Benefits of Intervention in Child Abuse and NeglectBy Jessica N. HudspethChild Law, April 2025Intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect can have an immeasurable impact on the child’s life. Early intervention in these cases provides the most benefit to not only the child but also their parents and/or caregivers. Early intervention could very well prevent immediate effects, such as aggression and behavior issues, from transitioning into juvenile delinquency.
DCFS Should Be Aware of Reactive Attachment DisorderBy Alan NovickChild Law, April 2025Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a complex mental health condition that primarily affects children who have experienced significant neglect, abuse, or trauma in their early years. It is characterized by a consistent pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers, manifested by the child rarely or minimally seeking comfort or minimally responding to comfort when distressed.
Editor’s CommentBy Judge Bob Anderson, (ret.)Child Law, April 2025An introduction to the first half of the issue from Newsletter Co-Editor Retired Judge Bob Anderson.
A Focus on Children’s RightsBy Elizabeth Clarke & Bridget SchottChild Law, April 2025An introduction to the second half of the issue from Newsletter Co-Editors Elizabeth Clarke and Bridget Schott.
People vs. Bias: Discretionary Juvenile Transfer and the Importance of HistoryBy Judge Chad S. BeckettChild Law, April 2025On the afternoon of November 17, 2021, outside Springfield’s Lamphier High School, a troubled 15-year-old female student stabbed two older teenage males as they boarded a bus home, wounding one and killing the other. Judge Beckett's article dives into the Fourth District Appellate Court's reversal in the Bias case. Bias is a cautionary tale for judges and juvenile justice partners as they make future decisions in extraordinary juvenile cases.
A Positive Outlook for the Child Welfare System: Proposed Bill Would Require Human Trafficking Training for State’s Attorneys and Child Welfare WorkersBy Jessica VisageChild Law, April 2025The Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act was introduced to the Illinois 104th General Assembly. If adopted, it would require a number of different agencies to develop human trafficking training for their employees. SB2323 would require “trauma-informed human trafficking training for caseworkers, treatment providers, investigators, foster parents, and residential home personnel” and would require training on human trafficking and trauma-informed response for State’s Attorneys.
Reunification Therapy and How It Can Be Used to Help ChildrenBy Sean P. SullivanChild Law, April 2025It is the responsibility of attorneys looking to practice family law or become GAL’s to become familiar with the basics of child psychology and the various therapeutic approaches that can be utilized to help children in difficult or dangerous environments, like the unhealthy environment that prolonged separation from a parent can cause. Unfortunately, a situation that experienced family law practitioners and GAL’s face all too often. Reunification therapy is a therapeutic approach that is specifically designed to combat this very issue.
Family Law Meets Immigration LawBy Kathy JaraChild Law, June 2024In 1990 Congress created a new form of humanitarian relief for immigrant children, known as Special Immigrant Juvenile Status. Since its inception, the requirements have modified and expanded.
Guardianships vs. Adoptions of Minors in IllinoisBy Deanna HoytChild Law, June 2024While both guardianships and adoptions can give parties the right to the care, custody, and control of minor children, they have different legal standards and legal consequences.
Parenting and Alcohol AddictionBy January StramagliaChild Law, June 2024In Hines v. Lozano, the court refines and affirms its ability to restrict parenting time based upon alcohol or drug addiction.
Parenting Coordinators and Rule 909By Anna Aguilar & Erin WilsonChild Law, June 2024As defined by Illinois Supreme Court Rule 909(b), a parenting coordinator is for coparents who are unable or unwilling to cooperate in making parenting decisions, communicate effectively with regards to issues involving their children, implement and comply with parenting agreements and orders, or shield their children from the impact of parental conflict.
Restrictions on Parenting Time: How the Court Protects Children from Serious EndangermentBy Dayna L. PerlutChild Law, June 2024Before a court can put a restriction on a parent’s parenting time, the court must conduct a hearing and at that hearing find by a preponderance of the evidence that a parent engaged in conduct that seriously endangered the child’s mental, moral or physical health or that significantly impaired the child’s emotional development.
New Law Supports Recovery for Youth Trafficking SurvivorsBy Tayler MatthewsHuman and Civil Rights, May 2024A new law, Public Act 103-0191, follows federal sentencing reform efforts to amend the unfair sentencing practices that impact criminalized youth trafficking survivors.
Interesting Intersection in Illinois LawsBy Dakotah L. HublerChild Law, April 2024An analysis of a case in which the longstanding Juvenile Court Act of 1987 intersected with the new Pretrial Fairness Act.
International Child Abduction: An Overlooked Form of AbuseBy Sean P. SullivanChild Law, April 2024When a child is wrongfully detained in a foreign country by a parent, it can seem overwhelming and daunting for the custodial parent to imagine how they would ever get their child back.
Child Rights From a Pediatric Perspective and in Practice in GermanyBy Elizabeth ClarkeChild Law, January 2024Unlike other nations that have successfully incorporated international children's rights standards into their legal framework, the U.S. juvenile justice system has failed to do so.
New Law Supports Recovery for Youth Trafficking SurvivorsBy Tayler MatthewsChild Law, January 2024A new law, Public Act 103-0191, follows federal sentencing reform efforts to amend the unfair sentencing practices that impact criminalized youth trafficking survivors.
Troubling Conditions in Juvenile Detention CentersBy Elizabeth ClarkeChild Law, January 2024In December 2023, the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice published reports from its annual juvenile detention center inspections, finding that only three of the centers were found in compliance with minimum standards.
Adult Adoptions: In Re Konieczny and the Importance of Proper PleadingsBy Tiffany HorsteinChild Law, May 2023A summary and analysis of In Re Adoption of Ariana B. Konieczny, an Adult, which sheds light on the importance of proper pleadings to accomplish our client’s goal and some of the possible implications of adult adoptions.
