Court Opinion

ID: 9721413
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 08:58:39.864077+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:24:25.399825
License: Public Domain

Mr. PRESIDING JUSTICE SCOTT, dissenting: I disagree with the result set forth in the majority opinion. My colleagues recognize that our legislature has determined that reasonable progress toward the return of a child to its parents must be made within 12 months of the removal of the child. The intent of this requirement is clearly apparent. The legislature desired to avoid a prolonged period during which a child is held in a state of flux while a parent or parents attempt to correct their life-style. In the case being considered the minor child, Tiffany, was held in a state of flux for a period in excess of 30 months prior to the trial court’s determination that the parental rights of the respondent mother be terminated. The result reached by the majority would reinstate the “period of flux” by reversing the trial court, yet directing that the child’s custody remain in the Department while the respondent is given additional time to correct her life-style. In my opinion the record fails to shed any ray of hope that the respondent mother will rehabilitate or correct her life-style in the additional time granted to her by the result reached in the majority opinion. Prior to the Department obtaining custody of Tiffany, the child’s health and safety was endangered by the inability of the respondent to understand her parental duties. However, directing our attention to the period commencing on November 8, 1977, and ending in June 1980, the record discloses a bare minimal improvement as far as the respondent’s life-style was concerned. During that period of time the respondent failed to obtain steady employment, though directed to do so. The record discloses that during the period in question the respondent was employed at a Pancake House, a nursing home, a Steak and Shake restaurant, at Lum’s (a fast food business), the Community Workshop, and at the Days Inn. With the exception of the latter place, the respondent was unable to stay employed. She was either discharged or after working a few days would quit. She was employed at the Days Inn motel at the time her parental rights were terminated. She commenced working at the Days Inn in July of 1979 and while as stated she was still employed at that business in June 1980, her work was not entirely satisfactory due primarily to tardiness. The Department also insisted that the respondent find suitable housing. The record discloses that even with the help of the Department she had difficulty in complying with this request. During the period of time in question she lived with two different families, at the Y.W.C.A., and the Monroe House, which is a half-way house operated by the Human Services Center. The Department had difficulty locating the respondent because of her failure to inform the Department of her address. During a 14-month period the respondent had but eight visits with her child, Tiffany, and only four to six of these visits were requested by the respondent. The severance of parental bonds is a drastic measure; however, I believe that the same is mandated in the instant case. The minor child is entitled to a stable, enduring home provided by responsible parents. (See In re Austin (1978), 61 Ill. App. 3d 344, 378 N.E.2d 538.) The record in the instant case belies the respondent’s assertion that she can provide such a home and further illustrates the fact that the respondent is unable to assume and exercise those duties and responsibilities incumbent upon a parent. I believe that the trial court’s determination that the respondent’s parental rights should be terminated was supported by the evidence and should be affirmed.