Section Newsletters

Articles on Juveniles

National report highlights Redeploy Illinois By Elizabeth Clarke Child Law, November 2010 A recently released research brief highlights Redeploy Illinois as a key example of a successful state program to reduce juvenile justice spending without compromising public safety.
The urgent need for juvenile justice reform By Mark D. Hassakis Child Law, November 2010 A look at the problems facing Illinois' juvenile justice system.
Interview with an umpire: What lawyers need to know about juvenile court By Hon. Zina Cruse Child Law, June 2010 An interview between Judge Zina Cruse and Judge James Radcliffe (Ret.).
Research finds probation as effective as incarceration in preventing repeat offending with serious offenders By Elizabeth Clarke & Mary Reynolds Child Law, June 2010 A recent study of youth who committed major felony offenses shows that incarceration is no more effective than community-based treatment.
The law and practice of youth participation in dependency cases By Amanda George Donnelly Child Law, December 2009 Historically, active youth input and participation in dependency cases has been rare. 
Legislative report: Amendments to the Adoption and Juvenile Court Acts provide new permanency options, procedures By Linda S. Coon Child Law, December 2009 The last session of the Illinois General Assembly saw new bills pass that provide new permanency options and procedures under the Adoption and Juvenile Court Acts
Legislative update Child Law, September 2009 A summary of recent legislation of interest to child law practitioners.
Performance-based model for residential services By Catherine M. Ryan Child Law, September 2009 A new law directs the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to work with representatives of residential service providers and other state agencies to develop a performance-based model for these services.
Next friends: Can the attorney for the minor act as next friend in emancipation proceedings? By Sean McCumber Child Law, June 2009 The functions and powers of a next friend are the same as those of a guardian ad litem, and with the exception of on which side they represent the minor, the next friend or guardian ad litem is to represent the minor’s interest in the litigation.
The top 10 tips for representing juveniles By Mary F. Petruchius Child Law, June 2009 10 tips to help assist the private practitioner in achieving true success with the juvenile client, not just the juvenile case.
Exploring visitation rights and needs for children of non-marital families: Part I By Nicole Onorato & Karen Bowes Child Law, March 2009 The first in a two-part series looking at how children from non-marital families can establish and maintain relationships with their parents.
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ relationship with needy delinquent youths By Thomas Grippando Child Law, March 2009 An examination of recent changes to Illinois law, as it applies to placement of delinquent minors into DCFS custody and guardianship.
Truancy—A view from Rockford By Kathryn Bischoff Child Law, March 2009 Rockford's Municipal Truancy Ordinance, enacted in January 2007, makes it unlawful for a student who is subject to compulsory education laws (age six through 16) to miss one or more periods of the school day without valid cause.
In re Sophia G.L.: A review of the UCCJEA in the State of Illinois By Michelle L. Blackburn General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, January 2009 What is the status of the UCCJEA in the State of Illinois? According the Illinois Supreme Court, the UCCJEA is alive and well. The Illinois Supreme Court recently ruled on the case In re Sophia G.L., No. 104603, and in doing so overturned the decision of the 4th District Appellate Court, reversing the ruling of the Greene County Circuit Court.  
Student discipline hearings By Phil Milsk Child Law, December 2008 The concept of the traditional family, typically a marital union between opposite-sex individuals and their children, is rapidly shifting.
Student discipline hearings By Phil Milsk Child Law, September 2008 Boards of Education in Illinois have the authority to suspend or expel students for “gross disobedience or misconduct” pursuant to Section 10-22.6 of the Illinois School Code. 105 ILCS 5/10-22.6(a).
When a child is in foster care: From the parent’s perspective By Christina Schneider Child Law, June 2008 Editor’s Note: Christina Schneider, Special Assistant General Counsel to DCFS, has been kind enough to provide a synopsis of the new guide for parents in the Abuse/Neglect system which will be available soon.
Legislation-Passed bills By Steve Baker Child Law, May 2008 The following are summaries of new legislation in Illinois affecting the practice of criminal law. As these are summaries only, the Public Act itself should be reviewed before reliance.
Major “Kiddie Tax” changes By Edward J. Fellin Federal Taxation, December 2007 The Small Business and Work Community Tax Act of 2007 extends the reach of “Kiddie Tax” that is imposed on the investment income of minor children.
Legislative update: Ten new Public Acts that affect general practice By J.A. Sebastian General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm, November 2007 The following is a summary of recent legislative action of interest to members of the ISBA General Practice, Solo, and Small Firm Section.
Interviewing children, Part II By Kathryn Bischoff Child Law, September 2007 This article is part two of a two-part series begun last year containing practical tips for interviewing children.
Case law update By Catherine M. Ryan Child Law, March 2007 At the close of last year, the Illinois Supreme Court issued rulings on two issues related to constitutional matters.
Crisis nurseries in Illinois: Keeping families together By Catherine M. Ryan Child Law, March 2007 Illinois now is home to six crisis nurseries which protect children and support families in emergencies.
Case law in juvenile delinquency matters By Catherine M. Ryan Child Law, December 2006 During 2006, the Supreme Court and the Appellate Courts addressed issues related to youth who commit sex offenses.
Statute of Limitations for minors in legal malpractice clarified By Jamie L. Bas Young Lawyers Division, December 2006 Determining the appropriate statute of limitations is one of the first steps any lawyer does when evaluating a cause of action.
Illinois Supreme Court adopts parental notification of minor’s abortion rule By Richard L. Hutchison Human and Civil Rights, November 2006 The Illinois Supreme Court recently adopted Rule 303A. The Rule provides procedures for unemancipated minors to pursue if they are unwilling to give 48 hours parental notice of an abortion.
2006 Legislation Update: Juvenile Law (Abuse & Delinquency) By Steve Baker Child Law, September 2006 Summary: Amends the Probation and Probation Officers Act relating to the Redeploy Illinois Program. Provides that for any county or group of counties with a decrease of juvenile commitments of at least 25 percent, based on the average reductions of the prior three years, which are chosen to participate or continue as pilot sites, the Redeploy Illinois Oversight Board has the authority to reduce the required percentage of future commitments to achieve the purpose of the Program.
Leaving kids alone in cars: An amendment to the Illinois Child Endangerment statute is declared unconstitutional, but the underlying act can still be prosecuted without a statutory presumption By Mark E. Wojcik Child Law, June 2006 When Christopher Jordan parked his car in the parking lot at Truman College in Chicago, he did not know that his actions that day would lead to declaration that a state statute was unconstitutional.
Illinois efforts to address disproportionate minority contact with the juvenile justice system in Illinois By Lori G. Levin Child Law, March 2006 The accompanying article illustrates that minority youth constitute the majority of arrested and incarcerated juveniles in this state.
4th District Appellate Court protects confidentiality of juvenile victim’s delinquency background By Catherine M. Ryan & Nancy Hablutzel Child Law, December 2004 The 4th District Appellate Court recently ruled on the application of Illinois' rape-shield statute in a case in which the accused wished to present in evidence the prior delinquency adjudication of the victim for a sexual offense.

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