Court Opinion

ID: 6113257
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-27 17:03:42.599119+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:01:38.807942
License: Public Domain

2022 IL App (1st) 210824
                                              No. 1-21-0824
                                   Opinion filed January 27, 2022
                                                                                       Fourth Division
 ______________________________________________________________________________

                                                 IN THE
                                APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
                                            FIRST DISTRICT
 ______________________________________________________________________________
 In re L.S.,                                                    )
                                                                )
                Minor-Appellee,                                 )
                                                                )   Appeal from the
 (The People of the State of Illinois,                          )   Circuit Court of
                                                                )   Cook County.
         Petitioner-Appellee,                                   )
                                                                )
         v.                                                     )
                                                                )   No. 19 JA 1524
 A.G. and B.S., a/k/a W.S,                                      )
                                                                )
         Respondents                                            )
                                                                )   Honorable
 (A.G., Respondent-Appellant; B.S. a/k/a W.S.,                  )   Andrea Buford,
 Respondent-Appellee)).                                         )   Judge, presiding.
                                                                )
                                                                )
                                                                )

         JUSTICE LAMPKIN delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.
         Presiding Justice Reyes and Justice Martin concurred in the judgment and opinion.

                                              OPINION

¶1     On March 2, 2016, the minor L.S. was born to his mother, A.G., and his father, B.S. a/k/a

W.S. A.G. and W.S. stopped living together when L.S. was one year old. Protracted custody
No. 1-21-0824

proceedings in domestic relations court eventually resulted in a shared custody agreement between

A.G. and W.S.

¶2     On November 12, 2019, A.G. obtained an emergency order of protection against W.S.,

based on allegations that L.S. was sexually abused by W.S. While the Department of Children and

Family Services (DCFS) investigated the accusations, W.S. was prohibited from having contact

with L.S.

¶3     The investigation by DCFS determined that A.G.’s allegations were not corroborated and

were unfounded. On December 19, 2019, the State filed a petition for adjudication of wardship

alleging that L.S. was a neglected and abused minor due to A.G.’s actions. The trial court entered

findings of probable cause and urgent and immediate necessity and determined that reasonable

efforts could not prevent or eliminate the need to remove L.S. from the home. The court awarded

temporary custody of L.S. to Janet Wukas-Ahern, the guardianship administrator for DCFS.

¶4     On December 30, 2019, the trial court conducted a second temporary custody hearing and

amended the custody order to grant W.S. custody of L.S., subject to a section 2-25 order of

protection (705 ILCS 405/2-25 (West 2018)). A.G. was granted supervised visits with L.S.

¶5     On March 11, 2021, the court held an adjudicatory hearing. L.S. was adjudged a neglected

minor based on an injurious environment and lack of care (705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(a), (b) (West

2020)). A dispositional hearing immediately followed. The trial court adjudged L.S. a ward of the

court; found A.G. unable to care for, protect, train, or discipline the minor; and found W.S. fit,

able, and willing to care for, protect, train, and discipline the minor.

¶6     The trial court then granted W.S.’s motion to close the proceedings and (1) vacated the

previous order of protection, (2) found the family to no longer require court monitoring, and

(3) found it to be in the best interests of L.S. to close the case. Legal custody was ordered to stand

                                                 -2-
No. 1-21-0824

in W.S., and supervised clinical visitation was ordered to continue for A.G., subject to the terms

of an agreed mediation order.

¶7      On April 7, 2021, A.G. filed a motion to reconsider. On June 11, 2021, the trial court denied

the motion. A.G. filed a timely notice of appeal on July 7, 2021. We have jurisdiction pursuant to

Illinois Supreme Court Rule 301 (eff. Feb. 1, 1994) and Rule 303 (eff. July 1, 2017). 1

¶8                                        I. BACKGROUND

¶9      On December 19, 2019, the State filed a petition for adjudication of wardship in this matter.

A temporary custody hearing was held the same day. A.G. appeared in court, but W.S. did not.

The State’s petition alleged L.S. was a neglected or abused minor under sections 2-3(1)(a), 2-

3(1)(b) and 2-3(2)(ii) of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(a), (b), 2-

3(2)(ii) (West 2018)) based on the following facts:

                “Mother has made multiple allegations of sexual and physical abuse against

        father and numerous paternal relatives. The minor has been evaluated numerous

        times by medical professionals with no corroboration of mother’s allegations.

        Minor has never reported that he has been abused. Mother is the only person who

        states that minor says he has been abused. Domestic Relations Court has suspended

        father’s visits pending DCFS investigation. Mother has made numerous unusual

        outbursts in court, doctor’s office, and DCFS office. Mother had to be removed

        from the CAC 2 by Chicago Police during one outburst. DCFS has requested mother

        1
          In adherence with the requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 352(a) (eff. July 1, 2018),
this appeal has been resolved without oral argument upon the entry of a separate written order.
        2
          “CAC” refers to the Children’s Advocacy Center.

                                                   -3-
No. 1-21-0824

       do a psychiatric examination and mother has refused. Mother is not allowing access

       to minor. Paternity has been established.”

¶ 10   The State also filed a motion for temporary custody and a supporting affidavit from the

Division of Child Protection (DCP) Investigator Karen Goldmeier. Ms. Goldmeier alleged that

L.S. was currently at risk based on concerns regarding A.G.’s mental health status. Ms.

Goldmeier’s affidavit alleged:

                “The 4-year-old minor, [L.S.], is currently at risk under the care of his

       biological mother, [A.G.], due to mental health concerns. The mother has failed to

       complete a mental health evaluation requested by the Department of Child

       Protection. The minor’s primary care physician, Northbrook police, the father’s

       attorney have expressed fear for the safety of the minor due to the observations of

       the mother’s erratic behavior and statements the mother has made. The mother has

       refused access to the 4-year-old minor.”

¶ 11   Ms. Goldmeier testified in support of DCFS’s recommendation that the minor be removed

from his home and placed with the guardianship administrator. While investigating A.G.’s

allegations that W.S. sexually abused L.S., DCFS became concerned about A.G.’s mental health.

A.G. failed to cooperate with DCFS and refused to complete a mental health assessment. In

domestic relations court, A.G. was heard announcing her intent to never turn L.S. over to W.S.

A.G. also failed to cooperate with DCFS’s efforts to take protective custody of L.S.

¶ 12   The trial court found probable cause to believe that L.S. was neglected and that an urgent

and immediate necessity existed to remove him from A.G.’s care. The trial court found that A.G.

had made multiple uncorroborated allegations of sexual and physical abuse against W.S. These

allegations resulted in W.S.’s visitation with L.S. being suspended pending DCFS’s investigation

                                              -4-
No. 1-21-0824

of this matter. A.G. refused to submit to a psychiatric examination and refused to grant DCFS

access to L.S. As such, the court found that reasonable efforts could not prevent or eliminate the

need to remove L.S. from his home. The trial court issued a child protection warrant for L.S. and

appointed Janet Wukas-Ahern as temporary guardian ad litem.

¶ 13    A.G. argued with the trial judge, who repeatedly told her that she failed to cooperate with

DCFS and needed to do so going forward. Pending further investigation, A.G. was given

supervised visitation with L.S. L.S. was placed temporarily in the custody of his paternal

grandmother.

¶ 14   On December 30, 2019, A.G. and W.S. both appeared in juvenile court before a different

trial judge 3 for reconsideration of the temporary custody order. The Cook County Public Guardian

(Public Guardian) and the State now recommended that custody of L.S. be given to W.S. A lengthy

evidentiary hearing followed, at which Ms. Goldmeier provided additional testimony detailing

facts established during the ongoing investigation by DCFS.

¶ 15   Evidence adduced at the hearing established that on November 12, 2019, A.G. applied for

and was granted an emergency order of protection against W.S. That same day, L.S.’s case came

to the attention of DCFS upon their receipt of a hotline call of sexual abuse. Ms. Goldmeier, who

held a master’s degree in social work from the University of Illinois, was assigned to L.S.’s case.

¶ 16   By the time the hotline call was placed, the Northbrook Police Department was already

investigating this matter, and L.S. had seen two doctors regarding the sex abuse allegations. Ms.

Goldmeier spoke with Detective Theresa Drews, who was one of the investigating officers.

       3
        The Honorable Patrick T. Murphy presided over this hearing.

                                                -5-
No. 1-21-0824

Detective Drews had “concerns” about A.G. because she provided inconsistent reports of what

L.S. told her had happened to him.

¶ 17   Ms. Goldmeier testified that medical records from St. Mary’s Hospital were compared with

A.G.’s claim that during L.S.’s examination that he “popped his butt upward which was too sexual

for her liking ***.” However, the hospital records established that L.S. was smiling, playful, and

made no allegations of abuse. A rape kit taken at St. Mary’s Hospital revealed no physical evidence

of abuse to L.S.

¶ 18   Detective Drews also informed Ms. Goldmeier that A.G. failed to disclose that she made a

police report with the Arlington Heights Police Department before making the same complaint

with the Northbrook Police Department.

¶ 19   After L.S. was examined at St. Mary’s Hospital, A.G. took him to Northwest Community

Hospital for a second medical examination. That examination also failed to reveal any physical

evidence of abuse.

¶ 20   On November 13, 2019, Ms. Goldmeier spoke with A.G. and learned more family history,

including the fact that W.S. had previously obtained an order of protection against A.G. In 2017,

after A.G. participated in family therapy, she was allowed unsupervised visitation with L.S. from

Saturday to Monday. L.S. resided with W.S. for the remainder of the week. In February of 2019,

a judge in domestic relations court granted A.G. and W.S. shared custody of L.S.

¶ 21   W.S. moved from Chicago to Arlington Heights in August of 2019. A.G. alleged that after

the move, L.S. told her that W.S.’s cousin and uncle were hitting L.S. in the basement of their

Northbrook home. A.G. brought these claims to W.S.’s attention, but he denied them.

                                               -6-
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 22   On November 19, 2019, L.S. participated in a victim-sensitive interview (VSI) at the

CAC. 4 Detective Drews and Ms. Goldmeier observed the interview. According to Ms. Goldmeier,

L.S. did very well and answered all the questions asked of him. L.S. denied reporting that anyone

did anything to his penis or that anything “had happened to him.” L.S. also denied that anyone

harmed him at his grandmother’s house. L.S. said that he loved W.S.

¶ 23   After the interview, Ms. Goldmeier and Detective Drews spoke with A.G. A.G. became

irate when Ms. Goldmeier and Detective Drews recommended that L.S. receive therapeutic

services. A.G. also demonstrated paranoid thinking, accusing W.S. of “cloning” her phone and

breaking into her home and installing surveillance cameras.

¶ 24   The investigation continued. L.S.’s primary care physician, Dr. Christina C. Cedeno, M.D.,

informed Ms. Goldmeier that she also had concerns about A.G.’s behavior. Dr. Cedeno reported

that A.G. began making sexual abuse allegations in July of 2019, when she claimed that L.S.

displayed sexualized behavior and had a red anus. A.G. became agitated during this appointment.

W.S. was present at this appointment as well. L.S.’s physical examination revealed no abnormality.

¶ 25   On December 9, 2019, A.G. brought L.S. to the doctor’s office for an examination but left

when she learned that Dr. Cedeno would be conducting the examination.

¶ 26   On December 10, 2019, A.G. met with Ms. Goldmeier and her supervisor. A.G. was asked

to complete a mental health assessment. When A.G. asked DCFS to release information

concerning the pending investigation of this matter to the Mexican consulate, she refused to allow

DCFS to explain that such information could not be legally released because it involved a pending

investigation. A.G. then began addressing Ms. Goldmeier’s supervisor as “Babe” and “Doll.” After

       4
        The VSI has not been included in the record on appeal.

                                                 -7-
No. 1-21-0824

A.G. became increasingly aggressive, she was asked to leave. A.G. refused to leave the building,

and Ms. Goldmeier was directed to get security. A.G. moved to the hallway and continued to yell

at staff. Eventually, a detective assigned to the building stopped to monitor the situation. Ms.

Goldmeier testified that multiple similar incidents increased DCFS’s concern about A.G.’s mental

health.

¶ 27      On December 18, 2019, Detective Drews told Ms. Goldmeier that the police believed there

was insufficient evidence to initiate criminal charges against W.S. Moreover, Detective Drews was

concerned about A.G.’s mental health. A.G. believed that someone had installed cameras in her

home. She also related that she found a notebook in her home that contained a “pro” and “con” list

of whether someone was or was not a criminal.

¶ 28      That same day, A.G. sent an e-mail to DCFS, refusing to either get a mental health

evaluation or allow DCFS to see her medical records, which, according to A.G., included a

previous psychiatric evaluation.

¶ 29      On December 24, 2019, Ms. Goldmeier attended a hearing in domestic relations court. She

testified that DCFS would be recommending unfounding the allegations against W.S. The trial

court then vacated the order of protection.

¶ 30      The child protection warrant for L.S. was executed when A.G. handed him over to Ms.

Goldmeier at a coffee shop at Halsted and Diversey Avenues. Ms. Goldmeier testified that A.G.

was understandably upset, but police intervention became necessary when A.G. became verbally

aggressive. For a period of time following the transfer of custody to DCFS, A.G. was not allowed

to visit with L.S. because of threats she made to Ms. Goldmeier and her supervisor.

¶ 31      Ms. Goldmeier testified that W.S., who resided with his mother, moved out of his mother’s

home when she was given temporary custody of L.S. Ms. Goldmeier recommended that L.S. be

                                                -8-
No. 1-21-0824

returned to W.S.’s care under a section 2-25 order of protection (705 ILCS 405/2-25 (West 2018))

and that L.S. receive services for apparent signs of trauma. Ms. Goldmeier opined that such

disposition was in L.S.’s best interest where no credible evidence established that L.S. was

sexually abused and where DCFS had no concerns about returning L.S. to his father’s care.

¶ 32    DCFS remained concerned about L.S.’s safety insofar as A.G. was concerned and needed

her to complete a mental health assessment or provide a copy of a previously-completed mental

health assessment.

¶ 33   W.S. also testified at the hearing. W.S. testified that he was a waiter at a country club in

Arlington Heights. He and A.G. did not get along. W.S.’s greatest concern was A.G.’s aggression

towards him in front of L.S.

¶ 34   A.G. provided testimony as well. She testified that she last worked as a server at a

restaurant. After graduating from Buffalo Grove High School, A.G. attended Harper College for a

year and a half. In the summer of 2018, when A.G. and W.S. received shared custody of L.S., the

two were getting along. A.G. decided to “take” L.S. on November 8, 2019, when he asked her to

put her finger in his butt and push to make him feel good. A.G. testified that she believed what

L.S. told her.

¶ 35    The trial court found probable cause to believe that L.S. was a neglected minor but that no

urgent and immediate necessity existed to require removing L.S from his home. An amended

temporary custody order was entered, returning L.S. to W.S.’s custody, subject to an order of

protection. The terms of the order included a requirement that W.S. ensure that L.S. receive at least

three weekly supervised visits with A.G. The court also entered a mediation/facilitation order that

required A.G. and W.S. to participate in scheduled sessions to resolve issues related to visitation,

services, litigation, court process, and communication.

                                                -9-
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 36   The matter was continued for status hearings on January 7, 2020, March 16, 2020, and July

14, 2020. On November 17, 2020, A.G. filed an “Objection to Conducting the Adjudicatory

Hearing by Videoconference.” On November 30, 2020, the State filed a response to her motion.

On December 8, 2020, A.G. filed a reply. On December 10, 2020, the trial court made findings of

fact and denied her motion for an in-person hearing.

¶ 37   The adjudicatory and dispositional hearings were scheduled to occur on March 11, 2021.

On March 9, 2021, W.S. filed a “Motion for Case Closure” under section 2-31 of the Act (705

ILCS 405/2-31 (West 2020)).” On March 10, 2021, A.G. filed a “Memorandum in Support of

Father’s Motion to Vacate the 2-25 Order of Protection and Cross-Motion to Dismiss” (cross-

motion). The cross-motion sought pretrial dismissal of the petition for adjudication of wardship on

three separate bases. First, A.G. relied on In re Z.L., 2020 IL App (1st) 200151, 5 to support her

claim that preadjudicatory dismissal was appropriate, based on “evidence” that arose since the

temporary custody hearings were conducted. Second, A.G. moved for dismissal of the petition

pursuant to section 2-615 of the Code of Civil Procedure (Code) (735 ILCS 5/2-615 (West 2020)).

Third, A.G. moved for involuntary dismissal based on defects or defenses pursuant to section 2-

619 of the Code (735 ILCS 5/2-619 (West 2020)).

¶ 38   On March 11, 2021, the prearranged date for both the adjudicatory and dispositional

hearings, A.G. filed a “Supplement to Mother’s Motion to Dismiss” (supplemental motion). A.G.

moved for consideration of her motions before the trial court commenced the adjudicatory hearing.

W.S. objected, noting that A.G. had not served him with a copy of the supplemental motion and

that the parties were prepared for trial. The court found that A.G.’s cross-motion “wasn’t timely

       5
        PLA allowed February 25, 2021, No. 126931.

                                              - 10 -
No. 1-21-0824

filed” and that W.S. was not served a copy of the supplemental motion. The court indicated that it

was proceeding with the trial.

¶ 39   The adjudicatory hearing commenced. Ms. Goldmeier testified that she was assigned to

investigate this matter after DCFS received a hotline call on November 8, 2019. On November 13,

2019, Ms. Goldmeier spoke with A.G. at her home. A.G. related that she and W.S. had a two-year

relationship that ended shortly after the birth of L.S. There was physical, verbal, and emotional

domestic violence in the relationship. A.G. claimed that W.S. instigated an incident that resulted

in an order of protection being entered against her. Between 2017 and 2019, A.G. had unsupervised

visitation with L.S. from Saturday to Monday. In February of 2019, W.S. and A.G. were awarded

shared custody of L.S. A.G. was displeased when W.S. moved from Chicago to Arlington Heights

in August of 2019.

¶ 40   A.G. related that she accused W.S. of sexual abuse based on an incident after L.S. returned

from W.S.’s home. L.S. asked A.G. to insert her finger into his anus because it felt good. She

immediately took L.S. to the hospital for an examination. Later that night, L.S. woke up screaming

in the middle of the night. He would not tell A.G. who was hurting him or why he was upset and

scared. A.G. began playing a game with L.S. where he would provide clues as to who his abuser

was. He described the person as a man with a beard and green eyes, which A.G. said matched W.S.

She took steps to start an investigation and obtained an emergency order of protection against W.S.

on November 12, 2019.

¶ 41   Ms. Goldmeier further testified that at the VSI that took place on November 19, 2019, L.S.

denied any sexual abuse. He denied that anyone touched his private parts. He denied telling anyone

that anything of a sexual nature had occurred. Following the interview, Ms. Goldmeier and

Detective Drews spoke to A.G. about the next steps in the investigation process. Since L.S. did not

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No. 1-21-0824

disclose any abuse, Ms. Goldmeier and Detective Drews recommended that L.S. begin therapy “to

process whether any abuse had occurred and have him be comfortable to disclose it at a later date

if there was any abuse occurring.” A.G. reacted by becoming very hostile and verbally aggressive.

She yelled and accused Ms. Goldmeier and Detective Drews of not responding to her or answering

her questions. A.G. was told that the investigation was ongoing to determine whether any basis

existed for finding that L.S. was abused.

¶ 42   Ms. Goldmeier testified that A.G. appeared to be paranoid and depressed. She told Ms.

Goldmeier and Detective Drews that W.S. had cloned her phone. Detective Drews told A.G. to file

a police report with the Chicago Police Department if she believed that this had occurred.

¶ 43   On December 10, 2019, A.G. spoke on the phone with Ms. Goldmeier and her supervisor.

A.G. was again assured that the investigation was ongoing. A.G. was concerned that W.S. coached

L.S. not to disclose that he was sexually abused. Ms. Goldmeier recommended that A.G. receive

a mental health assessment because Ms. Goldmeier believed that A.G. was displaying signs of

paranoia and acting aggressively. Initially, A.G. agreed. She told Ms. Goldmeier that an

assessment had been completed as part of her custody agreement with W.S. and that she would

send it to her. A.G. also agreed to go to Stroger Hospital for a mental health assessment on the

following day. Ms. Goldmeier provided A.G. with the necessary referral and also provided a

referral to enable L.S. to receive therapy.

¶ 44   Ms. Goldmeier testified that on December 12, 2019, she and her supervisor left a voicemail

on A.G.’s phone when she did not answer the call.

¶ 45   On December 13, 2019, A.G. called Ms. Goldmeier’s supervisor to inform her that she was

coming to DCFS’s office with a form for the Mexican consulate. Upon arriving, A.G. gave them

a release for DCFS to provide information concerning this matter to the Mexican consulate. A.G.

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No. 1-21-0824

refused to allow Ms. Goldmeier and her supervisor to explain that pending investigations cannot

be shared because they are confidential.

¶ 46   Ms. Goldmeier testified that A.G. was combative and began yelling. When A.G. then spoke

to someone on her phone in Spanish, Ms. Goldmeier’s supervisor requested a Spanish-speaking

investigator to come to her office to act as a translator. A.G. responded by accusing Ms. Goldmeier

and the supervisor of “having a problem” with her speaking in Spanish and told the Spanish-

speaking investigator that he could leave because she would continue to speak in English.

¶ 47   A.G. then referred to the supervisor as “Babe.” When the supervisor told her that this was

inappropriate, A.G. referred to her as “Doll.” When A.G. became increasingly louder, she was

asked to leave. She then walked to the hallway and continued yelling, accusing Ms. Goldmeier

and her supervisor of not doing their jobs. A detective who was passing by stopped to monitor the

situation. The supervisor then contacted building security to escort A.G. out of the building.

¶ 48   On December 17, 2019, in a telephone conversation, A.G. told Ms. Goldmeier that she had

not yet completed the mental health assessment but would do it the following day. A.G. again

agreed to send Ms. Goldmeier her assessment from the previous domestic relations case. She did

neither. Instead, on December 18, 2019, A.G. sent an e-mail in which she refused to either share

the previous assessment or participate in a new assessment. A.G. requested that DCFS continue

investigating her allegations and only communicate with her by e-mail.

¶ 49   Ms. Goldmeier and her supervisor attempted to call A.G. to discuss her e-mail because they

were concerned about L.S.’s safety. After initially answering the call, A.G. hung up the phone.

She sent another e-mail directing DCFS to only communicate with her by e-mail. At this point,

Ms. Goldmeier’s supervisor instructed her to go directly to A.G.’s home to assess L.S.’s safety.

                                               - 13 -
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 50   When Ms. Goldmeier arrived at the home, no one was there. Ms. Goldmeier left a

voicemail for A.G., who called back and told Ms. Goldmeier that she would be home in about 40

minutes. After waiting about 45 minutes, Ms. Goldmeier called A.G. Upon receiving no answer,

she left. Based on the hostility displayed by A.G. and her failure to provide DCFS with a mental

health assessment, Ms. Goldmeier was concerned for L.S.’s safety.

¶ 51   A.G. later called Ms. Goldmeier’s supervisor and reported that she had now arrived at

home. The supervisor then informed her that due to her failure to complete the mental health

assessment, DCFS felt that it was necessary to take protective custody of L.S. A.G. was instructed

to turn L.S. over to DCFS. A.G. refused to do so and hung up the phone. DCFS investigators

attempted, without success, to take protective custody of L.S. throughout the night. Ms. Goldmeier

could not meet with L.S. and assess his safety until after A.G. was ordered to turn over L.S.

following the temporary custody hearing on December 19, 2019.

¶ 52   In the process of investigating this matter, Ms. Goldmeier spoke with multiple police

departments and obtained medical records from St. Mary’s Hospital, Erie Family Health Center,

and Northwest Community Hospital. She also talked to L.S.’s primary care physician, Dr. Cedeno.

¶ 53   Ms. Goldmeier also spoke with W.S., who disclosed that he was diagnosed with depression

and anxiety and participated in individual therapy. W.S. did not show signs of paranoia and was

not asked to participate in a mental health assessment. Based on a lack of credible evidence

showing that L.S. was sexually abused, DCFS unfounded the sexual abuse allegation against W.S.

¶ 54   All medical records were admitted into evidence.

¶ 55   The records from Erie Family Health showed that on July 19, 2018, A.G. and W.S. took

L.S. to the office where Dr. Lisa B. McKenna saw him. A.G. was concerned because she had “seen

worrisome behavior.” She reported seeing L.S. “hump her [A.G.’s] sister,” and “touch her breasts.”

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No. 1-21-0824

L.S. had “at times come to her with a very red anus.” Both parents denied that L.S. was exposed

to sexual activity or pornography.

¶ 56   A.G. reported that she worked three jobs to enable W.S. to stay home with L.S. and

“expressed angrily that [W.S.] betrayed her by serving her with papers seeking custody.” A.G.

reported that she was in therapy. When Dr. McKenna observed that a child’s behavioral problems

can result from conflict between adult caregivers, A.G. replied, “[T]hank you for your opinion, but

I came here for an exam. I did not come for therapy with someone who does not know me.” A,G,

then asked to leave.

¶ 57   W.S. asked Dr. McKenna to record everything she observed that day. Dr. McKenna noted

that W.S. said that he did not make any of the observations made by A.G. and had no concerns

about L.S.’s behavior.

¶ 58   Dr. McKenna observed that “[M]om appeared to anxiously seek to comfort child and

offered phone. When dad states he thought child was fine, she angrily retorted that at least she was

trying to comfort her child.”

¶ 59   L.S. cried during the appointment and asked to go home. A standard physical examination

revealed no abnormalities. Dr. McKenna recommended family therapy and parenting classes.

¶ 60   The records from St. Mary’s Hospital established that on November 8, 2019, A.G. took

L.S. to the emergency room based on her concern that L.S. was sexually abused. A.G. told staff at

St. Mary’s that L.S. awoke in the morning and was very playful. He asked A.G. to put her finger

in his butt, move it around, and make it feel good and to put her finger in his belly button and move

it around to make it feel good. An examination revealed no injuries, rashes, abrasions, or burns.

¶ 61   On November 11, 2019, A.G. took L.S. to the emergency room at Northwest Community

Hospital. She reported that L.S. had been acting out and bedwetting for several months. A.G.

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reported that on November 8, 2019, L.S. told her “to put a finger in his butt to make it feel better.”

A.G. informed the emergency room nurse that she contacted the police and took L.S. to the

emergency room at St. Mary’s Hospital. She reported that results of testing conducted at St. Mary’s

Hospital were negative. Since then, A.G. said that L.S. had revealed more information. A.G. was

concerned that DCFS was not notified because she had not heard from them. Based on what L.S.

told A.G., she believed that W.S. was hurting L.S. A.G. took L.S. to Northwest Community

Hospital based on the recommendation of the Arlington Heights Police Department. The results of

L.S.’s physical examination was normal.

¶ 62   On November 18, 2019, A.G. took L.S. to Erie Health Services for a physical examination.

She presented medical staff with a police report containing the allegations of sexual abuse. In the

medical records from this visit, Dr. Cedeno states A.G. reported that:

                “[L.S.] had been acting out a lot but attributed his behavior to recent moves

       to September and October from each parent.

                He would have nightmares—he has been waking up and bedwetting. He

       states that the person was his “Dada.” Other times, he would be hesitant to disclose

       who the person is but he would say he looks like the host of Blues Clues, with green

       eyes and black hair and scruffy beard—who resembles the father.

                The child states that the mother does not love him several times, and she

       believes it’s because she won’t replicate the father’s actions.

                Child Advocacy Center conducted the exam and recommended amoxicillin

       for undisclosed infection. She was not told what the antibiotic is for. She is worried

       that the impetigo around his mouth that was diagnosed in August may be due to

       something the father did. He has had breakouts since then, but none today.

                                                - 16 -
No. 1-21-0824

                She said that she tried to bring him in last week, but the father had taken her

       off his insurance and she didn’t have access to the child’s insurance. She said the

       father also tried to change pediatricians to someone out in Arlington Heights. She

       has had suspicions about abuse because she would note that the child’s anus was

       always red and did ask father if he touched him, to which he replied no.

                She feels that he is scratching his nose a lot. He also has some dryness at

       the bridge of his nose.”

¶ 63   The forensic interview of L.S. conducted on November 19, 2019, was also admitted into

evidence.

¶ 64   At the conclusion of the adjudicatory hearing, the trial court ruled:

                “Thank you. I find that the State has met its burden by a preponderance of

       the evidence, neglect injurious environment and care necessary. The mother

       reported that the minor was the victim of sexual abuse or sexual abuse by the father.

       The Department arranged for a forensic interview of the minor and investigated

       Mom’s allegations in conjunction with the local police. The allegations were

       unfounded.

            Additionally, the mother reported her concerns to three different hospitals

       where the minor was subjected to but had normal abuse—I’m sorry—normal

       examinations. The mother persisted in her allegations and would raise her voice,

       scream at the worker, and police personnel and act in a way described as

       paranoid, including her belief that the father had cloned her phone and that the

       father’s sister, who was a doctor, might interfere in the minor’s treatment and that

       there were cameras watching her.

                                                - 17 -
No. 1-21-0824

           She was directed to do a mental health assessment and/or provide the records

       of a prior assessment she had. Mother refused to do either. The Department was

       reasonably concerned about the safety of the minor.

           I find that the Department took the mother’s allegations seriously and

       professionally followed up and conducted a fair investigation. For those reasons,

       the State has met it[s] burden.”

¶ 65   A.G.’s attorney renewed his request for the court to consider that part of his cross-motion

that sought a preadjudicatory hearing consideration of whether changed conditions supported a

conclusion that no adjudicatory hearing was required. The court denied AG’s motion.

¶ 66   The court then conducted a dispositional hearing. The integrated assessment (IA)

conducted by DCFS and completed in May of 2020 was admitted into evidence. In addition to

what has previously been recounted, the IA noted that A.G. believed that L.S. gained confidence

after she obtained an order of protection prohibiting W.S. from having contact with him. A.G. also

alleged that L.S. told her that, while he was at W.S.’s house, he was electrocuted and people took

turns putting things inside his body.

¶ 67   A.G. said that contacting DCFS was the worst mistake she ever made because it led to L.S.

being removed from her care and placed in the care of W.S. She was frustrated that DCFS was

focusing on her when she and L.S. were both abused by W.S. A.G. reported that W.S. was verbally,

physically, and emotionally abusive and had “control issues.” W.S. took prescription medication

for depression. He isolated A.G. from her family and friends. W.S. was “spiteful,” having brought

false claims of abuse against her that he then relied on in their child custody case.

¶ 68   The IA found that A.G. had mental health symptoms that directly impacted her ability to

provide care for L.S. The IA noted that she was receiving no services to treat her mental health

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No. 1-21-0824

symptoms, which resulted in her failing to provide a protective and nurturing parental role and a

safe and healthy environment. While A.G. had many positive parenting qualities, she lacked the

ability to identify aspects of age-appropriate development.

¶ 69   The IA expressed concern that, during visits between L.S. and A.G., she asked L.S.

inappropriate questions. L.S. responded negatively to their visits. During one visit, after asking

L.S. questions about stains that she observed on his hands and fingers, she photographed them.

The stains were made with markers.

¶ 70   A.G. recounted an incident in which L.S. grabbed her earring and broke it and then said,

“My dad has accidents all the time, they happened to me, and he hits my head on accident.” A.G.

continued to make hotline calls reporting that L.S. was hurt while in W.S.’s care. L.S. continued

to deny that he was abused.

¶ 71   The IA stated that the prognosis for L.S. to be returned to A.G.’s care was “guarded,” where

she had not identified areas of need for improvement to successfully address L.S.’s needs and

lacked insight into the potential impact of her own mental health issues on her parenting. A.G.

needed to participate in therapeutic services. Her continued inappropriate questioning of L.S.

required therapeutically supervised visits since L.S. demonstrated regression and negative

behaviors that could be damaging if allowed to continue.

¶ 72   The clinical screener found that A.G. was an articulate mother who expressed her desire

for L.S. to be safe and loved. She had a history of anger and irritability and trouble expressing her

emotions and coping in appropriate ways. She displayed bizarre and paranoid behavior. A.G.

appeared to be unable to safely parent L.S. and placed him at risk because he could not rely on

receiving safe and predictable responses from her. A.G.’s lack of proper emotional skills could

                                               - 19 -
No. 1-21-0824

result in her becoming angry and having impaired decision-making, leading to her making false

reports.

¶ 73   The screener recommended that A.G. continue to participate in individual therapy and

undergo a full-scale psychiatric assessment. It was recommended that she participate in the

Nurturing Parenting Program (NPP). The screener recommended that A.G. continue to have

supervised visits with L.S.

¶ 74   The IA also contained an interview with, and observations of W.S. W.S. stated that A.G.

made an intentional false allegation of sexual assault against him. In March of 2017, W.S. obtained

a two-year order of protection against A.G. for a violent episode in which she threw objects at him.

During that episode, A.G. became agitated and kicked W.S. while he was holding L.S. W.S., who

received a bruised tailbone, went to see a doctor and reported this incident. A police report

indicated that W.S. had received medical treatment for a bruised tailbone and back pain that he

reported receiving from A.G. In February of 2019, a default judgment was entered, giving A.G.

and W.S. shared custody of L.S.

¶ 75   In addition to the IA, the court heard live testimony. DCFS caseworker Carolina Bono

testified that on October 8, 2020, she was assigned to this case. Ms. Bono determined that L.S.’s

placement with W.S. was safe and appropriate. She observed no signs of abuse or neglect, corporal

punishment, or any risk of harm. L.S. had no special needs but participated in individual weekly

therapy covered by W.S.’s health insurance policy. L.S. was making progress and doing very well.

L.S.’s therapist informed Ms. Bono that L.S. was a very engaging child.

¶ 76   L.S. had an in-person supervised visit with A.G. on March 8, 2021. This was her first in-

person visit with L.S. since September of 2020. A.G.’s visits with L.S. were terminated for a period

of time based on her repeatedly questioning him about physical and sexual abuse.

                                               - 20 -
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 77   A.G.’s inappropriate behavior during visits with L.S. resulted in a determination that she

required clinically supervised visits. COVID-19 created difficulties in scheduling in-person

clinically-supervised visits. In the meantime, A.G.’s virtual visits with L.S. were increased from

once a week to three times a week.

¶ 78   The IA recommended that A.G. participate in reunification services, including individual

therapy, a psychiatric assessment and treatment, a referral to a DCFS consulting psychologist, a

domestic violence assessment, and parenting education and coaching. She was also referred to the

National Youth Advocacy Program (NYAP) for individual therapy.

¶ 79   A psychological examination was completed on June 10, 2020. A.G. was found to have an

adjustment disorder with a depressed mood. She completed a psychiatric evaluation on November

14, 2020. She was again diagnosed with an adjustment disorder with a depressed mood for which

no medication was prescribed.

¶ 80   A.G. consistently attended therapy at NYAP and met her goals. She refused to participate

in a domestic violence assessment because she said she was working on these issues with her

therapist at NYAP, who was certified in domestic violence. A.G. completed the NPP on December

2, 2020. She was not found to need any additional services.

¶ 81   DCFS recommended that A.G.’s visits remain supervised. She had complained about some

of the terminologies that L.S. was using. L.S.’s therapist verified that his language was appropriate

and developmentally on track for a child of his age.

¶ 82   The IA recommended that W.S. continue receiving individual therapy. W.S. also

participated in the NPP and completed a domestic violence assessment. According to Ms. Bono,

W.S. made a lot of progress. He participated in ongoing therapy and had received psychiatric care

for his diagnosis, including being prescribed medication.

                                               - 21 -
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 83   Ms. Bono testified that the interactions between W.S. and L.S. were “[v]ery positive, very

appropriate. Both the child and the father are very loving. Father is very appropriate in giving the

child certain limitations. The kid is not running like crazy all over the house or grabbing things.

It’s very endearing to see both of them, actually.”

¶ 84   Ms. Bono was aware of W.S.’s motion to close the case. She discussed the issue with her

supervisor and recommended that the case be closed and L.S. remain in W.S.’s custody. These

recommendations were based on DCFS’s determination that (1)W.S. was willing, fit, and able to

care for L.S., who had been in his custody for over a year, (2) W.S. had a stable home, acted

appropriately, and continued to participate in individual therapy, and (3) W.S. continued to take

L.S. to therapy. There was no indication that L.S. was abused or neglected by his father. W.S.

ensured that he would continue to bring L.S. for clinically supervised visits with A.G. if the case

was closed.

¶ 85   A letter from Michael Altobelli, W.S.’s licensed professional therapist, was also admitted

in evidence. It indicated that W.S. was his patient since September 11, 2019, and was achieving

his goals. W.S. implemented DCFS’s recommendation that L.S. receive individual therapy. That

therapy included a child/parent counseling aspect directed to improving the father/son relationship.

Through therapy, W.S. learned the skills to successfully attend to L.S.’s developmental needs.

¶ 86   A Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP) evaluation found that W.S. required no

additional services.

¶ 87   At the conclusion of the hearing, the State asked the court to adjudge L.S. a ward of the

court, find A.G. unable to care for L.S., and find W.S. fit, able, and willing to care for L.S. The

Public Guardian requested that L.S. be ordered to remain in the care and custody of W.S. and asked

                                               - 22 -
No. 1-21-0824

that the matter be closed. W.S.’s request mirrored that of the Public Guardian. A.G.’s attorney

asked that the court find her fit, willing, and able to care for L.S.

¶ 88    The court made the following findings:

            “Okay. The Court finds that it is in the best interests of the minor that he be

        adjudged a ward of the Court. I find that the mother is unable only and that the

        father is fit, willing, and able. The mother thus far has had only one clinically

        supervised visit, and the testimony is that the allegations that brought the case in

        still persist.

            The Father has completed all of his services. He was engaged and completed

        services and he ensures that his son continues in therapy. There is a mediation

        agreement in place that covers visitation issues. 6

            The minor shall remain in the care and custody of the father. I vacate the

        guardian ad litemship and close this matter.”

¶ 89    A.G. asked the court to stay the proceeding, pending a motion to reconsider. The court

stated that she could file a motion to reconsider but refused to stay the proceedings. A.G. made an

oral motion for the court to reconsider the previously denied cross-motion. The court denied the

motion.

¶ 90    On April 7, 2021, A.G. filed a “Motion to Reconsider this Court’s March 11, 2021, Refusal

to Hear Mother’s Motion to Dismiss, and this Court’s Adjudication and Dispositional Findings.”

On June 11, 2021, the parties appeared before the trial court on A.G.’s motion. At that time, she

        6
          A “Memorandum of Agreement,” dated March 3, 2021, sets out the agreed-upon terms of A.G.’s
visitation with L.S.

                                                 - 23 -
No. 1-21-0824

filed a more expansive version of her motion to reconsider. The second filing was first served on

the parties and the court that day.

¶ 91   The parties were given leave to argue their respective positions.

¶ 92   In denying A.G.’s motion, the trial court made the following findings:

           “I’m ready to rule. First, we already ruled and denied the Mother’s motion to

       reconsider. I’m not considering that today.

           With respect to the motion to reconsider the adjudicatory findings, the Court

       made specific factual findings in totality to support the adjudicatory ruling, and I

       invite the reviewing court, if this is filed, to review same. The motion to

       reconsider those findings is denied.

           I’m also striking the amended motion filed this a.m. I’m told it is over 100

       pages. I have obviously not reviewed it. I just did a check of my email, I did not

       even receive it, but I have considered Counsel’s arguments that were raised today.

       For those reasons, that is the Court’s ruling. Thank you.”

¶ 93                                       II. ANALYSIS

¶ 94   On appeal, A.G. raises two issues. First, she alleges that the petition for adjudication of

wardship failed to state a cause of action. A.G. maintains that the trial court erred where it refused

to consider her section 2-615 motion to dismiss based on it being untimely filed. Alternatively, she

argues that she was denied the effective assistance of counsel where a timely filed motion would

have been meritorious.

¶ 95   A.G. also alleges that she was denied her statutory right to be present at the adjudicatory

and dispositional hearings in this matter where they were conducted by audio-video conference,

using an Internet-based video-conference platform, Zoom Video Communications (Zoom).

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 96   For the reasons that follow, we affirm the findings of the trial court.

¶ 97   A. Whether the Petition for Adjudication of Wardship Stated a Cause of Action

¶ 98                                   1. Standard of Review

¶ 99   Other than delinquency proceedings where the liberty of a minor is at stake, proceedings

under the Act are governed by the general rules of civil practice as expressed in the provisions of

the Code (735 ILCS 5/1-101 et seq. (West 2020)); In re Joseph J., 2020 IL App (1st) 190305, ¶ 26.

Under section 2-615 of the Code, the sufficiency of the petition may be challenged by filing a

motion to dismiss. Wilson v. County of Cook, 2012 IL 112026, ¶ 14. “The critical inquiry in

deciding a section 2-615 motion to dismiss is whether the allegations in the complaint, considered

in a light most favorable to the plaintiff, are sufficient to state a cause of action upon which relief

can be granted.” Sheffler v. Commonwealth Edison Co., 2011 IL 110166, ¶ 61.

¶ 100 A petitioner need not prove his case at the pleading stage but must allege sufficient facts

to state all the elements of the cause of action. Seals v. Rush University Medical Center, 2021 IL

App (1st) 200558, ¶ 11. In ruling on a motion to dismiss, the trial court considers only those facts

apparent from the face of the pleadings, matters of which the court may take judicial notice and

judicial admissions in the record. Pooh-Bah Enterprises, Inc. v. County of Cook, 232 Ill. 2d 463,

473 (2009). A motion to dismiss should only be granted if there is no set of facts that can be proven

under which the plaintiff is entitled to relief. Kaskaskia Land Co. v. Vandalia Levee & Drainage

District, 2019 IL App (5th) 180403, ¶ 19.

¶ 101 Issues relating to the sufficiency of pleadings raise questions of law and are reviewed

de novo. Pekin Insurance Co. v. Wilson, 237 Ill. 2d 446, 455 (2010); In re Kenneth J., 352 Ill. App.

3d 967, 973 (2004). A dismissal order may be affirmed for any basis in law or ground appearing

in the record, regardless of whether the reasons given by the trial court or its findings are correct

                                                - 25 -
No. 1-21-0824

or sound. Motorola Solutions, Inc. v. Zurich Insurance Co., 2015 IL App (1st) 131529, ¶ 104;

Dratewska-Zator v. Rutherford, 2013 IL App (1st) 122699, ¶ 16. With these general principles in

place, we now consider whether the trial court erred in refusing to consider A.G.’s claim that the

petition for adjudication of wardship failed to state a claim.

¶ 102                                    2. Relevant Facts

¶ 103 We begin with a brief discussion of the relevant facts. A.G. filed what she titled a

“Memorandum in Support of Father’s Motion to Vacate the 2-25 Order of Protection and Cross-

Motion to Dismiss.” “The nature of a motion is determined by its substance rather than its

caption.’ ” Shutkas Electric, Inc. v. Ford Motor Co., 366 Ill. App. 3d 76, 81 (2006) (quoting J.D.

Marshall International, Inc. v. First National Bank of Chicago, 272 Ill. App. 3d 883, 888 (1995)).

Strictly speaking, A.G.’s motion was not a “cross-motion” where W.S. was not seeking a

preadjudicatory dismissal of the petition. Rather, W.S.’s position was wholly antagonistic to that

of A.G., where he maintained that L.S. should be adjudged neglected based on A.G.’s actions.

W.S.’s motion was filed in anticipation of a dispositional hearing that presupposed a finding of

neglect. Put differently, W.S.’s motion sought a postadjudicatory, postdispositional closing of this

case.

¶ 104 On the other hand, A.G. sought to use W.S.’s motion as a springboard to seek a

preadjudicatory dismissal of the petition for adjudication of wardship on three distinct grounds.

A.G.’s primary argument was that the court’s decision in Z.L. supported a preadjudicatory

dismissal of the petition based on “evidence” obtained after the temporary custody hearings.

Alternatively, she maintained that the petition for adjudication of wardship should be dismissed

for failing to state a cause of action under section 2-615 or based on a defect or defense under

section 2-619.

                                                - 26 -
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 105 W.S. objected to A.G.’s request for a preadjudicatory hearing on her motion, where the

parties were ready for trial and where A.G. never served him with a copy of her supplemental

motion. The supplemental motion maintained that A.G.’s cross-motion was not untimely based on

Cook County Circuit Court Rule 2.1 (amended Aug. 1, 2000). 7 Alternatively, the supplemental

motion alleged that if the trial court determined that the cross-motion was untimely, A.G. was

deprived of the effective assistance of counsel where the motion was meritorious.

¶ 106 The trial court found that A.G. had not served W.S. with a copy of the supplemental motion

and found A.G.’s cross-motion “wasn’t timely filed.”

¶ 107                                          3. Timeliness

¶ 108 A.G. no longer relies on local rule 2.1(a) to support her claim that the trial court erred when

it refused to consider her cross-motion. She now relies on the absence of a time limitation in section

2-615 for the bringing of a motion to dismiss, as well as on the general rule that the sufficiency of

a complaint may be challenged at any time if it appears that it absolutely fails to state a cause of

action that the law will recognize. People v. Vincent, 226 Ill. 2d 1, 8-9 (2007).

¶ 109 The State correctly argues that the filing requirements for a motion challenging a pleading

in an abuse and neglect case are circumscribed by local rule. Cook County Circuit Court Rule

19A.2(B) (eff. Jan. 1, 1993) requires that “[a]n answer or motion with respect to pleadings must

be filed within twenty-one (21) days after the filing of the petition or the Rule 19A.1 Section B

        7
          Rule 2.1(a) provides: “Except in actions appearing on the daily trial call or during the course of
trial, written notice of the hearing of all motions shall be given to all parties who have appeared and have
not theretofore been found by the court to be in default for failure to plead, and to all parties whose time to
appear has not expired on the date of notice. Notice that additional relief has been sought shall be given in
accordance with Supreme Court Rule 105.” Cook County Cir. Ct. R. 2.1(a) (amended Aug. 21, 2000).

                                                    - 27 -
No. 1-21-0824

supplemental petition whichever is later. Upon motion and a showing of good cause the court may

extend the time for filing.”

¶ 110 Illinois Supreme Court Rule 21(a) (eff. Jan. 1, 2021) provides that “[a] majority of the

circuit judges in each circuit may adopt rules governing civil and criminal cases which are

consistent with these rules and the statutes of the State, and which, so far as practicable, shall be

uniform throughout the State.” “The [circuit] court may, from time to time, make all such rules for

the orderly disposition of business before them as may be deemed expedient, consistent with law.”

705 ILCS 35/28 (West 2020). In addition, under section 1-104(b) of the Code (735 ILCS 5/1-

104(b) (West 2020)), circuit courts possess inherent authority to make rules regulating their

dockets, calendars, and business, so long as those rules do not conflict with statutes or supreme

court rules. In re Marriage of Jackson, 259 Ill. App. 3d 538, 543 (1994). Local court rules are

required to be procedural in nature and cannot modify or limit the substantive law. Leonard C.

Arnold, Ltd. v. Northern Trust Co., 116 Ill. 2d 157, 167 (1987).

¶ 111 A local court rule has the force of a statute and is binding on the circuit court and parties.

Jones v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co., 2018 IL App (1st) 170710, ¶ 21. “Like

supreme court rules, local court rules are meant to be followed, as written, and are not mere

suggestions or guidelines from which deviations may be made by the litigants.” VC&M, Ltd. v.

Andrews, 2013 IL 114445, ¶ 26. The trial court has the inherent authority to control matters before

it as necessary to prevent undue delay or disruption in the proceedings. Id.

¶ 112 Here, the provisions of local rule 19A apply exclusively to abuse, neglect, and dependency

proceedings. Rule 19A.2(B) assists in implementing the overriding purpose of the Act to ensure

the “ ‘safety and moral, emotional, mental, and physical welfare’ of minors and the best interest

of the community.” In re Madison H., 215 Ill. 2d 364, 373 (2005) (quoting 705 ILCS 405/1-2(1)

                                               - 28 -
No. 1-21-0824

(West 2002), and citing In re C.N., 196 Ill. 2d 181, 209 (2001)); 705 ILCS 405/1-2 (West 2018).

The need for these sensitive matters to be handled in an expeditious fashion goes beyond the

requirements of the Act and local rule 19A and is further reflected in Illinois Supreme Court Rule

311 (eff. July 1, 2018), which mandates accelerated treatment of appeals in cases involving final

orders in child custody or allocation of parental responsibilities cases.

¶ 113 We agree with the State that the trial court’s refusal to consider A.G.’s cross-motion where

it “wasn’t timely filed” was entirely consonant with local rule 19A.2(B), where A.G. sought

dismissal of the petition for adjudication of wardship more than a year after it was filed. A.G.

neither acknowledged the applicability of the rule nor sought leave to file a motion showing good

cause for filing her motion to dismiss beyond the 21-day filing deadline.

¶ 114 A.G.’s violation of local rule 19.A.2(B) was not an inconsequential matter. Her delay was

wholly unjustified, given everything that occurred between the date the petition was filed,

December 19, 2019, and the pre-set date for the adjudicatory and dispositional hearings, March

11, 2021. By March 11, 2021, the parties had appeared in court on numerous occasions, including

the two temporary custody hearing dates when sworn testimony concerning the underlying basis

of the allegations outlined in the petition was given. The trial court properly refused to consider

A.G.’s untimely motion.

¶ 115                          4. Ineffective Assistance of Counsel

¶ 116 Next, we consider A.G.’s alternative claim that her attorney’s failure to file a timely motion

to dismiss the petition for adjudication of wardship denied her the effective assistance of counsel.

We agree with the State, the Public Guardian, and W.S. that A.G. was not denied the effective

assistance of counsel.

                                                - 29 -
No. 1-21-0824

¶ 117 Although there is no constitutional right to counsel in abuse and neglect proceedings, a

statutory right to counsel is granted under the Act. In re Br. M., 2021 IL 125969, ¶ 41. Specifically,

section 1-5(1) of the Act provides:

        “[T]he minor who is the subject of the proceeding and his parents *** have the

         right to be present, to be heard, to present evidence material to the proceedings,

         to cross-examine witnesses, to examine pertinent court files and records and

         also, although proceedings under this Act are not intended to be adversary in

         character, the right to be represented by counsel.” 705 ILCS 405/1-5(1) (West

         2018).

¶ 118 Claims of ineffective assistance of counsel in parental rights proceedings are assessed using

the test set forth in Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984). See Br. M., 2021 IL 125969,

¶ 43. As such, A.G. must show that trial counsel rendered substandard representation and that she

suffered resulting prejudice from the deficient representation. Id. If an ineffective assistance of

counsel claim can be disposed of by finding a lack of prejudice, the court need not consider whether

counsel’s performance was deficient. People v. Williams, 2017 IL App (1st) 152021, ¶ 36.

¶ 119 Here, we find that A.G. is unable to demonstrate that trial counsel’s failure to file a timely

motion to dismiss prejudiced her where such motion would have been futile. We now consider the

substance of the allegations contained in the petition for adjudication of wardship.

¶ 120                          5. The Petition Stated a Cause of Action

¶ 121 A section 2-615 motion to dismiss challenges the legal sufficiency of a complaint based on

defects apparent on its face. Marshall v. Burger King Corp., 222 Ill. 2d 422, 429 (2006). “ ‘The

essential test of the sufficiency of the complaint is whether it reasonably informs the defendant of

a valid claim under a general class of cases of which the court has jurisdiction.’ ” In re Harpman,

                                                - 30 -
No. 1-21-0824

146 Ill. App. 3d 504, 512 (1986) (quoting Skinner v. Mahomet Seymour School District No. 3, 90

Ill. App. 3d 655, 656-57 (1980)). An action should not be dismissed on the pleadings unless it is

clearly apparent from the pleadings that no set of facts can be proven that would entitle the plaintiff

to recover. Marshall, 222 Ill. 2d at 429. In ruling on the motion, the court must accept as true all

well-pleaded facts in the complaint, as well as any reasonable inferences that may arise from them.

Maglio v. Advocate Health & Hospitals Corp., 2015 IL App (2d) 140782, ¶ 19. All surplusage and

conclusory allegations are to be disregarded. Indian Harbor Insurance Co. v. City of Waukegan,

2015 IL App (2d) 140293, ¶ 12.

¶ 122 In an abuse and neglect petition, the State must allege that the minor is abused, neglected,

or dependent and, inter alia, set forth any factual allegations that form the basis for filing the

petition. 705 ILCS 405/2-13(2) (West 2018). In this case, the petition for adjudication of wardship

alleged that L.S. was a neglected or abused minor under sections 2-3(1)(a) and (b) and 2-3(2)(ii)

of the Act.

¶ 123 Section 2-3(1)(a) and (b) provide:

                “(1) Those who are neglected include:

                       (a) any minor under 18 years of age or a minor 18 years of age or

                older for whom the court has made a finding of probable cause to believe

                that the minor is abused, neglected, or dependent under subsection (1) of

                Section 2-10 prior to the minor’s 18th birthday who is not receiving the

                proper or necessary support, education as required by law, or medical or

                other remedial care recognized under State law as necessary for a minor’s

                well-being, or other care necessary for his or her well-being, including

                adequate food, clothing and shelter, or who is abandoned by his or her

                                                - 31 -
No. 1-21-0824

                parent or parents or other person or persons responsible for the minor’s

                welfare, except that a minor shall not be considered neglected for the sole

                reason that the minor’s parent or parents or other person or persons

                responsible for the minor’s welfare have left the minor in the care of an

                adult relative for any period of time, who the parent or parents or other

                person responsible for the minor’s welfare know is both a mentally

                capable adult relative and physically capable adult relative, as defined by

                this Act; or

                         (b) any minor under 18 years of age or a minor 18 years of age or

                older for whom the court has made a finding of probable cause to believe

                that the minor is abused, neglected, or dependent under subsection (1) of

                Section 2-10 prior to the minor’s 18th birthday whose environment is

                injurious to his or her welfare ***.” 705 ILCS 405/2-3(1)(a), (b) (West

                2020).

¶ 124 In pertinent part section 2-3(2)(ii) provides:

                “(2) Those who are abused include any minor under 18 years of age or a

         minor 18 years of age or older for whom the court has made a finding of probable

         cause to believe that the minor is abused, neglected, or dependent under

         subsection (1) of Section 2-10 prior to the minor’s 18th birthday whose parent

         or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the minor’s welfare,

         or any person who is in the same family or household as the minor, or any

         individual residing in the same home as the minor, or a paramour of the minor’s

         parent:

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No. 1-21-0824

                       ***

                     (ii) creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such minor by

                other than accidental means which would be likely to cause death,

                disfigurement, impairment of emotional health, or loss or impairment of

                any bodily function.” 705 ILCS 405/2-3(2)(ii) (West 2020).

¶ 125   The factual allegations forming the basis for the State’s claim were the following:

                “Mother has made multiple allegations of sexual and physical abuse against

        father and numerous paternal relatives. The minor has been evaluated numerous

        times by medical professionals with no corroboration of mother’s allegations.

        Minor has never reported that he has been abused. Mother is the only person who

        states that minor says he has been abused. Domestic Relations Court has suspended

        father’s visits pending DCFS investigation. Mother has made numerous unusual

        outbursts in court, doctor’s office and DCFS office. Mother had to be removed from

        the CAC by Chicago Police during one outburst. DCFS has requested mother do a

        psychiatric examination and mother has refused. Mother is not allowing access to

        minor. Paternity has been established.”

¶ 126 The State, the Public Guardian, and W.S. maintain that the petition sufficiently stated a

cause of action for neglect. We agree.

¶ 127 “Neglect” is the failure to exercise the level of care that is demanded by the circumstances.

In re M.D., 2021 IL App (1st) 210595, ¶ 24; In re K.B., 2012 IL App (3d) 110655, ¶ 16. The term

“neglect” has a fluid meaning that includes willful and intentional disregard of duty and varies

based on the context of surrounding circumstances. In re Arthur H., 212 Ill. 2d 441, 463 (2004).

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 128 The concept of an “injurious environment” varies with the circumstances and includes a

breach of a parent’s duty to provide a safe and nurturing shelter for their child. Id.; In re L.M., 319

Ill. App. 3d 865, 868 (2001); In re John Paul J., 343 Ill. App. 3d 865, 879 (2003).

¶ 129 Here, the substance of the petition for adjudication of wardship alleged that A.G.’s

unfounded sexual abuse allegations subjected L.S. to repeated evaluations by medical

professionals and resulted in the entry of an order of protection that denied L.S. contact with W.S.

In the course of DCFS investigating A.G.’s charges, she made multiple unusual outbursts to a

variety of people that caused DCFS to request that she be examined by a mental health expert.

A.G. refused the request. Critically, the petition also alleged that A.G. denied DCFS access to L.S.

¶ 130 In keeping with our duty to liberally construe the allegations contained in the petition for

adjudication of wardship and draw all reasonable inferences in the light most favorable to the State,

Parente & Norem, P.C. v. Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters Welfare Fund, 2021 IL App

(1st) 200340, ¶ 20, we consider the petition’s allegations in toto. The allegations were clearly

sufficient to state a cause of action for neglect.

¶ 131 A.G. objects to the Public Guardian’s claim that “the petition as a whole obviously sets

forth a fact pattern showing that [A.G.] was either fabricating the sex abuse allegations or was

mentally ill and deluded and believed that [L.S.] had been sexually abused, even after [L.S.] denied

any abuse.” A.G.’s objection is not well taken where it disregards the requirement that both the

facts as set forth in the petition and the reasonable inferences that may arise from those facts are

properly considered in deciding the sufficiency of the cause of action. Maglio, 2015 IL App (2d)

140782, ¶ 19. The Public Guardian’s characterization of the substance of the allegations made in

the petition is based on reasonable inferences that directly undercut A.G.’s claim that the petition

failed to state a cause of action.

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 132 A.G. also criticizes both the State and the Public Guardian for failing to provide legal

authority that would make her “conduct, behavior, action, inaction, or omission” legally sufficient

to state a claim of neglect or abuse as charged. A.G.’s criticism ignores the fact that, as our supreme

court has instructed, these matters are sui generis and must be decided based on their unique facts.

Arthur H., 212 Ill. 2d at 463. The nature of these cases is such that no two cases will ever present

an identical factual scenario.

¶ 133 Next, we reject A.G.’s reliance on In re Harpman, 134 Ill. App. 3d 393, 396 (1985).

Harpman does not support A.G.’s position where it is inapposite. Unlike this case, in Harpman,

the respondent was charged with neglecting the minor based on a prior version of the Act that did

not permit a charge of neglect to be based on an “injurious environment.” Id. at 396. Unlike the

version of the Act in effect in this case, an “injurious environment” could only be relied on as a

basis for alleging that a minor was abused. Id. Therefore, as a matter of law, the petition failed to

state a cause of action. Id.

¶ 134 Harpman does not stand for the proposition that a charge of neglect may not be predicated

on a parent’s failure to obtain therapeutic services in appropriate circumstances. Again, we note

that our rejection of A.G.’s claim that the petition failed to state a cause of action is based on the

totality of the allegations contained therein. Viewed as a whole, the allegations stated a proper

cause of action.

¶ 135 As a final matter, we note that A.G.’s claim of ineffective assistance of counsel is also

undermined by the fact that had trial counsel interposed a timely objection to the sufficiency of the

petition, the State would have been able to cure any alleged infirmity by amending the petition.

The Act provides:

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No. 1-21-0824

        “The court shall liberally allow the petitioner to amend the petition to set forth a

        cause of action or to add, amend, or supplement factual allegations that form the

        basis for a cause of action up until 14 days before the adjudicatory hearing. The

        petitioner may amend the petition after that date and prior to the adjudicatory

        hearing if the court grants leave to amend upon a showing of good cause. The court

        may allow amendment of the petition to conform with the evidence at any time

        prior to ruling. In all cases in which the court has granted leave to amend based on

        new evidence or new allegations, the court shall permit the respondent an adequate

        opportunity to prepare a defense to the amended petition.” 705 ILCS 405/2-13(5)

        (West 2020).

¶ 136 Indeed, it is the long-standing public policy in Illinois that the rights of minors are to be

guarded carefully. In re Tyrese J., 376 Ill. App. 3d 689, 703 (2007). In Tyrese J., the court found

that the trial court erred in disallowing the State from amending its pleadings to conform to the

evidence, although the State’s motion was untimely, and the State provided no good explanation

for waiting until the close of the evidence to seek leave to amend the petition. Id. at 702.

Nevertheless, the court determined that the trial court had an obligation to intervene when the

minor’s representative failed to protect his interests and either allow the State to correct the mistake

or amend the petition sua sponte. Id. at 704. Such action was called for to protect the minor’s

interests and harmonize with the purpose of the Act. Id.

¶ 137 We have set forth a highly detailed recitation of the evidence adduced at the various stages

of the litigation in this case because it informs our conclusion that A.G. was not denied the effective

assistance of counsel. Had counsel interposed a timely objection to the sufficiency of the petition,

the State would have had ample basis to amend the petition to reflect the additional evidence

                                                 - 36 -
No. 1-21-0824

amassed by DCFS in the course of their investigation of this matter. Moreover, under the express

terms of section 2-13(5) of the Act, if the State moved to amend the petition within 14 days of the

adjudicatory hearing, the trial court would have been required to allow the amendment. Put

differently, we do not believe that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to file a timely motion

or that A.G. was prejudiced by counsel’s failure to do so.

¶ 138 In conclusion, we find that the trial court properly declined to consider the substance of

A.G.’s section 2-615 motion to dismiss and that A.G. was not denied the effective assistance of

counsel based on trial counsel’s failure to timely file the motion.

¶ 139                  B. Whether A.G.’s Statutory Right of Presence Was Violated

                       Where the Adjudicatory and Dispositional Hearings Were

                               Conducted By Audio-Video Conference

¶ 140 A.G. also alleges that she was denied her statutory right of presence under section 1-5(1)

of the Act, where the adjudicatory and dispositional hearings were conducted by audio-video

conference, using an Internet-based video-conference platform, Zoom. The State, the Public

Guardian, and W.S. maintain that conducting the hearings in this manner did not violate A.G.’s

right of presence.

¶ 141 For the following reasons, we affirm the trial court’s ruling.

¶ 142                          1. Trial Court’s Factual Findings

¶ 143 In denying A.G.’s “Objection to Conducting the Adjudicatory Hearing by

Videoconference,” on November 17, 2020, the trial court made the following express findings of

fact:

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No. 1-21-0824

                “Thank you. All right. Again, we are in an unprecedented time. The deadly

      virus has spread worldwide. Yesterday, there were over 3,000 deaths [in] one day

      in the United States, the highest daily death toll ever.

                In Cook County alone, over 335,000 people have been infected. And over

      6,500 people have died, and many others are hospitalized.

                In the Circuit Court of Cook County, as of yesterday, 211 employees and

      17 judges working under the auspices of the Chief Judge have contracted the virus.

                And I should also mention that the bulk of those employees are people who

      work in the juvenile court complex. That number is not inclusive of the others we

      come in contact with on a daily basis, like the Clerk of the Circuit Court, the

      Sheriff’s office, and the Department of Children and Family Services, amongst

      others.

                The Illinois Supreme Court issued a policy on remote court appearances in

      civil proceedings effective May of 2020. In it, the Supreme Court recognized that

      meaningful access to court is essential to ensuring the integrity and fairness of the

      judicial process. It recognized remote appearances as beneficial, specifically with

      respect to our courts.

                The Policy states it will allow participants such as caseworkers, witnesses,

      and experts a more efficient way to provide testimony and reduce costs, provide

      caseworkers and treatment providers with time-saving measures which allow them

      to better manage their other duties and cases.

                In its order of October 27, 2020, the Court stated Illinois has been in a state

      of emergency since Governor Pritzker’s declaration on March 9, 2020, due to the

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No. 1-21-0824

      COVID-19 pandemic necessitating temporary court-imposed restrictions to

      minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the court system.

                In light of these trying times, the Chief Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook

      County in his latest order of November 23, 2020, stated that except in extraordinary

      and compelling circumstances, all matters shall be conducted by video conference.

      All judges and employees of the Court shall work remotely and conduct business

      telephonically.

                In the instant case, the petition alleges the mother made multiple allegations

      of sexual and physical abuse against the father and other paternal relatives.

                The minor was allegedly examined on multiple occasions, and mother’s

      allegations could not be corroborated. The Court, after a full hearing, sent the minor

      home under an Order of Protection to live with his father.

                The mother raises other concerns regarding the Court’s ability to judge

      credibility. Prior to the pandemic, witnesses were allowed to testify via video, and

      this Court has been able to make clear credibility determinations.

                The Court has a balancing act to perform. We are mandated to do what is in

      the best interest of the child, and to balance that against the fundamental rights of

      the parent.

                The harm is not in proceeding by way of video conference. The harm is in

      allowing a child to remain in limbo when he could be permanently returned home

      or achieve another level of permanency.

                In order to ensure all matters are handled in accordance with the guidelines

      and to address some of the concerns raised by the parent, the Court will ensure that

                                                - 39 -
No. 1-21-0824

        the party has access to a computer in the room where [her] counselor can safely

        confer.

                  The parties shall meet and confer on all exhibits seven days prior to the trial,

        shall mark and provide all agreed upon [exhibits] to the Court five days prior to

        trial.

                  The Court shall identify each person in the room for a hearing and not allow

        any unauthorized persons access. The parties shall inform all witnesses that they

        should testify in private, that they are not to review any documents or other notes

        unless authorized—while testifying, unless authorized by the Court. And they are

        not to confer with anyone on the pending matter.

                  This Court will admonish each witness of same prior the start of their

        testimony.

                  This Court will not unnecessarily expose parties to the already deadly virus.

        Mother’s motion is therefore denied.”

¶ 144                                       2. Legal Analysis

¶ 145 Section 1-5(1) of the Act provides that “the minor who is the subject of the proceeding and

[the] parents *** have the right to be present, to be heard, to present evidence material to the

proceedings, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine pertinent court files and records, and *** to

be represented by counsel.” 705 ILCS 405/1-5(1) (West 2020).

¶ 146 A.G.’s rights under section 1-5(1) are not, however, absolute. In re M.R., 316 Ill. App. 3d

399, 402 (2000).

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 147 We review questions of statutory compliance de novo. In re H.P., 2019 IL App (5th)

150302, ¶ 24. In the context of a due process challenge, this court held that whether the trial court’s

procedures in conducting a termination hearing by audio-video conference violated respondent’s

constitutional rights is reviewed de novo in In re R.L., 2021 IL App (1st) 210419, ¶ 10.

¶ 148   Illinois Supreme Court Rule 241 (eff. May 22, 2020) provides: “The court may, upon

request or on its own order, for good cause shown and upon appropriate safeguards, allow a case

participant to testify or otherwise participate in a civil trial or evidentiary hearing by video

conferencing from a remote location.”

¶ 149 The committee comments to Rule 241 provide that the court “should take into

consideration and balance any due process concerns, the ability to question witnesses, hardships

that would prevent the case participant from appearing in person, the type of case, any prejudice

to the parties if testimony occurred by video conference, and any other issues of fairness.” Ill. S.

Ct. R. 241, Committee Comment (rev. May 22, 2020).

¶ 150 Here, the trial court’s express findings of fact appropriately balanced A.G.’s request for an

in-person hearing against the harsh realities facing Cook County as a result of COVID-19. The

trial court made factual findings supporting its ruling and put measures in place to reduce the

potential difficulties that could arise from proceeding remotely. A.G.’s right of presence was not

violated.

¶ 151 Our conclusion finds direct support in In re P.S., 2021 IL App (5th) 210027, and In re

Aa.C., 2021 IL App (1st) 210639, both which rejected similar challenges to the trial court

conducting remote hearings by audio-video conferences.

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 152 In P.S., the respondent father objected to the termination hearing being conducted by video

conference via Zoom. P.S., 2021 IL App (5th) 210027, ¶ 46. The trial court denied the respondent’s

request for a continuance until an in-person hearing could be conducted. Id.

¶ 153 On appeal, the respondent claimed that the trial court denied him his right to an in-person

hearing and violated his due process right to appear personally at all stages of the proceedings. Id.

¶ 51. In assessing the respondent’s claim, the court began by recognizing that the respondent had

a fundamental liberty interest, protected by the due process clause of the fourteenth amendment,

in maintaining his relationship with his child. Id. ¶ 52. In a proceeding to terminate parental rights,

the parent’s rights included the right to be present, be heard, present evidence material to the

proceedings, and cross-examine witnesses.

¶ 154 After engaging in a detailed discussion of Rule 241 and the committee comments that

follow, the court rejected the respondent’s due process and statutory challenges to the manner in

which the termination hearing was conducted. As is relevant to the claim raised in this appeal, the

court specifically rejected the respondent’s claim that section 1-5(1) of the Act provides a parent

a statutory right to demand an in-person hearing during termination proceedings. Id. ¶ 73. The

court noted that “[w]hile Rule 241 does not specifically state that remote participation is the same

as the statutory right to be ‘present’ at a hearing, such a finding is implicit in the Rule’s provision

allowing persons to ‘participate’ remotely.” Id.

¶ 155 The court additionally found that the trial court conducted the remote hearing in a manner

that safeguarded the integrity of the proceeding and the parties’ rights. Id. ¶ 60. The court

concluded that the respondent’s right of presence was adequately protected where he was able to

testify and be heard, present evidence, and cross-examine witnesses. Id. ¶ 63.

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 156 In Aa.C., the respondent objected to the trial court conducting a hearing to terminate his

parental rights by video conference and moved to continue the proceeding until the hearing could

be held in person. Aa.C., 2021 IL App (1st) 210639, ¶ 5. The trial court denied the respondent’s

request; however, it reserved the right to continue the case mid-hearing for further in-person

proceedings, should the facts warrant such a course of action. Id. ¶ 6. At the conclusion of the

hearing, the respondent was found unfit to parent her children, and her parental rights were

ultimately terminated. Id. ¶¶ 7-8.

¶ 157 On appeal, the court considered the respondent’s claims that the remote hearing violated

her statutory right to be physically present at the trial and her due process rights. Id. ¶ 12. The court

first rejected the respondent’s due process challenge, finding that the government’s interest in

keeping the population safe and the procedural safeguards set in place by the trial outweighed any

minimal risk created by conducting the trial remotely. Id. ¶ 15.

¶ 158 Next, the court addressed the respondent’s contention that her statutory rights under section

1-5(1) were violated by conducting the trial remotely. Id. The court noted that the right of presence

is not absolute, even at a critical stage in a criminal proceeding. Thus, “[i]t naturally follows that

the same is true for termination of parental rights proceedings.” Id. ¶ 17. The court relied on the

reasoning in P.S., 2021 IL App (5th) 210027, to find that the respondent’s right of presence was

not violated by conducting her trial via Zoom. Aa.C., 2021 IL App (1st) 210639, ¶ 16.

¶ 159 While A.G.’s claim is solely based on a violation of section 1-5(1), we further note that

this court also rejected challenges to the use of remotely-conducted audio-video conferences on

due process grounds in In re R.L., 2021 IL App (1st) 210419, ¶ 13, and In re R.D., 2021 IL App

(1st) 201411, ¶ 21.

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No. 1-21-0824

¶ 160 We adopt the reasoning utilized in the prior decisions of this court in finding that A.G.’s

statutory right of presence was not violated. Her right to be present, to be heard, to present

evidence, to cross-examine witnesses, to examine pertinent court files, and to be represented by

counsel were fully protected in this case. In other words, the full panoply of rights guaranteed by

section 1-5(1) were adequately safeguarded at A.G.’s adjudicatory and dispositional hearings.

¶ 161                                  III. CONCLUSION

¶ 162 For the foregoing reasons, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

¶ 163 Affirmed.

                                              - 44 -
No. 1-21-0824

                                  No. 1-21-0824

Cite as:                 In re L.S., 2022 IL App (1st) 210824

Decision Under Review:   Appeal from the Circuit Court of Cook County, No. 19-JA-1524;
                         the Hon. Andrea Buford, Judge, presiding.

Attorneys                Sharone R. Mitchell Jr., Public Defender, of Chicago (Frank M.
for                      Adams, Assistant Public Defender, of counsel), for appellant.
Appellant:

Attorneys                Thomas M. O’Connell, of Schaumburg, for appellee B.S.
for
Appellee:                Kimberly M. Foxx, State’s Attorney, of Chicago (Enrique
                         Abraham, Gina DiVito and Brian A. Levitsky, Assistant State’s
                         Attorneys, of counsel), for the People.

                         Charles P. Golbert, Public Guardian, of Chicago (Kass A. Plain
                         and Christopher J. Williams, of counsel), for appellee.

                                       - 45 -