home pursuant to the Child Care
8Act of 1969; provided, however, that as of July 1, 1995, foster
9care payments shall be made only to licensed foster family
10homes pursuant to the terms of Section 5 of this Act.
11    (c) In placing a child under this Act, the Department shall
12ensure that the child's health, safety, and best interests are
13met. In rejecting placement of a child with an identified
14relative, the Department shall ensure that the child's health,
15safety, and best interests are met. In evaluating the best
16interests of the child, the Department shall take into
17consideration the factors set forth in subsection (4.05) of
18Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
19    The Department shall consider the individual needs of the
20child and the capacity of the prospective foster or adoptive
21parents to meet the needs of the child. When a child must be
22placed outside his or her home and cannot be immediately
23returned to his or her parents or guardian, a comprehensive,
24individualized assessment shall be performed of that child at
25which time the needs of the child shall be determined. Only if
26race, color, or national origin is identified as a legitimate

 

 

HB5592- 8 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1factor in advancing the child's best interests shall it be
2considered. Race, color, or national origin shall not be
3routinely considered in making a placement decision. The
4Department shall make special efforts for the diligent
5recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that
6reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the children for
7whom foster and adoptive homes are needed. "Special efforts"
8shall include contacting and working with community
9organizations and religious organizations and may include
10contracting with those organizations, utilizing local media
11and other local resources, and conducting outreach activities.
12    (c-1) At the time of placement, the Department shall
13consider concurrent planning, as described in subsection (l-1)
14of Section 5, so that permanency may occur at the earliest
15opportunity. Consideration should be given so that if
16reunification fails or is delayed, the placement made is the
17best available placement to provide permanency for the child.
18    (d) The Department may accept gifts, grants, offers of
19services, and other contributions to use in making special
20recruitment efforts.
21    (e) The Department in placing children in adoptive or
22foster care homes may not, in any policy or practice relating
23to the placement of children for adoption or foster care,
24discriminate against any child or prospective adoptive or
25foster parent on the basis of race.
26(Source: P.A. 96-1551, Article 1, Section 900, eff. 7-1-11;

 

 

HB5592- 9 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

196-1551, Article 2, Section 920, eff. 7-1-11; revised 9-30-11.)
 
2    (20 ILCS 505/7.4)
3    Sec. 7.4. Development and preservation of sibling
4relationships for children in care; placement of siblings;
5contact among siblings placed apart. Placement of siblings.
6    (a) Purpose and policy. The General Assembly recognizes
7that sibling relationships are unique and essential for a
8person, but even more so for children who are removed from the
9care of their families and placed in the State child welfare
10system. When family separation occurs through State
11intervention, every effort must be made to preserve, support
12and nurture sibling relationships when doing so is in the best
13interest of each sibling. It is in the interests of foster
14children who are part of a sibling group to enjoy contact with
15one another, as long as the contact is in each child's best
16interest. This is true both while the siblings are in State
17care and after one or all of the siblings leave State care
18through adoption, guardianship, or aging out. When a child is
19in need of an adoptive placement, the Department shall examine
20its files and other available resources and attempt to
21determine whether any biological sibling of the child has been
22adopted. If the Department determines that a biological sibling
23of the child has been adopted, the Department shall make a good
24faith effort to locate the adoptive parents of the sibling and
25inform them of the availability of the child for adoption.

 

 

HB5592- 10 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    (b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section:
2        (1) Whenever a best interest determination is required
3    by this Section, the Department shall consider the factors
4    set out in subsection 4.05 of Section 1-3 or the Juvenile
5    Court Act of 1987 and the Department's rules regarding
6    Sibling Placement, 89 111. Admin. Code 301.70 and Sibling
7    Visitation, 89 111. Admin. Code 301.220, and the
8    Department's rules regarding Placement Selection Criteria.
9    89 111. Admin. Code 301.60.
10        (2) "Adopted child" means a child who, immediately
11    preceding the adoption, was in the custody or guardianship
12    of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
13    under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
14        (3) "Adoptive parent" means a person who has become a
15    parent through the legal process of adoption.
16        (4) "Child" means a person in the temporary custody or
17    guardianship of the Department who is under the age of 21.
18        (5) "Child placed in private guardianship" means a
19    child who, immediately preceding the guardianship. was in
20    the custody or guardianship of the Illinois Department of
21    Children and Family Services under Article II of the
22    Juvenile Court Act.
23        (6) "Contact" may include, but is not limited to
24    visits, telephone calls, letters, sharing of photographs
25    or information. e-mails, video conferencing, and other
26    form of communication or contact.

 

 

HB5592- 11 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (7) "Legal Guardian" means a person who has become the
2    legal guardian of a child who, immediately prior to the
3    guardianship, was in the custody or guardianship of the
4    Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under
5    Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
6        (8) "Parent" means the child's mother or father who is
7    named as the respondent in proceedings conducted under
8    Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.
9        (9) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact" means contact
10    between siblings following the entry of a Judgment Order
11    for Adoption under Section 14 of the Adoption Act regarding
12    at least one sibling or an Order for Guardianship
13    appointing a private guardian under Section 2-27 or the
14    Juvenile Court Act of 1987, regarding at least one sibling.
15    Post Permanency Sibling Contact may include, but is not
16    limited to, visits, telephone calls, letters, sharing of
17    photographs or information, emails, video conferencing,
18    and other form of communication or connection agreed to by
19    the parties to a Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement.
20        (10) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement" means
21    a written agreement between the adoptive parent or parents,
22    the child, and the child's sibling regarding post
23    permanency contact between the adopted child and the
24    child's sibling, or a written agreement between the legal
25    guardians, the child, and the child's sibling regarding
26    post permanency contact between the child placed in

 

 

HB5592- 12 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    guardianship and the child's sibling. The Post Permanency
2    Sibling Contact Agreement may specify the nature and
3    frequency of contact between the adopted child or child
4    placed in guardianship and the child's sibling following
5    the entry of the Judgment Order for Adoption or Order for
6    Private Guardianship. The Post Permanency Sibling Contact
7    Agreement may be supported by services as specified in this
8    Section. The Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement is
9    voluntary on the part of the parties to the Post Permanency
10    Sibling Contact Agreement and is not a requirement for
11    finalization of the child's adoption or guardianship. When
12    entered into, the Post Permanency Sibling Contact
13    Agreement shall be placed in the child's Post Adoption or
14    Guardianship case record and in the case file of a sibling
15    who is a party to the agreement and who remains in the
16    Department's custody or guardianship.
17        (11) "Sibling Contact Support Plan" means a written
18    document that sets forth the plan for future contact
19    between siblings who are in the Department's care and
20    custody and residing separately. The goal of the Support
21    Plan is to develop or preserve and nurture the siblings'
22    relationships. The Support Plan shall set forth the role of
23    the foster parents, caregivers, and others in implementing
24    the Support Plan. The Support Plan must meet the minimum
25    standards regarding frequency of in-person visits provided
26    for in Department rule.

 

 

HB5592- 13 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (12) "Siblings" means children who share at least one
2    parent in common. This definition of siblings applies
3    solely for purposes of placement and contact under this
4    Section. For purposes of this Section, children who share
5    at least one parent in common continue to be siblings after
6    their parent's parental rights are terminated, if parental
7    rights were terminated while a petition under Article II of
8    the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 was pending. For purposes of
9    this Section, children who share at least one parent in
10    common continue to be siblings after a sibling is adopted
11    or placed in private guardianship when the adopted child or
12    child placed in private guardianship was in the
13    Department's custody or guardianship under Article II of
14    the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 immediately prior to the
15    adoption or private guardianship. For children who have
16    been in the guardianship of the Department under Article II
17    of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, have been adopted, and
18    are subsequently returned to the temporary custody or
19    guardianship of the Department under Article II of the
20    Juvenile Court Act of 1987, "siblings" includes a person
21    who would have been considered a sibling prior to the
22    adoption and siblings through adoption.
23    (c) No later than January 1, 2013, the Department shall
24promulgate rules addressing the development and preservation
25of sibling relationships. The rules shall address, at a
26minimum:

 

 

HB5592- 14 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (1) Recruitment, licensing, and support of foster
2    parents willing and capable of either fostering sibling
3    groups or supporting and being actively involved in
4    planning and executing sibling contact for siblings placed
5    apart. The rules shall address training for foster parents,
6    licensing workers, placement workers, and others as deemed
7    necessary.
8        (2) Placement selection for children who are separated
9    from their siblings and how to best promote placements of
10    children with foster parents or programs that can meet the
11    childrens' needs, including the need to develop and
12    maintain contact with siblings.
13        (3) State-supported guidance to siblings who have aged
14    out of state care regarding positive engagement with
15    siblings.
16        (4) Implementation of Post Permanency Sibling Contact
17    Agreements for children exiting State care, including
18    services offered by the Department to encourage and assist
19    parties in developing agreements, services offered by the
20    Department post-permanency to support parties in
21    implementing and maintaining agreements, and including
22    services offered by the Department post-permanency to
23    assist parties in amending agreements as necessary to meet
24    the needs of the children.
25        (5) Services offered by the Department for children who
26    exited foster care prior to the availability of

 

 

HB5592- 15 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    Post-Permanency Sibling Contact Agreements, to invite
2    willing parties to participate in a facilitated
3    discussion, including, but not limited to, a mediation or
4    joint team decision-making meeting, to explore sibling
5    contact.
6         If the adoptive parents of a biological sibling of a
7    child available for adoption apply to adopt that child, the
8    Department shall consider them as adoptive applicants for
9    the adoption of the child. The Department's final decision,
10    however, shall be based upon the welfare and best interest
11    of the child. In arriving at its decision, the Department
12    shall consider all relevant factors, including but not
13    limited to:
14    (d) The Department shall develop a form to be provided to
15youth entering care and exiting care explaining their rights
16and responsibilities related to sibling visitation while in
17care and post permanency.
18    (e) Whenever a child enters care or requires a new
19placement, the Department shall consider the development and
20preservation of sibling relationships.
21        (1) This subsection applies when a child entering care
22    or requiring a change of placement has siblings who are in
23    the custody or guardianship of the Department. When a child
24    enters care or requires a new placement, the Department
25    shall examine its files and other available resources and
26    determine whether a sibling of that child is in the custody

 

 

HB5592- 16 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    or guardianship of the Department. If the Department
2    determines that a sibling is in its custody or
3    guardianship, the Department shall then determine whether
4    it is in the best interests of each of the siblings for the
5    child needing placement to be placed with the sibling. If
6    the Department determines that it is in the best interest
7    of each sibling to be placed together, and the sibling's
8    foster parent is able and willing to care for the child
9    needing placement, the Department shall place the child
10    needing placement with the sibling. A determination that it
11    is not in a child's best interest to be placed with a
12    sibling shall be made in accordance with Department rules,
13    and documented in the file of each sibling.
14        (2) This subsection applies when a child who is
15    entering care has siblings who have been adopted or placed
16    in private guardianship. When a child enters care, the
17    Department shall examine its files and other available
18    resources, including consulting with the child's parents,
19    to determine whether a sibling of the child was adopted or
20    placed in private guardianship from State care. The
21    Department shall determine, in consultation with the
22    child's parents, whether it would be in the child's best
23    interests to explore placement with the adopted sibling or
24    sibling in guardianship. Unless the parent objects, if the
25    Department determines it is in the child's best interest to
26    explore the placement, the Department shall contact the

 

 

HB5592- 17 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    adoptive parent or guardian of the sibling, determine
2    whether they are willing to be considered as placement
3    resources for the child, and, if so, determine whether it
4    is in the best interests of child to be placed in the home
5    with the sibling. If the Department determines that it is
6    in the child's best interests to be placed in the home with
7    the sibling, and the sibling's adoptive parents or
8    guardians are willing and capable, the Department shall
9    make the placement. A determination that it is not in a
10    child's best interest to be placed with a sibling shall be
11    made in accordance with Department rule, and documented in
12    the child's file.
13        (3) This subsection applies when a child in Department
14    custody or guardianship requires a change of placement, and
15    the child has siblings who have been adopted or placed in
16    private guardianship. When a child in care requires a new
17    placement, the Department may consider placing the child
18    with the adoptive parent or guardian of a sibling under the
19    same procedures and standards set forth in paragraph (2) of
20    this subsection.
21        (4) When the Department determines it is not in the
22    best interest of one or more siblings to be placed together
23    the Department shall ensure that the child requiring
24    placement is placed in a home or program where the
25    caregiver is willing and able to be actively involved in
26    supporting the sibling relationship to the extent doing so

 

 

HB5592- 18 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    is in the child's best interest.
2    (f) When siblings in care are placed in separate
3placements, the Department shall develop a Sibling Contact
4Support Plan. The Department shall convene a meeting to develop
5the Support Plan. The meeting shall include, at a minimum, the
6case managers for the siblings, the foster parents or other
7care providers if a child is in a non-foster home placement and
8the child, when developmentally and clinically appropriate.
9The Department shall make all reasonable efforts to promote the
10participation of the foster parents. Parents whose parental
11rights are intact shall be invited to the meeting. Others, such
12as therapists and mentors, shall be invited as appropriate. The
13Support Plan shall set forth future contact and visits between
14the siblings to develop or preserve, and nurture the siblings'
15relationships. The Support Plan shall set forth the role of the
16foster parents and caregivers and others in implementing the
17Support Plan. The Support Plan must meet the minimum standards
18regarding frequency of in-person visits provided for in
19Department rule. The Support Plan will be incorporated in the
20child's service plan and reviewed at each administrative case
21review. The Support Plan should be modified if one of the
22children moves to a new placement, or as necessary to meet the
23needs of the children. The Sibling Contact Support Plan for a
24child in care may include siblings who are not in the care of
25the Department, with the consent and participation of that
26child's parent or guardian.

 

 

HB5592- 19 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    (g) By January 1, 2013, the Department shall develop a
2registry so that placement information regarding adopted
3siblings and siblings in private guardianship is readily
4available to Department and private agency caseworkers
5responsible for placing children in the Department's care. When
6a child is adopted or placed in private guardianship from
7foster care the Department shall inform the adoptive parents or
8guardians that they may be contacted in the future regarding
9placement of or contact with, siblings subsequently requiring
10placement.
11    (h) When a child is in need of an adoptive placement, the
12Department shall examine its files and other available
13resources and attempt to determine whether a sibling of the
14child has been adopted or placed in private guardianship after
15being in the Department's custody or guardianship. If the
16Department determines that a sibling of the child has been
17adopted or placed in private guardianship, the Department shall
18make a good faith effort to locate the adoptive parents or
19guardians of the sibling and inform them of the availability of
20the child for adoption. The Department may determine not to
21inform the adoptive parents or guardian of a sibling of a child
22that the child is available for adoption only for a reason
23permitted under criteria adopted by the Department by rule, and
24documented in the child's case file. If a child available for
25adoption has a sibling who has been adopted or placed in
26guardianship, and the adoptive parents or guardians of that

 

 

HB5592- 20 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1sibling apply to adopt the child, the Department shall consider
2them as adoptive applicants for the adoption of the child. The
3Department's final decision as to whether it will consent to
4the adoptive parents or guardians of a sibling being the
5adoptive parents of the child shall be based upon the welfare
6and best interest of the child. In arriving at its decision,
7the Department shall consider all relevant factors, including
8but not limited to:
9        (1) the wishes of the child;
10        (2) the interaction and interrelationship of the child
11    with the applicant to adopt the child;
12        (3) the child's need for stability and continuity of
13    relationship with parent figures;
14        (4) the child's adjustment to his or her present home,
15    school, and community;
16        (5) the mental and physical health of all individuals
17    involved;
18        (6) the family ties between the child and the child's
19    relatives, including siblings;
20        (7) the background, age, and living arrangements of the
21    applicant to adopt the child;
22        (8) a criminal background report of the applicant to
23    adopt the child.
24    If placement of the child available for adoption with the
25adopted sibling or sibling in private guardianship is not
26feasible, but it is in the child's best interest to develop a

 

 

HB5592- 21 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1relationship with his or her sibling, the Department shall
2invite the adoptive parents, guardian, or guardians for a
3mediation or joint team decision-making meeting to facilitate a
4discussion regarding future sibling contact.
5    (i) Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. When a child
6in the Department's care has a permanency goal of adoption or
7private guardianship, and the Department is preparing to
8finalize the adoption or guardianship, the Department shall
9convene a meeting with the pre-adoptive parent or prospective
10guardian and the case manager for the child being adopted or
11placed in guardianship and the foster parents and case managers
12for the child's siblings, and others as applicable. The
13children should participate as is developmentally appropriate.
14Others, such as therapists and mentors, may participate as
15appropriate. At the meeting the Department shall encourage the
16parties to discuss sibling contact post permanency. The
17Department may assist the parties in drafting a post permanency
18sibling contact agreement.
19        (1) Parties to the Agreement for Post Permanency
20    Sibling Contact Agreement shall include:
21            (A) The adoptive parent or parents or guardian.
22            (B) The child's sibling or siblings, parents or
23        guardians.
24            (C) The child.
25        (2) Consent of child 14 and over. The written consent
26    of a child age 14 and over to the terms and conditions of

 

 

HB5592- 22 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement and
2    subsequent modifications is required.
3        (3) In developing this Agreement, the Department shall
4    encourage the parties to consider the following factors:
5            (A) the physical and emotional safety and welfare
6        of the child;
7            (B) the child's wishes;
8            (C) the interaction and interrelationship of the
9        child with the child's sibling or siblings who would be
10        visiting or communicating with the child, including:
11                (i) the quality of the relationship between
12            the child and the sibling or siblings, and
13                (ii) the benefits and potential harms to the
14            child in allowing the relationship or
15            relationships to continue or in ending them;
16            (D) the child's sense of attachments to the birth
17        sibling or siblings and adoptive family, including:
18                (i) the child's sense of being valued;
19                (ii) the child's sense of familiarity; and
20                (iii) continuity of affection for the child;
21            and
22            (E) other factors relevant to the best interest of
23        the child.
24        (4) In considering the factors in paragraph (3) of this
25    subsection, the Department shall encourage the parties to
26    recognize the importance to a child of developing a

 

 

HB5592- 23 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    relationship with siblings including siblings with whom
2    the child does not yet have a relationship; and the value
3    of preserving family ties between the child and the child's
4    siblings, including:
5            (A) the child's need for stability and continuity
6        of relationships with siblings, and
7            (B) the importance of sibling contact in the
8        development of the child's identity.
9        (5) Modification or termination of Post Permanency
10    Sibling Contact Agreement. The parties to the agreement may
11    modify or terminate the Post Permanency Sibling Contact
12    Agreement. If the parties cannot agree to modification or
13    termination, they may request the assistance of the
14    Department of Children and Family Services or another
15    agency identified and agreed upon by the parties to the
16    Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. Any and all
17    terms may be modified by agreement of the parties. Post
18    Permanency Sibling Contact Agreements may also be modified
19    to include contact with siblings whose whereabouts were
20    unknown or who had not yet been born when the Judgment
21    Order for Adoption or Order for Private Guardianship was
22    entered.
23        (6) Adoptions and private guardianships finalized
24    prior to the effective date of amendatory Act. Nothing in
25    this Section prohibits the parties from entering into a
26    Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement if the adoption

 

 

HB5592- 24 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    or private guardianship was finalized prior to the
2    effective date of this Section. If the Agreement is
3    completed and signed by the parties, the Department shall
4    include the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement in
5    the child's Post Adoption or Private Guardianship case
6    record and in the case file of siblings who are parties to
7    the agreement who are in the Department's custody or
8    guardianship.
9        (1) the wishes of the child;
10        (2) the interaction and interrelationship of the child
11    with the applicant to adopt the child;
12        (3) the child's need for stability and continuity of
13    relationship with parent figures;
14        (4) the child's adjustment to his or her present home,
15    school, and community;
16        (5) the mental and physical health of all individuals
17    involved;
18        (6) the family ties between the child and the child's
19    relatives, including siblings;
20        (7) the background, age, and living arrangements of the
21    applicant to adopt the child;
22        (8) a criminal background report of the applicant to
23    adopt the child.
24    (c) The Department may refuse to inform the adoptive
25parents of a biological sibling of a child that the child is
26available for adoption, as required under subsection (a), only

 

 

HB5592- 25 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1for a reason permitted under criteria adopted by the Department
2by rule.
3(Source: P.A. 92-666, eff. 7-16-02.)
 
4    Section 10. The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 is amended by
5changing Sections 1-3, 2-10, 2-23, and 2-28 as follows:
 
6    (705 ILCS 405/1-3)  (from Ch. 37, par. 801-3)
7    Sec. 1-3. Definitions. Terms used in this Act, unless the
8context otherwise requires, have the following meanings
9ascribed to them:
10    (1) "Adjudicatory hearing" means a hearing to determine
11whether the allegations of a petition under Section 2-13, 3-15
12or 4-12 that a minor under 18 years of age is abused, neglected
13or dependent, or requires authoritative intervention, or
14addicted, respectively, are supported by a preponderance of the
15evidence or whether the allegations of a petition under Section
165-520 that a minor is delinquent are proved beyond a reasonable
17doubt.
18    (2) "Adult" means a person 21 years of age or older.
19    (3) "Agency" means a public or private child care facility
20legally authorized or licensed by this State for placement or
21institutional care or for both placement and institutional
22care.
23    (4) "Association" means any organization, public or
24private, engaged in welfare functions which include services to

 

 

HB5592- 26 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1or on behalf of children but does not include "agency" as
2herein defined.
3    (4.05) Whenever a "best interest" determination is
4required, the following factors shall be considered in the
5context of the child's age and developmental needs:
6        (a) the physical safety and welfare of the child,
7    including food, shelter, health, and clothing;
8        (b) the development of the child's identity;
9        (c) the child's background and ties, including
10    familial, cultural, and religious;
11        (d) the child's sense of attachments, including:
12            (i) where the child actually feels love,
13        attachment, and a sense of being valued (as opposed to
14        where adults believe the child should feel such love,
15        attachment, and a sense of being valued);
16            (ii) the child's sense of security;
17            (iii) the child's sense of familiarity;
18            (iv) continuity of affection for the child;
19            (v) the least disruptive placement alternative for
20        the child;
21        (e) the child's wishes and long-term goals;
22        (f) the child's community ties, including church,
23    school, and friends;
24        (g) the child's need for permanence which includes the
25    child's need for stability and continuity of relationships
26    with parent figures and with siblings and other relatives;

 

 

HB5592- 27 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (h) the uniqueness of every family and child;
2        (i) the risks attendant to entering and being in
3    substitute care; and
4        (j) the preferences of the persons available to care
5    for the child.
6    (4.1) "Chronic truant" shall have the definition ascribed
7to it in Section 26-2a of the School Code.
8    (5) "Court" means the circuit court in a session or
9division assigned to hear proceedings under this Act.
10    (6) "Dispositional hearing" means a hearing to determine
11whether a minor should be adjudged to be a ward of the court,
12and to determine what order of disposition should be made in
13respect to a minor adjudged to be a ward of the court.
14    (7) "Emancipated minor" means any minor 16 years of age or
15over who has been completely or partially emancipated under the
16Emancipation of Minors Act or under this Act.
17    (8) "Guardianship of the person" of a minor means the duty
18and authority to act in the best interests of the minor,
19subject to residual parental rights and responsibilities, to
20make important decisions in matters having a permanent effect
21on the life and development of the minor and to be concerned
22with his or her general welfare. It includes but is not
23necessarily limited to:
24        (a) the authority to consent to marriage, to enlistment
25    in the armed forces of the United States, or to a major
26    medical, psychiatric, and surgical treatment; to represent

 

 

HB5592- 28 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    the minor in legal actions; and to make other decisions of
2    substantial legal significance concerning the minor;
3        (b) the authority and duty of reasonable visitation,
4    except to the extent that these have been limited in the
5    best interests of the minor by court order;
6        (c) the rights and responsibilities of legal custody
7    except where legal custody has been vested in another
8    person or agency; and
9        (d) the power to consent to the adoption of the minor,
10    but only if expressly conferred on the guardian in
11    accordance with Section 2-29, 3-30, or 4-27.
12    (9) "Legal custody" means the relationship created by an
13order of court in the best interests of the minor which imposes
14on the custodian the responsibility of physical possession of a
15minor and the duty to protect, train and discipline him and to
16provide him with food, shelter, education and ordinary medical
17care, except as these are limited by residual parental rights
18and responsibilities and the rights and responsibilities of the
19guardian of the person, if any.
20    (9.1) "Mentally capable adult relative" means a person 21
21years of age or older who is not suffering from a mental
22illness that prevents him or her from providing the care
23necessary to safeguard the physical safety and welfare of a
24minor who is left in that person's care by the parent or
25parents or other person responsible for the minor's welfare.
26    (10) "Minor" means a person under the age of 21 years

 

 

HB5592- 29 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1subject to this Act.
2    (11) "Parent" means the father or mother of a child and
3includes any adoptive parent. It also includes a man (i) whose
4paternity is presumed or has been established under the law of
5this or another jurisdiction or (ii) who has registered with
6the Putative Father Registry in accordance with Section 12.1 of
7the Adoption Act and whose paternity has not been ruled out
8under the law of this or another jurisdiction. It does not
9include a parent whose rights in respect to the minor have been
10terminated in any manner provided by law. It does not include a
11person who has been or could be determined to be a parent under
12the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984, or similar parentage law in
13any other state, if that person has been convicted of or pled
14nolo contendere to a crime that resulted in the conception of
15the child under Section 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-11,
1612-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, subsection (a) or (b) (but not
17subsection (c)) of Section 11-1.50 or 12-15, or subsection (a),
18(b), (c), (e), or (f) (but not subsection (d)) of Section
1911-1.60 or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or similar
20statute in another jurisdiction unless upon motion of any
21party, other than the offender, to the juvenile court
22proceedings the court finds it is in the child's best interest
23to deem the offender a parent for purposes of the juvenile
24court proceedings.
25    (11.1) "Permanency goal" means a goal set by the court as
26defined in subdivision (2) of Section 2-28.

 

 

HB5592- 30 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    (11.2) "Permanency hearing" means a hearing to set the
2permanency goal and to review and determine (i) the
3appropriateness of the services contained in the plan and
4whether those services have been provided, (ii) whether
5reasonable efforts have been made by all the parties to the
6service plan to achieve the goal, and (iii) whether the plan
7and goal have been achieved.
8    (12) "Petition" means the petition provided for in Section
92-13, 3-15, 4-12 or 5-520, including any supplemental petitions
10thereunder in Section 3-15, 4-12 or 5-520.
11    (12.1) "Physically capable adult relative" means a person
1221 years of age or older who does not have a severe physical
13disability or medical condition, or is not suffering from
14alcoholism or drug addiction, that prevents him or her from
15providing the care necessary to safeguard the physical safety
16and welfare of a minor who is left in that person's care by the
17parent or parents or other person responsible for the minor's
18welfare.
19    (12.2) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement" has the
20meaning ascribed to the term in Section 7.4 of the Children and
21Family Services Act.
22    (13) "Residual parental rights and responsibilities" means
23those rights and responsibilities remaining with the parent
24after the transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the
25person, including, but not necessarily limited to, the right to
26reasonable visitation (which may be limited by the court in the

 

 

HB5592- 31 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1best interests of the minor as provided in subsection (8)(b) of
2this Section), the right to consent to adoption, the right to
3determine the minor's religious affiliation, and the
4responsibility for his support.
5    (14) "Shelter" means the temporary care of a minor in
6physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition
7or execution of court order for placement.
8    (14.1) "Sibling Contact Support Plan" has the meaning
9ascribed to the term in Section 7.4 of the Children and Family
10Services Act.
11    (15) "Station adjustment" means the informal handling of an
12alleged offender by a juvenile police officer.
13    (16) "Ward of the court" means a minor who is so adjudged
14under Section 2-22, 3-23, 4-20 or 5-705, after a finding of the
15requisite jurisdictional facts, and thus is subject to the
16dispositional powers of the court under this Act.
17    (17) "Juvenile police officer" means a sworn police officer
18who has completed a Basic Recruit Training Course, has been
19assigned to the position of juvenile police officer by his or
20her chief law enforcement officer and has completed the
21necessary juvenile officers training as prescribed by the
22Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, or in the
23case of a State police officer, juvenile officer training
24approved by the Director of the Department of State Police.
25    (18) "Secure child care facility" means any child care
26facility licensed by the Department of Children and Family

 

 

HB5592- 32 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1Services to provide secure living arrangements for children
2under 18 years of age who are subject to placement in
3facilities under the Children and Family Services Act and who
4are not subject to placement in facilities for whom standards
5are established by the Department of Corrections under Section
63-15-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections. "Secure child care
7facility" also means a facility that is designed and operated
8to ensure that all entrances and exits from the facility, a
9building, or a distinct part of the building are under the
10exclusive control of the staff of the facility, whether or not
11the child has the freedom of movement within the perimeter of
12the facility, building, or distinct part of the building.
13(Source: P.A. 96-168, eff. 8-10-09; 97-568, eff. 8-25-11.)
 
14    (705 ILCS 405/2-10)  (from Ch. 37, par. 802-10)
15    Sec. 2-10. Temporary custody hearing. At the appearance of
16the minor before the court at the temporary custody hearing,
17all witnesses present shall be examined before the court in
18relation to any matter connected with the allegations made in
19the petition.
20    (1) If the court finds that there is not probable cause to
21believe that the minor is abused, neglected or dependent it
22shall release the minor and dismiss the petition.
23    (2) If the court finds that there is probable cause to
24believe that the minor is abused, neglected or dependent, the
25court shall state in writing the factual basis supporting its

 

 

HB5592- 33 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1finding and the minor, his or her parent, guardian, custodian
2and other persons able to give relevant testimony shall be
3examined before the court. The Department of Children and
4Family Services shall give testimony concerning indicated
5reports of abuse and neglect, of which they are aware of
6through the central registry, involving the minor's parent,
7guardian or custodian. After such testimony, the court may,
8consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the
9minor, enter an order that the minor shall be released upon the
10request of parent, guardian or custodian if the parent,
11guardian or custodian appears to take custody. If it is
12determined that a parent's, guardian's, or custodian's
13compliance with critical services mitigates the necessity for
14removal of the minor from his or her home, the court may enter
15an Order of Protection setting forth reasonable conditions of
16behavior that a parent, guardian, or custodian must observe for
17a specified period of time, not to exceed 12 months, without a
18violation; provided, however, that the 12-month period shall
19begin anew after any violation. Custodian shall include any
20agency of the State which has been given custody or wardship of
21the child. If it is consistent with the health, safety and best
22interests of the minor, the court may also prescribe shelter
23care and order that the minor be kept in a suitable place
24designated by the court or in a shelter care facility
25designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or
26a licensed child welfare agency; however, a minor charged with

 

 

HB5592- 34 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or
2adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or
3committed to the Department of Children and Family Services by
4any court, except a minor less than 15 years of age and
5committed to the Department of Children and Family Services
6under Section 5-710 of this Act or a minor for whom an
7independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists. An
8independent basis exists when the allegations or adjudication
9of abuse, neglect, or dependency do not arise from the same
10facts, incident, or circumstances which give rise to a charge
11or adjudication of delinquency.
12    In placing the minor, the Department or other agency shall,
13to the extent compatible with the court's order, comply with
14Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act. In
15determining the health, safety and best interests of the minor
16to prescribe shelter care, the court must find that it is a
17matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the safety and
18protection of the minor or of the person or property of another
19that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility or that he
20or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, and
21must further find that reasonable efforts have been made or
22that, consistent with the health, safety and best interests of
23the minor, no efforts reasonably can be made to prevent or
24eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from his or her
25home. The court shall require documentation from the Department
26of Children and Family Services as to the reasonable efforts

 

 

HB5592- 35 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1that were made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal
2of the minor from his or her home or the reasons why no efforts
3reasonably could be made to prevent or eliminate the necessity
4of removal. When a minor is placed in the home of a relative,
5the Department of Children and Family Services shall complete a
6preliminary background review of the members of the minor's
7custodian's household in accordance with Section 4.3 of the
8Child Care Act of 1969 within 90 days of that placement. If the
9minor is ordered placed in a shelter care facility of the
10Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child
11welfare agency, the court shall, upon request of the
12appropriate Department or other agency, appoint the Department
13of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or
14other appropriate agency executive temporary custodian of the
15minor and the court may enter such other orders related to the
16temporary custody as it deems fit and proper, including the
17provision of services to the minor or his family to ameliorate
18the causes contributing to the finding of probable cause or to
19the finding of the existence of immediate and urgent necessity.
20    Where the Department of Children and Family Services
21Guardianship Administrator is appointed as the executive
22temporary custodian, the Department of Children and Family
23Services shall file with the court and serve on the parties a
24parent-child visiting plan, within 10 days, excluding weekends
25and holidays, after the appointment. The parent-child visiting
26plan shall set out the time and place of visits, the frequency

 

 

HB5592- 36 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1of visits, the length of visits, who shall be present at the
2visits, and where appropriate, the minor's opportunities to
3have telephone and mail communication with the parents.
4    Where the Department of Children and Family Services
5Guardianship Administrator is appointed as the executive
6temporary custodian, and when the child has siblings in care,
7the Department of Children and Family Services shall file with
8the court and serve on the parties a sibling placement and
9contact plan within 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays,
10after the appointment. The sibling placement and contact plan
11shall set forth whether the siblings are placed together and if
12they are not placed together, what if any efforts are being
13made to place them together. If the Department has determined
14that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed with a
15sibling, the Department shall document in the sibling placement
16and contact plan the basis for its determination. For siblings
17placed separately, the sibling placement and contact plan shall
18set the time and place for visits, the frequency of the visits,
19the length of visits, who shall be present for the visits, and
20where appropriate, the child's opportunities to have contact
21with their siblings in addition to in person contact. If the
22Department determines it is not in the best interest of a
23sibling to have contact with a sibling, the Department shall
24document in the sibling placement and contact plan the basis
25for its determination. The sibling placement and contact plan
26shall specify a date for development of the Sibling Contact

 

 

HB5592- 37 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1Support Plan, under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the
2Children and Family Services Act, and shall remain in effect
3until the Sibling Contact Support Plan is developed.
4     For good cause, the court may waive the requirement to
5file the parent-child visiting plan or the sibling placement
6and contact plan, or extend the time for filing either the
7parent-child visiting plan. Any party may, by motion, request
8the court to review the parent-child visiting plan to determine
9whether it is reasonably calculated to expeditiously
10facilitate the achievement of the permanency goal. A party may,
11by motion, request the court to review the parent-child
12visiting plan or the sibling placement and contact plan to
13determine whether it is and is consistent with the minor's best
14interest. The court may refer the parties to mediation where
15available. The frequency, duration, and locations of
16visitation shall be measured by the needs of the child and
17family, and not by the convenience of Department personnel.
18Child development principles shall be considered by the court
19in its analysis of how frequent visitation should be, how long
20it should last, where it should take place, and who should be
21present. If upon motion of the party to review either the plan
22and after receiving evidence, the court determines that the
23parent-child visiting plan is not reasonably calculated to
24expeditiously facilitate the achievement of the permanency
25goal or that the restrictions placed on parent-child contact or
26sibling placement or contact are contrary to the child's best

 

 

HB5592- 38 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1interests, the court shall put in writing the factual basis
2supporting the determination and enter specific findings based
3on the evidence. The court shall enter an order for the
4Department to implement changes to the parent-child visiting
5plan or sibling placement or contact plan, consistent with the
6court's findings. At any stage of proceeding, any party may by
7motion request the court to enter any orders necessary to
8implement the parent-child visiting plan, sibling placement or
9contact plan or subsequently developed Sibling Contact Support
10Plan. Nothing under this subsection (2) shall restrict the
11court from granting discretionary authority to the Department
12to increase opportunities for additional parent-child contacts
13or sibling contacts, without further court orders. Nothing in
14this subsection (2) shall restrict the Department from
15immediately restricting or terminating parent-child contact or
16sibling contacts, without either amending the parent-child
17visiting plan or the sibling contact plan or obtaining a court
18order, where the Department or its assigns reasonably believe
19that continuation of the parent-child contact, as set out in
20the parent-child visiting plan, would be contrary to the
21child's health, safety, and welfare. The Department shall file
22with the court and serve on the parties any amendments to the
23visitation plan within 10 days, excluding weekends and
24holidays, of the change of the visitation. Any party may, by
25motion, request the court to review the parent-child visiting
26plan to determine whether the parent-child visiting plan is

 

 

HB5592- 39 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1reasonably calculated to expeditiously facilitate the
2achievement of the permanency goal, and is consistent with the
3minor's health, safety, and best interest.
4    Acceptance of services shall not be considered an admission
5of any allegation in a petition made pursuant to this Act, nor
6may a referral of services be considered as evidence in any
7proceeding pursuant to this Act, except where the issue is
8whether the Department has made reasonable efforts to reunite
9the family. In making its findings that it is consistent with
10the health, safety and best interests of the minor to prescribe
11shelter care, the court shall state in writing (i) the factual
12basis supporting its findings concerning the immediate and
13urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the
14person or property of another and (ii) the factual basis
15supporting its findings that reasonable efforts were made to
16prevent or eliminate the removal of the minor from his or her
17home or that no efforts reasonably could be made to prevent or
18eliminate the removal of the minor from his or her home. The
19parents, guardian, custodian, temporary custodian and minor
20shall each be furnished a copy of such written findings. The
21temporary custodian shall maintain a copy of the court order
22and written findings in the case record for the child. The
23order together with the court's findings of fact in support
24thereof shall be entered of record in the court.
25    Once the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and
26urgent necessity for the protection of the minor that the minor

 

 

HB5592- 40 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1be placed in a shelter care facility, the minor shall not be
2returned to the parent, custodian or guardian until the court
3finds that such placement is no longer necessary for the
4protection of the minor.
5    If the child is placed in the temporary custody of the
6Department of Children and Family Services for his or her
7protection, the court shall admonish the parents, guardian,
8custodian or responsible relative that the parents must
9cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services,
10comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the
11conditions which require the child to be in care, or risk
12termination of their parental rights.
13    (3) If prior to the shelter care hearing for a minor
14described in Sections 2-3, 2-4, 3-3 and 4-3 the moving party is
15unable to serve notice on the party respondent, the shelter
16care hearing may proceed ex-parte. A shelter care order from an
17ex-parte hearing shall be endorsed with the date and hour of
18issuance and shall be filed with the clerk's office and entered
19of record. The order shall expire after 10 days from the time
20it is issued unless before its expiration it is renewed, at a
21hearing upon appearance of the party respondent, or upon an
22affidavit of the moving party as to all diligent efforts to
23notify the party respondent by notice as herein prescribed. The
24notice prescribed shall be in writing and shall be personally
25delivered to the minor or the minor's attorney and to the last
26known address of the other person or persons entitled to

 

 

HB5592- 41 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1notice. The notice shall also state the nature of the
2allegations, the nature of the order sought by the State,
3including whether temporary custody is sought, and the
4consequences of failure to appear and shall contain a notice
5that the parties will not be entitled to further written
6notices or publication notices of proceedings in this case,
7including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to
8terminate parental rights, except as required by Supreme Court
9Rule 11; and shall explain the right of the parties and the
10procedures to vacate or modify a shelter care order as provided
11in this Section. The notice for a shelter care hearing shall be
12substantially as follows:
13
NOTICE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN
14
OF SHELTER CARE HEARING
15        On ................ at ........., before the Honorable
16    ................, (address:) ................., the State
17    of Illinois will present evidence (1) that (name of child
18    or children) ....................... are abused, neglected
19    or dependent for the following reasons:
20    .............................................. and (2)
21    whether there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to remove
22    the child or children from the responsible relative.
23        YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN
24    PLACEMENT of the child or children in foster care until a
25    trial can be held. A trial may not be held for up to 90
26    days. You will not be entitled to further notices of

 

 

HB5592- 42 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    proceedings in this case, including the filing of an
2    amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.
3        At the shelter care hearing, parents have the following
4    rights:
5            1. To ask the court to appoint a lawyer if they
6        cannot afford one.
7            2. To ask the court to continue the hearing to
8        allow them time to prepare.
9            3. To present evidence concerning:
10                a. Whether or not the child or children were
11            abused, neglected or dependent.
12                b. Whether or not there is "immediate and
13            urgent necessity" to remove the child from home
14            (including: their ability to care for the child,
15            conditions in the home, alternative means of
16            protecting the child other than removal).
17                c. The best interests of the child.
18            4. To cross examine the State's witnesses.
 
19    The Notice for rehearings shall be substantially as
20follows:
21
NOTICE OF PARENT'S AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS
22
TO REHEARING ON TEMPORARY CUSTODY
23        If you were not present at and did not have adequate
24    notice of the Shelter Care Hearing at which temporary
25    custody of ............... was awarded to

 

 

HB5592- 43 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    ................, you have the right to request a full
2    rehearing on whether the State should have temporary
3    custody of ................. To request this rehearing,
4    you must file with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court
5    (address): ........................, in person or by
6    mailing a statement (affidavit) setting forth the
7    following:
8            1. That you were not present at the shelter care
9        hearing.
10            2. That you did not get adequate notice (explaining
11        how the notice was inadequate).
12            3. Your signature.
13            4. Signature must be notarized.
14        The rehearing should be scheduled within 48 hours of
15    your filing this affidavit.
16        At the rehearing, your rights are the same as at the
17    initial shelter care hearing. The enclosed notice explains
18    those rights.
19        At the Shelter Care Hearing, children have the
20    following rights:
21            1. To have a guardian ad litem appointed.
22            2. To be declared competent as a witness and to
23        present testimony concerning:
24                a. Whether they are abused, neglected or
25            dependent.
26                b. Whether there is "immediate and urgent

 

 

HB5592- 44 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1            necessity" to be removed from home.
2                c. Their best interests.
3            3. To cross examine witnesses for other parties.
4            4. To obtain an explanation of any proceedings and
5        orders of the court.
6    (4) If the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible
7relative, minor age 8 or over, or counsel of the minor did not
8have actual notice of or was not present at the shelter care
9hearing, he or she may file an affidavit setting forth these
10facts, and the clerk shall set the matter for rehearing not
11later than 48 hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays,
12after the filing of the affidavit. At the rehearing, the court
13shall proceed in the same manner as upon the original hearing.
14    (5) Only when there is reasonable cause to believe that the
15minor taken into custody is a person described in subsection
16(3) of Section 5-105 may the minor be kept or detained in a
17detention home or county or municipal jail. This Section shall
18in no way be construed to limit subsection (6).
19    (6) No minor under 16 years of age may be confined in a
20jail or place ordinarily used for the confinement of prisoners
21in a police station. Minors under 17 years of age must be kept
22separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept
23in the same cell, room, or yard with adults confined pursuant
24to the criminal law.
25    (7) If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer
26within the time period as specified in Section 2-9, the minor

 

 

HB5592- 45 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1must immediately be released from custody.
2    (8) If neither the parent, guardian or custodian appears
3within 24 hours to take custody of a minor released upon
4request pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section, then the
5clerk of the court shall set the matter for rehearing not later
6than 7 days after the original order and shall issue a summons
7directed to the parent, guardian or custodian to appear. At the
8same time the probation department shall prepare a report on
9the minor. If a parent, guardian or custodian does not appear
10at such rehearing, the judge may enter an order prescribing
11that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the
12Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child
13welfare agency.
14    (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section any
15interested party, including the State, the temporary
16custodian, an agency providing services to the minor or family
17under a service plan pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Abused and
18Neglected Child Reporting Act, foster parent, or any of their
19representatives, on notice to all parties entitled to notice,
20may file a motion that it is in the best interests of the minor
21to modify or vacate a temporary custody order on any of the
22following grounds:
23        (a) It is no longer a matter of immediate and urgent
24    necessity that the minor remain in shelter care; or
25        (b) There is a material change in the circumstances of
26    the natural family from which the minor was removed and the

 

 

HB5592- 46 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    child can be cared for at home without endangering the
2    child's health or safety; or
3        (c) A person not a party to the alleged abuse, neglect
4    or dependency, including a parent, relative or legal
5    guardian, is capable of assuming temporary custody of the
6    minor; or
7        (d) Services provided by the Department of Children and
8    Family Services or a child welfare agency or other service
9    provider have been successful in eliminating the need for
10    temporary custody and the child can be cared for at home
11    without endangering the child's health or safety.
12    In ruling on the motion, the court shall determine whether
13it is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of
14the minor to modify or vacate a temporary custody order.
15    The clerk shall set the matter for hearing not later than
1614 days after such motion is filed. In the event that the court
17modifies or vacates a temporary custody order but does not
18vacate its finding of probable cause, the court may order that
19appropriate services be continued or initiated in behalf of the
20minor and his or her family.
21    (10) When the court finds or has found that there is
22probable cause to believe a minor is an abused minor as
23described in subsection (2) of Section 2-3 and that there is an
24immediate and urgent necessity for the abused minor to be
25placed in shelter care, immediate and urgent necessity shall be
26presumed for any other minor residing in the same household as

 

 

HB5592- 47 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1the abused minor provided:
2        (a) Such other minor is the subject of an abuse or
3    neglect petition pending before the court; and
4        (b) A party to the petition is seeking shelter care for
5    such other minor.
6    Once the presumption of immediate and urgent necessity has
7been raised, the burden of demonstrating the lack of immediate
8and urgent necessity shall be on any party that is opposing
9shelter care for the other minor.
10(Source: P.A. 94-604, eff. 1-1-06; 95-405, eff. 6-1-08; 95-642,
11eff. 6-1-08; 95-876, eff. 8-21-08.)
 
12    (705 ILCS 405/2-23)  (from Ch. 37, par. 802-23)
13    Sec. 2-23. Kinds of dispositional orders.
14    (1) The following kinds of orders of disposition may be
15made in respect of wards of the court:
16        (a) A minor under 18 years of age found to be neglected
17    or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent under Section 2-4
18    may be (1) continued in the custody of his or her parents,
19    guardian or legal custodian; (2) placed in accordance with
20    Section 2-27; (3) restored to the custody of the parent,
21    parents, guardian, or legal custodian, provided the court
22    shall order the parent, parents, guardian, or legal
23    custodian to cooperate with the Department of Children and
24    Family Services and comply with the terms of an after-care
25    plan or risk the loss of custody of the child and the

 

 

HB5592- 48 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

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

 

 

HB5592- 49 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

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

 

 

HB5592- 50 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    Unless the order of disposition expressly so provides, it
2does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition,
3but is subject to modification, not inconsistent with Section
42-28, until final closing and discharge of the proceedings
5under Section 2-31.
6    (3) The court also shall enter any other orders necessary
7to fulfill the service plan, including, but not limited to, (i)
8orders requiring parties to cooperate with services, (ii)
9restraining orders controlling the conduct of any party likely
10to frustrate the achievement of the goal, and (iii) visiting
11orders. When the child is placed separately from a sibling, the
12court shall review the Sibling Contact Support Plan developed
13under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family
14Services Act, if applicable. If the Department has not convened
15a meeting to develop a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or if the
16court finds that the existing Plan is not in the child's best
17interest, the court may enter an order requiring the Department
18to develop and implement a Sibling Contact Support Plan under
19subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family
20Services Act or order mediation. Unless otherwise specifically
21authorized by law, the court is not empowered under this
22subsection (3) to order specific placements, specific
23services, or specific service providers to be included in the
24plan. If, after receiving evidence, the court determines that
25the services contained in the plan are not reasonably
26calculated to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal,

 

 

HB5592- 51 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting the
2determination and enter specific findings based on the
3evidence. The court also shall enter an order for the
4Department to develop and implement a new service plan or to
5implement changes to the current service plan consistent with
6the court's findings. The new service plan shall be filed with
7the court and served on all parties within 45 days after the
8date of the order. The court shall continue the matter until
9the new service plan is filed. Unless otherwise specifically
10authorized by law, the court is not empowered under this
11subsection (3) or under subsection (2) to order specific
12placements, specific services, or specific service providers
13to be included in the plan.
14    (4) In addition to any other order of disposition, the
15court may order any minor adjudicated neglected with respect to
16his or her own injurious behavior to make restitution, in
17monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions
18of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except
19that the "presentence hearing" referred to therein shall be the
20dispositional hearing for purposes of this Section. The parent,
21guardian or legal custodian of the minor may pay some or all of
22such restitution on the minor's behalf.
23    (5) Any order for disposition where the minor is committed
24or placed in accordance with Section 2-27 shall provide for the
25parents or guardian of the estate of such minor to pay to the
26legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such

 

 

HB5592- 52 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the
2person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. Such
3payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by
4Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.
5    (6) Whenever the order of disposition requires the minor to
6attend school or participate in a program of training, the
7truant officer or designated school official shall regularly
8report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual
9truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code.
10    (7) The court may terminate the parental rights of a parent
11at the initial dispositional hearing if all of the conditions
12in subsection (5) of Section 2-21 are met.
13(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07; 96-581, eff. 1-1-10;
1496-600, eff. 8-21-09; 96-1000, eff. 7-2-10.)
 
15    (705 ILCS 405/2-28)  (from Ch. 37, par. 802-28)
16    Sec. 2-28. Court review.
17    (1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian
18of the person appointed under this Act to report periodically
19to the court or may cite him into court and require him or his
20agency, to make a full and accurate report of his or its doings
21in behalf of the minor. The custodian or guardian, within 10
22days after such citation, shall make the report, either in
23writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open
24court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of
25the report the court may remove the custodian or guardian and

 

 

HB5592- 53 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1appoint another in his stead or restore the minor to the
2custody of his parents or former guardian or custodian.
3However, custody of the minor shall not be restored to any
4parent, guardian or legal custodian in any case in which the
5minor is found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or
6dependent under Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can
7be cared for at home without endangering the minor's health or
8safety and it is in the best interests of the minor, and if
9such neglect, abuse, or dependency is found by the court under
10paragraph (1) of Section 2-21 of this Act to have come about
11due to the acts or omissions or both of such parent, guardian
12or legal custodian, until such time as an investigation is made
13as provided in paragraph (5) and a hearing is held on the issue
14of the fitness of such parent, guardian or legal custodian to
15care for the minor and the court enters an order that such
16parent, guardian or legal custodian is fit to care for the
17minor.
18    (2) The first permanency hearing shall be conducted by the
19judge. Subsequent permanency hearings may be heard by a judge
20or by hearing officers appointed or approved by the court in
21the manner set forth in Section 2-28.1 of this Act. The initial
22hearing shall be held (a) within 12 months from the date
23temporary custody was taken, regardless of whether an
24adjudication or dispositional hearing has been completed
25within that time frame, (b) if the parental rights of both
26parents have been terminated in accordance with the procedure

 

 

HB5592- 54 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1described in subsection (5) of Section 2-21, within 30 days of
2the order for termination of parental rights and appointment of
3a guardian with power to consent to adoption, or (c) in
4accordance with subsection (2) of Section 2-13.1. Subsequent
5permanency hearings shall be held every 6 months or more
6frequently if necessary in the court's determination following
7the initial permanency hearing, in accordance with the
8standards set forth in this Section, until the court determines
9that the plan and goal have been achieved. Once the plan and
10goal have been achieved, if the minor remains in substitute
11care, the case shall be reviewed at least every 6 months
12thereafter, subject to the provisions of this Section, unless
13the minor is placed in the guardianship of a suitable relative
14or other person and the court determines that further
15monitoring by the court does not further the health, safety or
16best interest of the child and that this is a stable permanent
17placement. The permanency hearings must occur within the time
18frames set forth in this subsection and may not be delayed in
19anticipation of a report from any source or due to the agency's
20failure to timely file its written report (this written report
21means the one required under the next paragraph and does not
22mean the service plan also referred to in that paragraph).
23    The public agency that is the custodian or guardian of the
24minor, or another agency responsible for the minor's care,
25shall ensure that all parties to the permanency hearings are
26provided a copy of the most recent service plan prepared within

 

 

HB5592- 55 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1the prior 6 months at least 14 days in advance of the hearing.
2If not contained in the plan, the agency shall also include a
3report setting forth (i) any special physical, psychological,
4educational, medical, emotional, or other needs of the minor or
5his or her family that are relevant to a permanency or
6placement determination and (ii) for any minor age 16 or over,
7a written description of the programs and services that will
8enable the minor to prepare for independent living. The
9agency's written report must detail what progress or lack of
10progress the parent has made in correcting the conditions
11requiring the child to be in care; whether the child can be
12returned home without jeopardizing the child's health, safety,
13and welfare, and if not, what permanency goal is recommended to
14be in the best interests of the child, and why the other
15permanency goals are not appropriate. The caseworker must
16appear and testify at the permanency hearing. If a permanency
17hearing has not previously been scheduled by the court, the
18moving party shall move for the setting of a permanency hearing
19and the entry of an order within the time frames set forth in
20this subsection.
21    At the permanency hearing, the court shall determine the
22future status of the child. The court shall set one of the
23following permanency goals:
24        (A) The minor will be returned home by a specific date
25    within 5 months.
26        (B) The minor will be in short-term care with a

 

 

HB5592- 56 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    continued goal to return home within a period not to exceed
2    one year, where the progress of the parent or parents is
3    substantial giving particular consideration to the age and
4    individual needs of the minor.
5        (B-1) The minor will be in short-term care with a
6    continued goal to return home pending a status hearing.
7    When the court finds that a parent has not made reasonable
8    efforts or reasonable progress to date, the court shall
9    identify what actions the parent and the Department must
10    take in order to justify a finding of reasonable efforts or
11    reasonable progress and shall set a status hearing to be
12    held not earlier than 9 months from the date of
13    adjudication nor later than 11 months from the date of
14    adjudication during which the parent's progress will again
15    be reviewed.
16        (C) The minor will be in substitute care pending court
17    determination on termination of parental rights.
18        (D) Adoption, provided that parental rights have been
19    terminated or relinquished.
20        (E) The guardianship of the minor will be transferred
21    to an individual or couple on a permanent basis provided
22    that goals (A) through (D) have been ruled out.
23        (F) The minor over age 15 will be in substitute care
24    pending independence.
25        (G) The minor will be in substitute care because he or
26    she cannot be provided for in a home environment due to

 

 

HB5592- 57 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    developmental disabilities or mental illness or because he
2    or she is a danger to self or others, provided that goals
3    (A) through (D) have been ruled out.
4    In selecting any permanency goal, the court shall indicate
5in writing the reasons the goal was selected and why the
6preceding goals were ruled out. Where the court has selected a
7permanency goal other than (A), (B), or (B-1), the Department
8of Children and Family Services shall not provide further
9reunification services, but shall provide services consistent
10with the goal selected.
11        (H) Notwithstanding any other provision in this
12    Section, the court may select the goal of continuing foster
13    care as a permanency goal if:
14            (1) The Department of Children and Family Services
15        has custody and guardianship of the minor;
16            (2) The court has ruled out all other permanency
17        goals based on the child's best interest;
18            (3) The court has found compelling reasons, based
19        on written documentation reviewed by the court, to
20        place the minor in continuing foster care. Compelling
21        reasons include:
22                (a) the child does not wish to be adopted or to
23            be placed in the guardianship of his or her
24            relative or foster care placement;
25                (b) the child exhibits an extreme level of need
26            such that the removal of the child from his or her

 

 

HB5592- 58 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1            placement would be detrimental to the child; or
2                (c) the child who is the subject of the
3            permanency hearing has existing close and strong
4            bonds with a sibling, and achievement of another
5            permanency goal would substantially interfere with
6            the subject child's sibling relationship, taking
7            into consideration the nature and extent of the
8            relationship, and whether ongoing contact is in
9            the subject child's best interest, including
10            long-term emotional interest, as compared with the
11            legal and emotional benefit of permanence;
12            (4) The child has lived with the relative or foster
13        parent for at least one year; and
14            (5) The relative or foster parent currently caring
15        for the child is willing and capable of providing the
16        child with a stable and permanent environment.
17    The court shall set a permanency goal that is in the best
18interest of the child. In determining that goal, the court
19shall consult with the minor in an age-appropriate manner
20regarding the proposed permanency or transition plan for the
21minor. The court's determination shall include the following
22factors:
23        (1) Age of the child.
24        (2) Options available for permanence, including both
25    out-of-State and in-State placement options.
26        (3) Current placement of the child and the intent of

 

 

HB5592- 59 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    the family regarding adoption.
2        (4) Emotional, physical, and mental status or
3    condition of the child.
4        (5) Types of services previously offered and whether or
5    not the services were successful and, if not successful,
6    the reasons the services failed.
7        (6) Availability of services currently needed and
8    whether the services exist.
9        (7) Status of siblings of the minor.
10    The court shall consider (i) the permanency goal contained
11in the service plan, (ii) the appropriateness of the services
12contained in the plan and whether those services have been
13provided, (iii) whether reasonable efforts have been made by
14all the parties to the service plan to achieve the goal, and
15(iv) whether the plan and goal have been achieved. All evidence
16relevant to determining these questions, including oral and
17written reports, may be admitted and may be relied on to the
18extent of their probative value.
19    The court shall make findings as to whether, in violation
20of Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act,
21any portion of the service plan compels a child or parent to
22engage in any activity or refrain from any activity that is not
23reasonably related to remedying a condition or conditions that
24gave rise or which could give rise to any finding of child
25abuse or neglect. The services contained in the service plan
26shall include services reasonably related to remedy the

 

 

HB5592- 60 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1conditions that gave rise to removal of the child from the home
2of his or her parents, guardian, or legal custodian or that the
3court has found must be remedied prior to returning the child
4home. Any tasks the court requires of the parents, guardian, or
5legal custodian or child prior to returning the child home,
6must be reasonably related to remedying a condition or
7conditions that gave rise to or which could give rise to any
8finding of child abuse or neglect.
9    If the permanency goal is to return home, the court shall
10make findings that identify any problems that are causing
11continued placement of the children away from the home and
12identify what outcomes would be considered a resolution to
13these problems. The court shall explain to the parents that
14these findings are based on the information that the court has
15at that time and may be revised, should additional evidence be
16presented to the court.
17    The court shall review the Sibling Contact and Support Plan
18developed or modified under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of
19the Children and Family Services Act, if applicable. If the
20Department has not convened a meeting to develop or modify a
21Sibling Contact Support Plan, or if the court finds that the
22existing Plan is not in the child's best interest, the court
23may enter an order requiring the Department to develop, modify
24or implement a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or order
25mediation.
26    If the goal has been achieved, the court shall enter orders

 

 

HB5592- 61 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1that are necessary to conform the minor's legal custody and
2status to those findings.
3    If, after receiving evidence, the court determines that the
4services contained in the plan are not reasonably calculated to
5facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court shall
6put in writing the factual basis supporting the determination
7and enter specific findings based on the evidence. The court
8also shall enter an order for the Department to develop and
9implement a new service plan or to implement changes to the
10current service plan consistent with the court's findings. The
11new service plan shall be filed with the court and served on
12all parties within 45 days of the date of the order. The court
13shall continue the matter until the new service plan is filed.
14Unless otherwise specifically authorized by law, the court is
15not empowered under this subsection (2) or under subsection (3)
16to order specific placements, specific services, or specific
17service providers to be included in the plan.
18    A guardian or custodian appointed by the court pursuant to
19this Act shall file updated case plans with the court every 6
20months.
21    Rights of wards of the court under this Act are enforceable
22against any public agency by complaints for relief by mandamus
23filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.
24    (3) Following the permanency hearing, the court shall enter
25a written order that includes the determinations required under
26subsection (2) of this Section and sets forth the following:

 

 

HB5592- 62 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (a) The future status of the minor, including the
2    permanency goal, and any order necessary to conform the
3    minor's legal custody and status to such determination; or
4        (b) If the permanency goal of the minor cannot be
5    achieved immediately, the specific reasons for continuing
6    the minor in the care of the Department of Children and
7    Family Services or other agency for short term placement,
8    and the following determinations:
9            (i) (Blank).
10            (ii) Whether the services required by the court and
11        by any service plan prepared within the prior 6 months
12        have been provided and (A) if so, whether the services
13        were reasonably calculated to facilitate the
14        achievement of the permanency goal or (B) if not
15        provided, why the services were not provided.
16            (iii) Whether the minor's placement is necessary,
17        and appropriate to the plan and goal, recognizing the
18        right of minors to the least restrictive (most
19        family-like) setting available and in close proximity
20        to the parents' home consistent with the health,
21        safety, best interest and special needs of the minor
22        and, if the minor is placed out-of-State, whether the
23        out-of-State placement continues to be appropriate and
24        consistent with the health, safety, and best interest
25        of the minor.
26            (iv) (Blank).

 

 

HB5592- 63 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1            (v) (Blank).
2    (4) The minor or any person interested in the minor may
3apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the
4appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for
5the restoration of the minor to the custody of his parents or
6former guardian or custodian.
7    When return home is not selected as the permanency goal:
8        (a) The Department, the minor, or the current foster
9    parent or relative caregiver seeking private guardianship
10    may file a motion for private guardianship of the minor.
11    Appointment of a guardian under this Section requires
12    approval of the court.
13        (b) The State's Attorney may file a motion to terminate
14    parental rights of any parent who has failed to make
15    reasonable efforts to correct the conditions which led to
16    the removal of the child or reasonable progress toward the
17    return of the child, as defined in subdivision (D)(m) of
18    Section 1 of the Adoption Act or for whom any other
19    unfitness ground for terminating parental rights as
20    defined in subdivision (D) of Section 1 of the Adoption Act
21    exists.
22        When parental rights have been terminated for a minimum
23    of 3 years and the child who is the subject of the
24    permanency hearing is 13 years old or older and is not
25    currently placed in a placement likely to achieve
26    permanency, the Department of Children and Family Services

 

 

HB5592- 64 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1    shall make reasonable efforts to locate parents whose
2    rights have been terminated, except when the Court
3    determines that those efforts would be futile or
4    inconsistent with the subject child's best interests. The
5    Department of Children and Family Services shall assess the
6    appropriateness of the parent whose rights have been
7    terminated, and shall, as appropriate, foster and support
8    connections between the parent whose rights have been
9    terminated and the youth. The Department of Children and
10    Family Services shall document its determinations and
11    efforts to foster connections in the child's case plan.
12    Custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent,
13guardian or legal custodian in any case in which the minor is
14found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent
15under Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can be cared
16for at home without endangering his or her health or safety and
17it is in the best interest 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 health, safety and best interest of the minor and the
24fitness of such parent, guardian or legal custodian to care for
25the minor and the court enters an order that such parent,
26guardian or legal custodian is fit to care for the minor. In

 

 

HB5592- 65 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1the event that the minor has attained 18 years of age and the
2guardian or custodian petitions the court for an order
3terminating his guardianship or custody, guardianship or
4custody shall terminate automatically 30 days after the receipt
5of the petition unless the court orders otherwise. No legal
6custodian or guardian of the person may be removed without his
7consent until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by
8the court.
9    When the court orders a child restored to the custody of
10the parent or parents, the court shall order the parent or
11parents to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family
12Services and comply with the terms of an after-care plan, or
13risk the loss of custody of the child and possible termination
14of their parental rights. The court may also enter an order of
15protective supervision in accordance with Section 2-24.
16    (5) Whenever a parent, guardian, or legal custodian files a
17motion for restoration of custody of the minor, and the minor
18was adjudicated neglected, abused, or dependent as a result of
19physical abuse, the court shall cause to be made an
20investigation as to whether the movant has ever been charged
21with or convicted of any criminal offense which would indicate
22the likelihood of any further physical abuse to the minor.
23Evidence of such criminal convictions shall be taken into
24account in determining whether the minor can be cared for at
25home without endangering his or her health or safety and
26fitness of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

 

 

HB5592- 66 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1        (a) Any agency of this State or any subdivision thereof
2    shall co-operate with the agent of the court in providing
3    any information sought in the investigation.
4        (b) The information derived from the investigation and
5    any conclusions or recommendations derived from the
6    information shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or
7    legal custodian seeking restoration of custody prior to the
8    hearing on fitness and the movant shall have an opportunity
9    at the hearing to refute the information or contest its
10    significance.
11        (c) All information obtained from any investigation
12    shall be confidential as provided in Section 5-150 of this
13    Act.
14(Source: P.A. 96-600, eff. 8-21-09; 96-1375, eff. 7-29-10;
1597-425, eff. 8-16-11.)
 
16    Section 15. The Adoption Act is amended by changing Section
1718.3 as follows:
 
18    (750 ILCS 50/18.3)  (from Ch. 40, par. 1522.3)
19    Sec. 18.3. (a) The agency, Department of Children and
20Family Services, Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division
21of the Circuit Court, and any other party to the surrender of a
22child for adoption or in an adoption proceeding shall inform
23any birth parent or parents relinquishing a child for purposes
24of adoption after the effective date of this Act of the

 

 

HB5592- 67 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1opportunity to register with the Illinois Adoption Registry and
2Medical Information Exchange and to utilize the Illinois
3confidential intermediary program and shall obtain a written
4confirmation that acknowledges the birth parent's receipt of
5such information.
6    The birth parent shall be informed in writing that if
7contact or exchange of identifying information with the adult
8adopted or surrendered person is to occur, that adult adopted
9or surrendered person must be 21 years of age or over except as
10referenced in paragraph (d) of this Section.
11    (b) Any birth parent, birth sibling, adopted or surrendered
12person, adoptive parent, or legal guardian indicating their
13desire to receive identifying or medical information shall be
14informed of the existence of the Registry and assistance shall
15be given to such person to legally record his or her name with
16the Registry.
17    (c) The agency, Department of Children and Family Services,
18Court Supportive Services, Juvenile Division of the Circuit
19Court, and any other organization involved in the surrender of
20a child for adoption in an adoption proceeding which has
21written statements from an adopted or surrendered person and
22the birth parent or a birth sibling indicating a desire to
23share identifying information or establish contact shall
24supply such information to the mutually consenting parties,
25except that no identifying information shall be supplied to
26consenting birth siblings if any such sibling is under 21 years

 

 

HB5592- 68 -LRB097 16555 RLC 66075 b

1of age. However, both the Registry having an Information
2Exchange Authorization and the organization having a written
3statement requesting the sharing of identifying information or
4contact shall communicate with each other to determine if the
5adopted or surrendered person or the birth parent or birth
6sibling has signed a form at a later date indicating a change
7in his or her desires regarding the sharing of information or
8contact.
9    (d) On and after January 1, 2000, any licensed child
10welfare agency which provides post-adoption search assistance
11to adoptive parents, adopted persons, surrendered persons,
12birth parents, or other birth relatives shall require that any
13person requesting post-adoption search assistance complete an
14Illinois Adoption Registry Application prior to the
15commencement of the search. However, former wards of the
16Department of Children and Family Services between the ages of
1718 and 21 who have been surrendered or adopted shall not be
18required to complete an Illinois Adoption Registry Application
19prior to commencement of the search.
20(Source: P.A. 96-895, eff. 5-21-10.)
 
21    Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon
22becoming law.