At the same time, there is a lot we do know about this case, as our recitation of the record shows. We acknowledge the possibility that, despite an absence from the record, circumstances could exist that would mute some of the concerns we have expressed in this opinion. Nonetheless, given the apparent circumstances of this case, we continue to believe that these concerns should be expressed. Regarding the twins' adoptability, they certainly are no more adoptable as teenagers than they were when they were five or six years old. Yet the State has decided to seek termination of respondent's parental rights at this late date, despite the absence of any prospective adoptive parents on the horizon.
Every child deserves a stable, loving, secure, and permanent home.
In this case, all of the players in the child welfare system, who are entrusted by the citizens of Illinois to protect our children, failed to protect these two children. By referring to the State's failure to file a petition to terminate respondent's parental rights in a timely manner, we do not mean to imply that the State's Attorney bears more responsibility for this unconscionable result than DCFS or the trial court. DCFS could have, and should have, demanded that the State's Attorney take action in this case as soon as it became apparent that the twins were troubled young boys and respondent was failing to comply with DCFS service plans. Likewise, the trial court is not off the hook. 197 Ill. App.