Opinion ID: 2167237
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 15

Heading: Elaine Gaither

Text: Elaine Gaither, the parenting coordinator at Catholic Charities of Rockford, testified that she received a referral from DCFS to involve respondents in parenting classes. Respondents attended an orientation class in July 1997, but failed to attend their first scheduled class in early August, apparently due to transportation and child care problems. Gaither tried to work with respondents on child care issues, and tried to accommodate their schedules, switching their class time. She also gave Diane referrals to alternate parenting programs in the community. During one telephone call in which Diane indicated that she had failed to follow up on Gaither's recommendation for child care, Diane became angry and argumentative. Ultimately, respondents were discharged from the program for lack of attendance. The State rested. Respondents each moved for a directed finding, which the trial court denied. Respondents did not testify. They, however, called three witnesses.