Court Opinion

ID: 9925735
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2024-01-22 21:03:59.207534+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T09:21:29.976141
License: Public Domain

2024 IL App (4th) 230301-U

                       NOS. 4-23-0301, 4-23-0302, 4-23-0303, 4-23-0304 cons.
            NOTICE
This Order was filed under
                                   IN THE APPELLATE COURT                         FILED
Supreme Court Rule 23 and is                                                   January 22, 2024
not precedent except in the                 OF ILLINOIS                          Carla Bender
limited circumstances allowed                                                4th District Appellate
under Rule 23(e)(1).                     FOURTH DISTRICT                           Court, IL

 In re K.N., B.S.-E., T.S.-E., and A.S., Minors                 )      Appeal from the
                                                                )      Circuit Court of
 (The People of the State of Illinois,                          )      Ogle County
               Plaintiff-Appellee,                              )      Nos. 19JA9
                                                                )           19JA10
                  v.                                            )           20JA8
 Amanda N.,                                                     )           20JA9
                  Respondent-Appellant).                        )
                                                                )      Honorable
                                                                )      John B. Roe IV,
                                                                )      Judge Presiding.

                 JUSTICE LANNERD delivered the judgment of the court.
                 Presiding Justice Turner and Justice Doherty concurred in the judgment.

                                               ORDER

¶1       Held: The appellate court affirmed, concluding the trial court did not abuse its discretion
               in denying respondent’s motion to continue the termination hearing.

¶2               In January 2023, the State filed separate petitions to terminate the parental rights of

respondent, Amanda N., as to her minor children, A.S. (born in 2014), K.N. (born in 2015), B.S.-E.

(born in 2018), and T.S.-E. (born in 2020). In March 2023, the trial court granted the State’s

petitions and terminated respondent’s parental rights as to all four minors. In this consolidated

appeal, respondent argues the court violated her right to due process by denying her motion to

continue the termination hearing. We disagree and affirm.

¶3                                        I. BACKGROUND

¶4                       A. Neglect Petitions, Adjudications, and Dispositions
¶5                                       1. K.N. and B.S.-E.

¶6              In February 2019, the State filed separate petitions for adjudication of wardship of

K.N. and B.S.-E. The petitions alleged that K.N. and B.S.-E. were neglected pursuant to section

2-3(1)(b) of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Juvenile Court Act) (705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(b) (West

2018)) because (1) respondent’s paramour, David E., was an untreated convicted child sex

offender previously indicated by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS),

(2) respondent allowed David to have contact with the minors despite knowing his sex offender

status, and (3) respondent’s home had structural damage, no running water, exposed plumbing,

and construction debris. (We note K.N.’s and B.S.-E.’s fathers were named in the petitions but are

not parties to this appeal.)

¶7              In April 2019, the trial court adjudicated K.N. and B.S.-E. neglected. Thereafter,

the court entered a dispositional order finding respondent unfit, unable, and unwilling to care for

K.N. and B.S.-E. and made the minors wards of the court.

¶8                                       2. T.S.-E. and A.S.

¶9              In June 2020, the State filed separate petitions for adjudication of wardship of T.S.-

E. and A.S. The petitions alleged that T.S.-E. and A.S. were neglected pursuant to section 2-3(1)(b)

of the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(b) (West 2020)) because their environment was

injurious to their welfare based on (1) David’s status as an untreated child sex offender,

(2) respondent being found unfit in a prior case as to the minors’ siblings, and (3) the minors’

guardian allowing respondent to have unsupervised contact with the minors. (We note T.S.-E.’s

father and A.S.’s potential fathers were named in the petitions but are not parties to this appeal.)

¶ 10            Following an adjudicatory hearing, the trial court entered an order finding T.S.-E.

and A.S. were neglected. In December 2021, the court entered a dispositional order finding

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respondent unfit and unable to care for T.S.-E. and A.S., made the minors wards of the court, and

appointed DCFS as the minors’ guardian and custodian.

¶ 11                     B. Petitions for Termination of Parental Rights

¶ 12                                    1. K.N. and B.S.-E.

¶ 13           In January 2023, the State filed separate amended petitions to terminate the parental

rights of respondent as to K.N. and B.S.-E. The State alleged respondent was unfit because she

(1) failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern, or responsibility as to the minors’

welfare (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(b) (West 2022)), (2) failed to protect the minors from injurious

conditions within their environment (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(g) (West 2022)), and (3) failed to make

reasonable progress toward the return of the minors within any nine-month period after the neglect

adjudication (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(m)(ii) (West 2022)). The relevant periods for the last allegation

were June 1, 2020, through March 1, 2021, March 2, 2021, through November 2, 2021, November

3, 2021, through July 3, 2022, and April 1, 2022, through December 6, 2022.

¶ 14                                    2. T.S.-E. and A.S.

¶ 15           Also in January 2023, the State filed separate amended petitions to terminate the

parental rights of respondent as to T.S.-E. and A.S. The State alleged respondent was unfit because

she (1) failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern, or responsibility as to the

minors’ welfare (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(b) (West 2022)), (2) failed to protect the minors from injurious

conditions within their environment (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(g) (West 2022)), (3) failed to make

reasonable efforts to correct the conditions that were the basis for the minors’ removal from the

home within any nine-month period after the neglect adjudication (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(m)(i) (West

2022)), and (4) failed to make reasonable progress toward the return of the minors within any

nine-month period after the neglect adjudication (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(m)(ii) (West 2022)). The

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relevant nine-month periods for the last two allegations were June 15, 2021, through March 15,

2022, and March 6, 2022, through December 6, 2022.

¶ 16                                     C. Status Hearings

¶ 17           In January 2023, the trial court held a status hearing. The court confirmed that the

termination hearing was set for March 8, 2023. Respondent, who was physically present, informed

the court she had a court date in Arkansas on March 6 and was unsure if she could return to Illinois

by March 8. The State responded that many parties were involved in the case and all of them were

available on March 8. The court inquired of respondent’s counsel, “[I]f you could follow up with

your client on working with her on that court date. If there’s something that absolutely is

problematic, we’ll address it, okay.”

¶ 18           The trial court conducted another status hearing in February 2023. The court asked

respondent whether she could be present at the March 8 termination hearing. Respondent told the

court, “I have a court date on the sixth that it [sic] should be resolved by then.” She confirmed she

would return to Illinois by March 8. At the State’s request, the court admonished all parties, “[I]f

you don’t appear in court that day, that will be March 8th at nine a.m. for hearing, the hearing will

proceed without your presence, okay.” Respondent acknowledged that she understood the court’s

admonition.

¶ 19                           D. Fitness and Best Interest Hearings

¶ 20           In March 2023, the trial court conducted fitness and best interest hearings in all four

minors’ cases. Respondent appeared by Zoom, as she was in the custody of Crawford County,

Arkansas. (One of the fathers also appeared by Zoom.)

¶ 21                                    1. Motion to Continue

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¶ 22           The trial court first addressed respondent’s motion to continue, which was filed the

day before the termination hearing. In her motion, respondent notified the court that she was

unexpectedly sentenced to 120 days in the Crawford County jail. Respondent’s counsel noted she

was not opposed to respondent appearing on Zoom for the termination hearing. Rather, counsel

believed more time was needed to prepare respondent to appear remotely, such as sharing exhibits,

and to ensure proper safeguards were in place for a Zoom evidentiary hearing. Counsel also

expressed concern regarding her ability to privately confer with respondent during the termination

hearing, as respondent had no access to a cell phone.

¶ 23           In response, the trial court addressed respondent’s situation in the Crawford County

jail. The court verified that only correctional officers would be present in the room with

respondent. The court also confirmed that no one could hear the Zoom audio outside the room,

and that respondent could remain in the room for the entire day. When asked by the court,

respondent stated she could hear everyone speaking and agreed to raise her hand if her audio was

disrupted.

¶ 24           The State opposed the motion to continue. The State pointed out that respondent

was told before she left for Arkansas that the termination hearing would proceed with or without

her presence. Additionally, the State noted that all evidence relevant to respondent was made

available to her in advance of the hearing. The guardian ad litem agreed with the State’s position.

¶ 25           The trial court denied respondent’s motion. After citing several cases it reviewed

before the hearing, the court balanced respondent’s right to be present against several factors,

including the best interest of the minors. In doing so, the court noted the proceedings had been

pending for years, and several continuances had already been granted. The court clarified that

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given the last-minute circumstances of respondent, the court would allow respondent to attend the

hearing by Zoom pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule 45 (eff. Jan. 1, 2023).

¶ 26           The trial court also reviewed the safeguards put in place to preserve the

confidentiality of the proceedings. The court admonished all parties not to confer with anyone

while on Zoom or allow anyone in the room with them during the hearing. Further, the court

explained frequent breaks would be permitted as needed to allow the parties to confer with their

attorneys. As to the possibility of technical difficulties, the court stated the hearing could be

rescheduled if technical issues disrupted the proceedings. Additionally, the court instructed the

remote parties to raise their hand if they wished to speak with their attorneys.

¶ 27                                    2. Fitness Hearing

¶ 28           Upon the State’s request and over respondent’s objection, the trial court took

judicial notice of a list of documents from the court record in each case, including service plans,

permanency reports, and permanency orders.

¶ 29           Rachel Williams, a DCFS caseworker, testified that she was initially assigned to

the minors’ cases in November 2018 and was reassigned to the cases in June 2022. Williams

testified respondent engaged in the recommended services, but “mental health services are an

ongoing need.” Specifically, respondent refused to admit David and her brother had sexually

abused two of the minors. Moreover, respondent continued relationships with registered sex

offenders.

¶ 30           Williams further testified that respondent failed to maintain regular visitation with

the minors. Respondent’s visitation with two of the minors was suspended around August or

September 2020 after the minors displayed sexually reactive behavior following parent-child

visits. Respondent also left Illinois from January 2022 to May 2022, and she discontinued video

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visits with the other minors shortly thereafter. Williams opined that although respondent

participated in parenting and mental health services, she failed to demonstrate any growth from

the services or make any necessary lifestyle changes to facilitate the return of the minors to her

care.

¶ 31            Respondent requested the trial court take judicial notice of previous testimony and

permanency reviews from respondent’s counselor but otherwise presented no evidence. Following

the arguments of the parties, the court found respondent unfit by clear and convincing evidence as

to all counts alleged by the State.

¶ 32                                  3. Best Interest Hearing

¶ 33            Thereafter, the trial court immediately proceeded to the best interest hearing.

¶ 34            Heather Teteak-Berg, a therapist for children, testified that A.S. loved her foster

family and had developed a strong emotional attachment to the family. Teteak-Berg stated the

foster family wished to adopt A.S. Williams then testified the other three minors indicated they

felt safe and loved in their foster home. The foster parents informed Williams of their willingness

to adopt the minors.

¶ 35            The trial court found termination of respondent’s parental rights was in the best

interest of all four minors.

¶ 36            This appeal followed.

¶ 37                                      II. ANALYSIS

¶ 38            We first address the delay in the issuance of this order. As a matter addressing the

custody of minors, this case is subject to expedited disposition under Illinois Supreme Court Rule

311(a)(5) (eff. July 1, 2018), requiring the appellate court to issue its decision within 150 days

after the filing of a notice of appeal, except for good cause shown. The notice of appeal was filed

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on April 5, 2023, making our decision due by September 4, 2023. Respondent’s brief was not filed

until September 1, 2023. This case was not ready for review by this panel until it was placed on

the October 2, 2023, docket. As such, we find good cause exists for the delay in rendering our

decision.

¶ 39           Turning to the merits, respondent does not challenge the trial court’s findings at the

fitness and best interest hearings. Instead, respondent contends that the court violated her right to

due process by denying her request to continue the termination hearing. We disagree and affirm.

¶ 40                                   A. Standard of Review

¶ 41           The parties disagree as to the appropriate standard of review. Respondent argues

we should apply a de novo standard. The State responds that the standard of review should be

whether the trial court abused its discretion.

¶ 42           “ ‘The sole question relating to the denial of [a] motion for a continuance is whether

or not the trial court erred in its exercise of judicial discretion. Due process is in no [way]

involved.’ ” In re S.B., 2015 IL App (4th) 150260, ¶ 21 (quoting Benton v. Marr, 364 Ill. 628, 630

(1936)). An order denying a continuance will not be disturbed absent an abuse of discretion. In re

Tashika F., 333 Ill. App. 3d 165, 169 (2002). Further, reversal is not warranted unless the denial

of a continuance prejudiced the complaining party. In re K.O., 336 Ill. App. 3d 98, 104 (2002).

¶ 43           We recognize that respondent does not argue the trial court abused its discretion in

her brief. However, forfeiture “is a limitation on the parties and not the jurisdiction of the courts.”

In re Janine M.A., 342 Ill. App. 3d 1041, 1045 (2003). As this case involves the liberty interest of

a parent in the custody of her children, we will address whether the trial court abused its discretion

by denying respondent’s motion to continue. See In re Charles A., 367 Ill. App. 3d 800, 802

(2006).

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¶ 44                                      B. Continuance

¶ 45           A litigant does not have an absolute right to a continuance. In re D.P., 327 Ill. App.

3d 153, 158 (2001). Our legislature has recognized that “serious delay in the adjudication of abuse,

neglect, or dependency cases can cause grave harm to the minor and the family and that it frustrates

the health, safety and best interests of the minor and the effort to establish permanent homes for

children in need.” 705 ILCS 405/2-14(a) (West 2022). In cases involving juveniles, “[t]he court

may continue the hearing only if the continuance is consistent with the health, safety and best

interests of the minor.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.) K.O., 336 Ill. App. 3d at 104. The State

also has an “overwhelming” interest in expediting juvenile proceedings. D.P., 327 Ill. App. 3d at

161.

¶ 46           Here, the trial court balanced respondent’s right to be present in the courtroom

against the minors’ best interest and their need for permanency. The court noted that the minors’

cases had been pending for years, and it had granted several continuances up to that point. This

was also not the first time that respondent’s travels to Arkansas interrupted the proceedings. The

court had already delayed an earlier hearing for respondent when she was unavailable due to her

arrest in Arkansas.

¶ 47           Before respondent left for Arkansas, the trial court also warned her that the

termination hearing would proceed with or without her presence. See K.O., 336 Ill. App. 3d at 105

(“Although a parent has a right to be present at a hearing to terminate parental rights, it is not

mandatory that he or she be present, and the [trial] court is not obligated to wait until he or she

chooses to appear.”). Upon learning of respondent’s 120-day sentence, the court quickly arranged

for respondent to appear by Zoom. Respondent was also represented by counsel at the hearing,

who was physically present in the courtroom. As such, respondent had the opportunity to be

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virtually present, to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses. See Ill. S. Ct. R. 45(a)(1)

(eff. Jan. 1, 2023) (“[A] remote appearance or court proceeding shall be equivalent to an in-person

appearance or court proceeding for all purposes.”).

¶ 48           Moreover, the only point respondent offered in support of an in-person hearing was

that she could explain to the trial court how she improved the conditions of her home. However,

respondent has failed to explain why her remote appearance prevented her from communicating

this information to the court. Thus, respondent has not shown she was prejudiced by her remote

appearance. Given the minors’ need for permanency and the multiple prior delays in the

proceedings, it was not an abuse of discretion to deny respondent’s motion to continue.

¶ 49           Accordingly, we find the trial court did not abuse its discretion in denying

respondent’s motion to continue the termination hearing.

¶ 50                                   III. CONCLUSION

¶ 51           For the reasons stated, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

¶ 52           Affirmed.

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