HB1596 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 25063 WGH 51398 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
HB1596

Introduced 1/31/2023, by Rep. Lakesia Collins

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends various Acts concerning children by: replacing certain pronouns with the nouns to which the pronouns refer; replacing certain instances of the word "biological"; changing the Independent Juvenile Ombudsman to the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson; deleting certain obsolete language; and making technical and other changes. Effective 60 days after becoming law.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning children.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Children and Family Services Act is amended by changing Sections 4b, 5, 5c, 5d, 7, 7.3, 7.3a, 7.4, 7.5, 7.8, 8, 8a, 8b, 9.3, 9.5, 17, 21, 35.5, 35.6, and 35.9 and by changing Section 5.26 (as added by Public Act 102-763) as follows:

(20 ILCS 505/4b)

Sec. 4b. Youth transitional housing programs.

(a) The Department may license youth transitional housing programs. For the purposes of this Section, "youth transitional housing program" means a program that provides shelter or housing and services to eligible homeless minors. Services provided by the youth transitional housing program may include a service assessment, individualized case management, and life skills training. The Department shall adopt rules governing the licensure of those programs.

(b) A homeless minor is eligible if:

(1) the homeless minor he or she is at least 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age;

(2) the homeless minor lacks a regular, fixed, and adequate place to live;

(3) the homeless minor is living apart from the minor's his or her parent or guardian;

(4) the homeless minor desires to participate in a licensed youth transitional housing program;

(5) a licensed youth transitional housing program is able to provide housing and services;

(6) the licensed youth transitional housing program has determined the homeless minor is eligible for the youth transitional housing program; and

(7) either the homeless minor's parent has consented to the transitional housing program or the minor has consented after:

(A) a comprehensive community based youth service agency has provided crisis intervention services to the homeless minor under Section 3-5 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the agency was unable to achieve either family reunification or an alternate living arrangement;

(B) the Department has not filed a petition alleging that the homeless minor is abused or neglected and the minor does not require placement in a residential facility, as defined by 89 Ill. Adm. Code 301.20;

(C) the youth transitional housing program or comprehensive community based youth services agency has made reasonable efforts and documented its attempts to notify the homeless minor's parent or guardian of the homeless minor's intent to enter the youth transitional housing program.

(d) If an eligible homeless minor voluntarily leaves or is dismissed from a youth transitional housing program prior to reaching the age of majority, the youth transitional housing program agency shall contact the comprehensive community based youth services agency that provided crisis intervention services to the eligible homeless minor under subdivision (b)(7)(A) of this Section to assist in finding an alternative placement for the minor. If the eligible homeless minor leaves the program before beginning services with the comprehensive community based youth service provider, then the youth transitional housing program shall notify the local law enforcement authorities and make reasonable efforts to notify the minor's parent or guardian that the minor has left the program.

(e) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to require an eligible homeless minor to acquire the consent of a parent, guardian, or custodian to consent to a youth transitional housing program. An eligible homeless minor is deemed to have the legal capacity to consent to receiving housing and services from a licensed youth transitional housing program.

(f) The purpose of this Section is to provide a means by which an eligible homeless minor may have the authority to consent, independent of the homeless minor's his or her parents or guardian, to receive housing and services as described in subsection (a) of this Section provided by a licensed youth transitional housing program that has the ability to serve the homeless minor. This Section is not intended to interfere with the integrity of the family or the rights of parents and their children. This Section does not limit or exclude any means by which a minor may become emancipated.

(Source: P.A. 100-162, eff. 1-1-18.)

(20 ILCS 505/5) (from Ch. 23, par. 5005)

Sec. 5. Direct child welfare services; Department of Children and Family Services. To provide direct child welfare services when not available through other public or private child care or program facilities.

(a) For purposes of this Section:

(1) "Children" means persons found within the State who are under the age of 18 years. The term also includes persons under age 21 who:

(A) were committed to the Department pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and who continue under the jurisdiction of the court; or

(B) were accepted for care, service and training by the Department prior to the age of 18 and whose best interest in the discretion of the Department would be served by continuing that care, service and training because of severe emotional disturbances, physical disability, social adjustment or any combination thereof, or because of the need to complete an educational or vocational training program.

(2) "Homeless youth" means persons found within the State who are under the age of 19, are not in a safe and stable living situation and cannot be reunited with their families.

(3) "Child welfare services" means public social services which are directed toward the accomplishment of the following purposes:

(A) protecting and promoting the health, safety and welfare of children, including homeless, dependent, or neglected children;

(B) remedying, or assisting in the solution of problems which may result in, the neglect, abuse, exploitation, or delinquency of children;

(C) preventing the unnecessary separation of children from their families by identifying family problems, assisting families in resolving their problems, and preventing the breakup of the family where the prevention of child removal is desirable and possible when the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health and safety;

(D) restoring to their families children who have been removed, by the provision of services to the child and the families when the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health and safety;

(E) placing children in suitable adoptive homes, in cases where restoration to the birth biological family is not safe, possible, or appropriate;

(F) assuring safe and adequate care of children away from their homes, in cases where the child cannot be returned home or cannot be placed for adoption. At the time of placement, the Department shall consider concurrent planning, as described in subsection (l-1) of this Section so that permanency may occur at the earliest opportunity. Consideration should be given so that if reunification fails or is delayed, the placement made is the best available placement to provide permanency for the child;

(G) (blank);

(H) (blank); and

(I) placing and maintaining children in facilities that provide separate living quarters for children under the age of 18 and for children 18 years of age and older, unless a child 18 years of age is in the last year of high school education or vocational training, in an approved individual or group treatment program, in a licensed shelter facility, or secure child care facility. The Department is not required to place or maintain children:

(i) who are in a foster home, or

(ii) who are persons with a developmental disability, as defined in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, or

(iii) who are female children who are pregnant, pregnant and parenting, or parenting, or

(iv) who are siblings, in facilities that provide separate living quarters for children 18 years of age and older and for children under 18 years of age.

(b) (Blank).

(c) The Department shall establish and maintain tax-supported child welfare services and extend and seek to improve voluntary services throughout the State, to the end that services and care shall be available on an equal basis throughout the State to children requiring such services.

(d) The Director may authorize advance disbursements for any new program initiative to any agency contracting with the Department. As a prerequisite for an advance disbursement, the contractor must post a surety bond in the amount of the advance disbursement and have a purchase of service contract approved by the Department. The Department may pay up to 2 months operational expenses in advance. The amount of the advance disbursement shall be prorated over the life of the contract or the remaining months of the fiscal year, whichever is less, and the installment amount shall then be deducted from future bills. Advance disbursement authorizations for new initiatives shall not be made to any agency after that agency has operated during 2 consecutive fiscal years. The requirements of this Section concerning advance disbursements shall not apply with respect to the following: payments to local public agencies for child day care services as authorized by Section 5a of this Act; and youth service programs receiving grant funds under Section 17a-4.

(e) (Blank).

(f) (Blank).

(g) The Department shall establish rules and regulations concerning its operation of programs designed to meet the goals of child safety and protection, family preservation, family reunification, and adoption, including, but not limited to:

(1) adoption;

(2) foster care;

(3) family counseling;

(4) protective services;

(5) (blank);

(6) homemaker service;

(7) return of runaway children;

(8) (blank);

(9) placement under Section 5-7 of the Juvenile Court Act or Section 2-27, 3-28, 4-25, or 5-740 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 in accordance with the federal Adoption Assistance and Child Welfare Act of 1980; and

(10) interstate services.

Rules and regulations established by the Department shall include provisions for training Department staff and the staff of Department grantees, through contracts with other agencies or resources, in screening techniques to identify substance use disorders, as defined in the Substance Use Disorder Act, approved by the Department of Human Services, as a successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, for the purpose of identifying children and adults who should be referred for an assessment at an organization appropriately licensed by the Department of Human Services for substance use disorder treatment.

(h) If the Department finds that there is no appropriate program or facility within or available to the Department for a youth in care and that no licensed private facility has an adequate and appropriate program or none agrees to accept the youth in care, the Department shall create an appropriate individualized, program-oriented plan for such youth in care. The plan may be developed within the Department or through purchase of services by the Department to the extent that it is within its statutory authority to do.

(i) Service programs shall be available throughout the State and shall include but not be limited to the following services:

(1) case management;

(2) homemakers;

(3) counseling;

(4) parent education;

(5) day care; and

(6) emergency assistance and advocacy.

In addition, the following services may be made available to assess and meet the needs of children and families:

(1) comprehensive family-based services;

(2) assessments;

(3) respite care; and

(4) in-home health services.

The Department shall provide transportation for any of the services it makes available to children or families or for which it refers children or families.

(j) The Department may provide categories of financial assistance and education assistance grants, and shall establish rules and regulations concerning the assistance and grants, to persons who adopt children with physical or mental disabilities, children who are older, or other hard-to-place children who (i) immediately prior to their adoption were youth in care or (ii) were determined eligible for financial assistance with respect to a prior adoption and who become available for adoption because the prior adoption has been dissolved and the parental rights of the adoptive parents have been terminated or because the child's adoptive parents have died. The Department may continue to provide financial assistance and education assistance grants for a child who was determined eligible for financial assistance under this subsection (j) in the interim period beginning when the child's adoptive parents died and ending with the finalization of the new adoption of the child by another adoptive parent or parents. The Department may also provide categories of financial assistance and education assistance grants, and shall establish rules and regulations for the assistance and grants, to persons appointed guardian of the person under Section 5-7 of the Juvenile Court Act or Section 2-27, 3-28, 4-25, or 5-740 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 for children who were youth in care for 12 months immediately prior to the appointment of the guardian.

The amount of assistance may vary, depending upon the needs of the child and the adoptive parents, as set forth in the annual assistance agreement. Special purpose grants are allowed where the child requires special service but such costs may not exceed the amounts which similar services would cost the Department if it were to provide or secure them as guardian of the child.

Any financial assistance provided under this subsection is inalienable by assignment, sale, execution, attachment, garnishment, or any other remedy for recovery or collection of a judgment or debt.

(j-5) The Department shall not deny or delay the placement of a child for adoption if an approved family is available either outside of the Department region handling the case, or outside of the State of Illinois.

(k) The Department shall accept for care and training any child who has been adjudicated neglected or abused, or dependent committed to it pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(l) The Department shall offer family preservation services, as defined in Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, to help families, including adoptive and extended families. Family preservation services shall be offered (i) to prevent the placement of children in substitute care when the children can be cared for at home or in the custody of the person responsible for the children's welfare, (ii) to reunite children with their families, or (iii) to maintain an adoptive placement. Family preservation services shall only be offered when doing so will not endanger the children's health or safety. With respect to children who are in substitute care pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, family preservation services shall not be offered if a goal other than those of subdivisions (A), (B), or (B-1) of subsection (2) of Section 2-28 of that Act has been set, except that reunification services may be offered as provided in paragraph (F) of subsection (2) of Section 2-28 of that Act. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to create a private right of action or claim on the part of any individual or child welfare agency, except that when a child is the subject of an action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the child's service plan calls for services to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court hearing the action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 may order the Department to provide the services set out in the plan, if those services are not provided with reasonable promptness and if those services are available.

The Department shall notify the child and the child's his family of the Department's responsibility to offer and provide family preservation services as identified in the service plan. The child and the child's his family shall be eligible for services as soon as the report is determined to be "indicated". The Department may offer services to any child or family with respect to whom a report of suspected child abuse or neglect has been filed, prior to concluding its investigation under Section 7.12 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. However, the child's or family's willingness to accept services shall not be considered in the investigation. The Department may also provide services to any child or family who is the subject of any report of suspected child abuse or neglect or may refer such child or family to services available from other agencies in the community, even if the report is determined to be unfounded, if the conditions in the child's or family's home are reasonably likely to subject the child or family to future reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Acceptance of such services shall be voluntary. The Department may also provide services to any child or family after completion of a family assessment, as an alternative to an investigation, as provided under the "differential response program" provided for in subsection (a-5) of Section 7.4 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

The Department may, at its discretion except for those children also adjudicated neglected or dependent, accept for care and training any child who has been adjudicated addicted, as a truant minor in need of supervision or as a minor requiring authoritative intervention, under the Juvenile Court Act or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, but no such child shall be committed to the Department by any court without the approval of the Department. On and after January 1, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 98-803) and before January 1, 2017, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department by any court, except (i) a minor less than 16 years of age committed to the Department under Section 5-710 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, (ii) a minor for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists, which must be defined by departmental rule, or (iii) a minor for whom the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. On and after January 1, 2017, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department by any court, except (i) a minor less than 15 years of age committed to the Department under Section 5-710 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, ii) a minor for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists, which must be defined by departmental rule, or (iii) a minor for whom the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. An independent basis exists when the allegations or adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency do not arise from the same facts, incident, or circumstances which give rise to a charge or adjudication of delinquency. The Department shall assign a caseworker to attend any hearing involving a youth in the care and custody of the Department who is placed on aftercare release, including hearings involving sanctions for violation of aftercare release conditions and aftercare release revocation hearings.

As soon as is possible after August 7, 2009 (the effective date of Public Act 96-134), the Department shall develop and implement a special program of family preservation services to support intact, foster, and adoptive families who are experiencing extreme hardships due to the difficulty and stress of caring for a child who has been diagnosed with a pervasive developmental disorder if the Department determines that those services are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the child. The Department may offer services to any family whether or not a report has been filed under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. The Department may refer the child or family to services available from other agencies in the community if the conditions in the child's or family's home are reasonably likely to subject the child or family to future reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. Acceptance of these services shall be voluntary. The Department shall develop and implement a public information campaign to alert health and social service providers and the general public about these special family preservation services. The nature and scope of the services offered and the number of families served under the special program implemented under this paragraph shall be determined by the level of funding that the Department annually allocates for this purpose. The term "pervasive developmental disorder" under this paragraph means a neurological condition, including, but not limited to, Asperger's Syndrome and autism, as defined in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of the American Psychiatric Association.

(l-1) The General Assembly legislature recognizes that the best interests of the child require that the child be placed in the most permanent living arrangement as soon as is practically possible. To achieve this goal, the General Assembly legislature directs the Department of Children and Family Services to conduct concurrent planning so that permanency may occur at the earliest opportunity. Permanent living arrangements may include prevention of placement of a child outside the home of the family when the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health or safety; reunification with the family, when safe and appropriate, if temporary placement is necessary; or movement of the child toward the most permanent living arrangement and permanent legal status.

When determining reasonable efforts to be made with respect to a child, as described in this subsection, and in making such reasonable efforts, the child's health and safety shall be the paramount concern.

When a child is placed in foster care, the Department shall ensure and document that reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the need to remove the child from the child's home. The Department must make reasonable efforts to reunify the family when temporary placement of the child occurs unless otherwise required, pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. At any time after the dispositional hearing where the Department believes that further reunification services would be ineffective, it may request a finding from the court that reasonable efforts are no longer appropriate. The Department is not required to provide further reunification services after such a finding.

A decision to place a child in substitute care shall be made with considerations of the child's health, safety, and best interests. At the time of placement, consideration should also be given so that if reunification fails or is delayed, the placement made is the best available placement to provide permanency for the child.

The Department shall adopt rules addressing concurrent planning for reunification and permanency. The Department shall consider the following factors when determining appropriateness of concurrent planning:

(1) the likelihood of prompt reunification;

(2) the past history of the family;

(3) the barriers to reunification being addressed by the family;

(4) the level of cooperation of the family;

(5) the foster parents' willingness to work with the family to reunite;

(6) the willingness and ability of the foster family to provide an adoptive home or long-term placement;

(7) the age of the child;

(8) placement of siblings.

(m) The Department may assume temporary custody of any child if:

(1) it has received a written consent to such temporary custody signed by the parents of the child or by the parent having custody of the child if the parents are not living together or by the guardian or custodian of the child if the child is not in the custody of either parent, or

(2) the child is found in the State and neither a parent, guardian nor custodian of the child can be located.

If the child is found in the child's his or her residence without a parent, guardian, custodian, or responsible caretaker, the Department may, instead of removing the child and assuming temporary custody, place an authorized representative of the Department in that residence until such time as a parent, guardian, or custodian enters the home and expresses a willingness and apparent ability to ensure the child's health and safety and resume permanent charge of the child, or until a relative enters the home and is willing and able to ensure the child's health and safety and assume charge of the child until a parent, guardian, or custodian enters the home and expresses such willingness and ability to ensure the child's safety and resume permanent charge. After a caretaker has remained in the home for a period not to exceed 12 hours, the Department must follow those procedures outlined in Section 2-9, 3-11, 4-8, or 5-415 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

The Department shall have the authority, responsibilities and duties that a legal custodian of the child would have pursuant to subsection (9) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Whenever a child is taken into temporary custody pursuant to an investigation under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, or pursuant to a referral and acceptance under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 of a minor in limited custody, the Department, during the period of temporary custody and before the child is brought before a judicial officer as required by Section 2-9, 3-11, 4-8, or 5-415 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, shall have the authority, responsibilities and duties that a legal custodian of the child would have under subsection (9) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

The Department shall ensure that any child taken into custody is scheduled for an appointment for a medical examination.

A parent, guardian, or custodian of a child in the temporary custody of the Department who would have custody of the child if the child he were not in the temporary custody of the Department may deliver to the Department a signed request that the Department surrender the temporary custody of the child. The Department may retain temporary custody of the child for 10 days after the receipt of the request, during which period the Department may cause to be filed a petition pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. If a petition is so filed, the Department shall retain temporary custody of the child until the court orders otherwise. If a petition is not filed within the 10-day period, the child shall be surrendered to the custody of the requesting parent, guardian, or custodian not later than the expiration of the 10-day period, at which time the authority and duties of the Department with respect to the temporary custody of the child shall terminate.

(m-1) The Department may place children under 18 years of age in a secure child care facility licensed by the Department that cares for children who are in need of secure living arrangements for their health, safety, and well-being after a determination is made by the facility director and the Director or the Director's designate prior to admission to the facility subject to Section 2-27.1 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. This subsection (m-1) does not apply to a child who is subject to placement in a correctional facility operated pursuant to Section 3-15-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections, unless the child is a youth in care who was placed in the care of the Department before being subject to placement in a correctional facility and a court of competent jurisdiction has ordered placement of the child in a secure care facility.

(n) The Department may place children under 18 years of age in licensed child care facilities when in the opinion of the Department, appropriate services aimed at family preservation have been unsuccessful and cannot ensure the child's health and safety or are unavailable and such placement would be for their best interest. Payment for board, clothing, care, training and supervision of any child placed in a licensed child care facility may be made by the Department, by the parents or guardians of the estates of those children, or by both the Department and the parents or guardians, except that no payments shall be made by the Department for any child placed in a licensed child care facility for board, clothing, care, training and supervision of such a child that exceed the average per capita cost of maintaining and of caring for a child in institutions for dependent or neglected children operated by the Department. However, such restriction on payments does not apply in cases where children require specialized care and treatment for problems of severe emotional disturbance, physical disability, social adjustment, or any combination thereof and suitable facilities for the placement of such children are not available at payment rates within the limitations set forth in this Section. All reimbursements for services delivered shall be absolutely inalienable by assignment, sale, attachment, or garnishment or otherwise.

(n-1) The Department shall provide or authorize child welfare services, aimed at assisting minors to achieve sustainable self-sufficiency as independent adults, for any minor eligible for the reinstatement of wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, whether or not such reinstatement is sought or allowed, provided that the minor consents to such services and has not yet attained the age of 21. The Department shall have responsibility for the development and delivery of services under this Section. An eligible youth may access services under this Section through the Department of Children and Family Services or by referral from the Department of Human Services. Youth participating in services under this Section shall cooperate with the assigned case manager in developing an agreement identifying the services to be provided and how the youth will increase skills to achieve self-sufficiency. A homeless shelter is not considered appropriate housing for any youth receiving child welfare services under this Section. The Department shall continue child welfare services under this Section to any eligible minor until the minor becomes 21 years of age, no longer consents to participate, or achieves self-sufficiency as identified in the minor's service plan. The Department of Children and Family Services shall create clear, readable notice of the rights of former foster youth to child welfare services under this Section and how such services may be obtained. The Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Human Services shall disseminate this information statewide. The Department shall adopt regulations describing services intended to assist minors in achieving sustainable self-sufficiency as independent adults.

(o) The Department shall establish an administrative review and appeal process for children and families who request or receive child welfare services from the Department. Youth in care who are placed by private child welfare agencies, and foster families with whom those youth are placed, shall be afforded the same procedural and appeal rights as children and families in the case of placement by the Department, including the right to an initial review of a private agency decision by that agency. The Department shall ensure that any private child welfare agency, which accepts youth in care for placement, affords those rights to children and foster families. The Department shall accept for administrative review and an appeal hearing a complaint made by (i) a child or foster family concerning a decision following an initial review by a private child welfare agency or (ii) a prospective adoptive parent who alleges a violation of subsection (j-5) of this Section. An appeal of a decision concerning a change in the placement of a child shall be conducted in an expedited manner. A court determination that a current foster home placement is necessary and appropriate under Section 2-28 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 does not constitute a judicial determination on the merits of an administrative appeal, filed by a former foster parent, involving a change of placement decision.

(p) (Blank).

(q) The Department may receive and use, in their entirety, for the benefit of children any gift, donation, or bequest of money or other property which is received on behalf of such children, or any financial benefits to which such children are or may become entitled while under the jurisdiction or care of the Department, except that the benefits described in Section 5.46 must be used and conserved consistent with the provisions under Section 5.46.

The Department shall set up and administer no-cost, interest-bearing accounts in appropriate financial institutions for children for whom the Department is legally responsible and who have been determined eligible for Veterans' Benefits, Social Security benefits, assistance allotments from the armed forces, court ordered payments, parental voluntary payments, Supplemental Security Income, Railroad Retirement payments, Black Lung benefits, or other miscellaneous payments. Interest earned by each account shall be credited to the account, unless disbursed in accordance with this subsection.

In disbursing funds from children's accounts, the Department shall:

(1) Establish standards in accordance with State and federal laws for disbursing money from children's accounts. In all circumstances, the Department's "Guardianship Administrator" or the Guardianship Administrator's his or her designee must approve disbursements from children's accounts. The Department shall be responsible for keeping complete records of all disbursements for each account for any purpose.

(2) Calculate on a monthly basis the amounts paid from State funds for the child's board and care, medical care not covered under Medicaid, and social services; and utilize funds from the child's account, as covered by regulation, to reimburse those costs. Monthly, disbursements from all children's accounts, up to 1/12 of $13,000,000, shall be deposited by the Department into the General Revenue Fund and the balance over 1/12 of $13,000,000 into the DCFS Children's Services Fund.

(3) Maintain any balance remaining after reimbursing for the child's costs of care, as specified in item (2). The balance shall accumulate in accordance with relevant State and federal laws and shall be disbursed to the child or the child's his or her guardian, or to the issuing agency.

(r) The Department shall promulgate regulations encouraging all adoption agencies to voluntarily forward to the Department or its agent names and addresses of all persons who have applied for and have been approved for adoption of a hard-to-place child or child with a disability and the names of such children who have not been placed for adoption. A list of such names and addresses shall be maintained by the Department or its agent, and coded lists which maintain the confidentiality of the person seeking to adopt the child and of the child shall be made available, without charge, to every adoption agency in the State to assist the agencies in placing such children for adoption. The Department may delegate to an agent its duty to maintain and make available such lists. The Department shall ensure that such agent maintains the confidentiality of the person seeking to adopt the child and of the child.

(s) The Department of Children and Family Services may establish and implement a program to reimburse Department and private child welfare agency foster parents licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services for damages sustained by the foster parents as a result of the malicious or negligent acts of foster children, as well as providing third party coverage for such foster parents with regard to actions of foster children to other individuals. Such coverage will be secondary to the foster parent liability insurance policy, if applicable. The program shall be funded through appropriations from the General Revenue Fund, specifically designated for such purposes.

(t) The Department shall perform home studies and investigations and shall exercise supervision over visitation as ordered by a court pursuant to the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act or the Adoption Act only if:

(1) an order entered by an Illinois court specifically directs the Department to perform such services; and

(2) the court has ordered one or both of the parties to the proceeding to reimburse the Department for its reasonable costs for providing such services in accordance with Department rules, or has determined that neither party is financially able to pay.

The Department shall provide written notification to the court of the specific arrangements for supervised visitation and projected monthly costs within 60 days of the court order. The Department shall send to the court information related to the costs incurred except in cases where the court has determined the parties are financially unable to pay. The court may order additional periodic reports as appropriate.

(u) In addition to other information that must be provided, whenever the Department places a child with a prospective adoptive parent or parents, in a licensed foster home, group home, or child care institution, or in a relative home, the Department shall provide to the prospective adoptive parent or parents or other caretaker:

(1) available detailed information concerning the child's educational and health history, copies of immunization records (including insurance and medical card information), a history of the child's previous placements, if any, and reasons for placement changes excluding any information that identifies or reveals the location of any previous caretaker;

(2) a copy of the child's portion of the client service plan, including any visitation arrangement, and all amendments or revisions to it as related to the child; and

(3) information containing details of the child's individualized educational plan when the child is receiving special education services.

The caretaker shall be informed of any known social or behavioral information (including, but not limited to, criminal background, fire setting, perpetuation of sexual abuse, destructive behavior, and substance abuse) necessary to care for and safeguard the children to be placed or currently in the home. The Department may prepare a written summary of the information required by this paragraph, which may be provided to the foster or prospective adoptive parent in advance of a placement. The foster or prospective adoptive parent may review the supporting documents in the child's file in the presence of casework staff. In the case of an emergency placement, casework staff shall at least provide known information verbally, if necessary, and must subsequently provide the information in writing as required by this subsection.

The information described in this subsection shall be provided in writing. In the case of emergency placements when time does not allow prior review, preparation, and collection of written information, the Department shall provide such information as it becomes available. Within 10 business days after placement, the Department shall obtain from the prospective adoptive parent or parents or other caretaker a signed verification of receipt of the information provided. Within 10 business days after placement, the Department shall provide to the child's guardian ad litem a copy of the information provided to the prospective adoptive parent or parents or other caretaker. The information provided to the prospective adoptive parent or parents or other caretaker shall be reviewed and approved regarding accuracy at the supervisory level.

(u-5) Effective July 1, 1995, only foster care placements licensed as foster family homes pursuant to the Child Care Act of 1969 shall be eligible to receive foster care payments from the Department. Relative caregivers who, as of July 1, 1995, were approved pursuant to approved relative placement rules previously promulgated by the Department at 89 Ill. Adm. Code 335 and had submitted an application for licensure as a foster family home may continue to receive foster care payments only until the Department determines that they may be licensed as a foster family home or that their application for licensure is denied or until September 30, 1995, whichever occurs first.

(v) The Department shall access criminal history record information as defined in the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act and information maintained in the adjudicatory and dispositional record system as defined in Section 2605-355 of the Illinois State Police Law if the Department determines the information is necessary to perform its duties under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, the Child Care Act of 1969, and the Children and Family Services Act. The Department shall provide for interactive computerized communication and processing equipment that permits direct on-line communication with the Illinois State Police's central criminal history data repository. The Department shall comply with all certification requirements and provide certified operators who have been trained by personnel from the Illinois State Police. In addition, one Office of the Inspector General investigator shall have training in the use of the criminal history information access system and have access to the terminal. The Department of Children and Family Services and its employees shall abide by rules and regulations established by the Illinois State Police relating to the access and dissemination of this information.

(v-1) Prior to final approval for placement of a child, the Department shall conduct a criminal records background check of the prospective foster or adoptive parent, including fingerprint-based checks of national crime information databases. Final approval for placement shall not be granted if the record check reveals a felony conviction for child abuse or neglect, for spousal abuse, for a crime against children, or for a crime involving violence, including rape, sexual assault, or homicide, but not including other physical assault or battery, or if there is a felony conviction for physical assault, battery, or a drug-related offense committed within the past 5 years.

(v-2) Prior to final approval for placement of a child, the Department shall check its child abuse and neglect registry for information concerning prospective foster and adoptive parents, and any adult living in the home. If any prospective foster or adoptive parent or other adult living in the home has resided in another state in the preceding 5 years, the Department shall request a check of that other state's child abuse and neglect registry.

(w) Within 120 days of August 20, 1995 (the effective date of Public Act 89-392), the Department shall prepare and submit to the Governor and the General Assembly, a written plan for the development of in-state licensed secure child care facilities that care for children who are in need of secure living arrangements for their health, safety, and well-being. For purposes of this subsection, secure care facility shall mean a facility that is designed and operated to ensure that all entrances and exits from the facility, a building or a distinct part of the building, are under the exclusive control of the staff of the facility, whether or not the child has the freedom of movement within the perimeter of the facility, building, or distinct part of the building. The plan shall include descriptions of the types of facilities that are needed in Illinois; the cost of developing these secure care facilities; the estimated number of placements; the potential cost savings resulting from the movement of children currently out-of-state who are projected to be returned to Illinois; the necessary geographic distribution of these facilities in Illinois; and a proposed timetable for development of such facilities.

(x) The Department shall conduct annual credit history checks to determine the financial history of children placed under its guardianship pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The Department shall conduct such credit checks starting when a youth in care turns 12 years old and each year thereafter for the duration of the guardianship as terminated pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The Department shall determine if financial exploitation of the child's personal information has occurred. If financial exploitation appears to have taken place or is presently ongoing, the Department shall notify the proper law enforcement agency, the proper State's Attorney, or the Attorney General.

(y) Beginning on July 22, 2010 (the effective date of Public Act 96-1189), a child with a disability who receives residential and educational services from the Department shall be eligible to receive transition services in accordance with Article 14 of the School Code from the age of 14.5 through age 21, inclusive, notwithstanding the child's residential services arrangement. For purposes of this subsection, "child with a disability" means a child with a disability as defined by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004.

(z) The Department shall access criminal history record information as defined as "background information" in this subsection and criminal history record information as defined in the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act for each Department employee or Department applicant. Each Department employee or Department applicant shall submit the employee's or applicant's his or her fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the fingerprint records now and hereafter filed in the Illinois State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history record check, which shall be deposited into the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the record check. The Illinois State Police shall furnish, pursuant to positive identification, all Illinois conviction information to the Department of Children and Family Services.

For purposes of this subsection:

"Background information" means all of the following:

(i) Upon the request of the Department of Children and Family Services, conviction information obtained from the Illinois State Police as a result of a fingerprint-based criminal history records check of the Illinois criminal history records database and the Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records database concerning a Department employee or Department applicant.

(ii) Information obtained by the Department of Children and Family Services after performing a check of the Illinois State Police's Sex Offender Database, as authorized by Section 120 of the Sex Offender Community Notification Law, concerning a Department employee or Department applicant.

(iii) Information obtained by the Department of Children and Family Services after performing a check of the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System (CANTS) operated and maintained by the Department.

"Department employee" means a full-time or temporary employee coded or certified within the State of Illinois Personnel System.

"Department applicant" means an individual who has conditional Department full-time or part-time work, a contractor, an individual used to replace or supplement staff, an academic intern, a volunteer in Department offices or on Department contracts, a work-study student, an individual or entity licensed by the Department, or an unlicensed service provider who works as a condition of a contract or an agreement and whose work may bring the unlicensed service provider into contact with Department clients or client records.

(Source: P.A. 101-13, eff. 6-12-19; 101-79, eff. 7-12-19; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-1014, eff. 5-27-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/5c)

Sec. 5c. Direct child welfare service employee license.

(a) By January 1, 2000, the Department, in consultation with private child welfare agencies, shall develop and implement a direct child welfare service employee license. By January 1, 2001 all child protective investigators and supervisors and child welfare specialists and supervisors employed by the Department or its contractors shall be required to demonstrate sufficient knowledge and skills to obtain and maintain the license. The Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board of the Department shall have the authority to revoke or suspend the license of anyone who after a hearing is found to be guilty of misfeasance. The Department shall promulgate such rules as necessary to implement this Section.

(b) If a direct child welfare service employee licensee is expected to transport a child or children with a motor vehicle in the course of performing the direct child welfare service employee licensee's his or her duties, the Department must verify that the licensee meets the requirements set forth in Section 5.1 of the Child Care Act of 1969. The Department must make that verification as to each such licensee every 2 years. Upon the Department's request, the Secretary of State shall provide the Department with the information necessary to enable the Department to make the verifications required under this subsection. If the Department discovers that a direct child welfare service employee licensee has engaged in transporting a child or children with a motor vehicle without having a valid driver's license, the Department shall immediately revoke the individual's direct child welfare service employee license.

(c) On or before January 1, 2000, and every year thereafter, the Department shall submit an annual report to the General Assembly on the implementation of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-943, eff. 1-1-07.)

(20 ILCS 505/5d)

Sec. 5d. The Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board.

(a) For purposes of this Section:

(1) "Board" means the Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board.

(2) "Director" means the Director of Children and Family Services.

(b) The Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board is created within the Department of Children and Family Services and shall consist of 9 members appointed by the Director. The Director shall annually designate a chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Board. The membership of the Board must be composed as follows: (i) 5 licensed professionals from the field of human services with a human services, juris doctor, medical, public administration, or other relevant human services degree and who are in good standing within their profession, at least 2 of which must be employed in the private not-for-profit sector and at least one of which in the public sector; (ii) 2 faculty members of an accredited university who have child welfare experience and are in good standing within their profession and (iii) 2 members of the general public who are not licensed under this Act or a similar rule and will represent consumer interests.

In making the first appointments, the Director shall appoint 3 members to serve for a term of one year, 3 members to serve for a term of 2 years, and 3 members to serve for a term of 3 years, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. Their successors shall be appointed to serve 3-year terms, or until their successors are appointed and qualified. Appointments to fill unexpired vacancies shall be made in the same manner as original appointments. No member may be reappointed if a reappointment would cause that member to serve on the Board for longer than 6 consecutive years. Board membership must have reasonable representation from different geographic areas of Illinois, and all members must be residents of this State.

The Director may terminate the appointment of any member for good cause, including but not limited to (i) unjustified absences from Board meetings or other failure to meet Board responsibilities, (ii) failure to recuse oneself himself or herself when required by subsection (c) of this Section or Department rule, or (iii) failure to maintain the professional position required by Department rule. No member of the Board may have a pending or indicated report of child abuse or neglect or a pending complaint or criminal conviction of any of the offenses set forth in paragraph (b) of Section 4.2 of the Child Care Act of 1969.

The members of the Board shall receive no compensation for the performance of their duties as members, but each member shall be reimbursed for the member's his or her reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the Board.

(c) The Board shall make recommendations to the Director regarding licensure rules. Board members must recuse themselves from sitting on any matter involving an employee of a child welfare agency at which the Board member is an employee or contractual employee. The Board shall make a final determination concerning revocation, suspension, or reinstatement of an employee's direct child welfare service license after a hearing conducted under the Department's rules. Upon notification of the manner of the vote to all the members, votes on a final determination may be cast in person, by telephonic or electronic means, or by mail at the discretion of the chairperson. A simple majority of the members appointed and serving is required when Board members vote by mail or by telephonic or electronic means. A majority of the currently appointed and serving Board members constitutes a quorum. A majority of a quorum is required when a recommendation is voted on during a Board meeting. A vacancy in the membership of the Board shall not impair the right of a quorum to perform all the duties of the Board. Board members are not personally liable in any action based upon a disciplinary proceeding or otherwise for any action taken in good faith as a member of the Board.

(d) The Director may assign Department employees to provide staffing services to the Board. The Department must promulgate any rules necessary to implement and administer the requirements of this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-45, eff. 1-1-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/5.26)

Sec. 5.26. Foster children; exit interviews.

(a) Unless clinically contraindicated, the Department shall ensure that an exit interview is conducted with every child age 5 and over who leaves a foster home.

(1) The interview shall be conducted by a caseworker, mental health provider, or clinician from the Department's Division of Clinical Practice.

(2) The interview shall be conducted within 5 days of the child's removal from the home.

(3) The interviewer shall comply with the provisions of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act if the child discloses abuse or neglect as defined by that Act.

(4) The interviewer shall immediately inform the licensing agency if the child discloses any information that would constitute a potential licensing violation.

(5) Documentation of the interview shall be (i) maintained in the foster parent's licensing file, (ii) maintained in the child's case file, (iii) included in the service plan for the child, and (iv) and provided to the child's guardian ad litem and attorney appointed under Section 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(6) The determination that an interview in compliance with this Section is clinically contraindicated shall be made by the caseworker, in consultation with the child's mental health provider, if any, and the caseworker's supervisor. If the child does not have a mental health provider, the caseworker shall request a consultation with the Department's Division of Clinical Practice regarding whether an interview is clinically contraindicated. The decision and the basis for the decision shall be documented in writing and shall be (i) maintained in the foster parent's licensing file, (ii) maintained in the child's case file, and (iii) attached as part of the service plan for the child.

(7) The information gathered during the interview shall be dependent on the age and maturity of the child and the circumstances of the child's removal. The interviewer's observations and any information relevant to understanding the child's responses shall be recorded on the interview form. At a minimum, the interview shall address the following areas:

(A) How the child's basic needs were met in the home: who prepared food and was there sufficient food; whether the child had appropriate clothing; sleeping arrangements; supervision appropriate to the child's age and special needs; was the child enrolled in school; and did the child receive the support needed to complete the child's his or her school work.

(B) Access to caseworker, therapist, or guardian ad litem: whether the child was able to contact these professionals and how.

(C) Safety and comfort in the home: how did the child feel in the home; was the foster parent affirming of the child's identity; did anything happen that made the child happy; did anything happen that was scary or sad; what happened when the child did something the child he or she should not have done; if relevant, how does the child think the foster parent felt about the child's family of origin, including parents and siblings; and was the foster parent supportive of the permanency goal.

(D) Normalcy: whether the child felt included in the family; whether the child participated in extracurricular activities; whether the foster parent participated in planning for the child, including child and family team meetings and school meetings.

(b) The Department shall develop procedures, including an interview form, no later than January 1, 2023, to implement this Section.

(c) Beginning July 1, 2023 and quarterly thereafter, the Department shall post on its webpage a report summarizing the details of the exit interviews.

(Source: P.A. 102-763, eff. 1-1-23; revised 12-19-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/7) (from Ch. 23, par. 5007)

Sec. 7. Placement of children; considerations.

(a) In placing any child under this Act, the Department shall place the child, as far as possible, in the care and custody of some individual holding the same religious belief as the parents of the child, or with some child care facility which is operated by persons of like religious faith as the parents of such child.

(a-5) In placing a child under this Act, the Department shall place the child with the child's sibling or siblings under Section 7.4 of this Act unless the placement is not in each child's best interest, or is otherwise not possible under the Department's rules. If the child is not placed with a sibling under the Department's rules, the Department shall consider placements that are likely to develop, preserve, nurture, and support sibling relationships, where doing so is in each child's best interest.

(b) In placing a child under this Act, the Department may place a child with a relative if the Department determines that the relative will be able to adequately provide for the child's safety and welfare based on the factors set forth in the Department's rules governing relative placements, and that the placement is consistent with the child's best interests, taking into consideration the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

When the Department first assumes custody of a child, in placing that child under this Act, the Department shall make reasonable efforts to identify, locate, and provide notice to all adult grandparents and other adult relatives of the child who are ready, willing, and able to care for the child. At a minimum, these efforts shall be renewed each time the child requires a placement change and it is appropriate for the child to be cared for in a home environment. The Department must document its efforts to identify, locate, and provide notice to such potential relative placements and maintain the documentation in the child's case file.

If the Department determines that a placement with any identified relative is not in the child's best interests or that the relative does not meet the requirements to be a relative caregiver, as set forth in Department rules or by statute, the Department must document the basis for that decision and maintain the documentation in the child's case file.

If, pursuant to the Department's rules, any person files an administrative appeal of the Department's decision not to place a child with a relative, it is the Department's burden to prove that the decision is consistent with the child's best interests.

When the Department determines that the child requires placement in an environment, other than a home environment, the Department shall continue to make reasonable efforts to identify and locate relatives to serve as visitation resources for the child and potential future placement resources, except when the Department determines that those efforts would be futile or inconsistent with the child's best interests.

If the Department determines that efforts to identify and locate relatives would be futile or inconsistent with the child's best interests, the Department shall document the basis of its determination and maintain the documentation in the child's case file.

If the Department determines that an individual or a group of relatives are inappropriate to serve as visitation resources or possible placement resources, the Department shall document the basis of its determination and maintain the documentation in the child's case file.

When the Department determines that an individual or a group of relatives are appropriate to serve as visitation resources or possible future placement resources, the Department shall document the basis of its determination, maintain the documentation in the child's case file, create a visitation or transition plan, or both, and incorporate the visitation or transition plan, or both, into the child's case plan. For the purpose of this subsection, any determination as to the child's best interests shall include consideration of the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

The Department may not place a child with a relative, with the exception of certain circumstances which may be waived as defined by the Department in rules, if the results of a check of the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS) identifies a prior criminal conviction of the relative or any adult member of the relative's household for any of the following offenses under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012:

(1) murder;

(1.1) solicitation of murder;

(1.2) solicitation of murder for hire;

(1.3) intentional homicide of an unborn child;

(1.4) voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child;

(1.5) involuntary manslaughter;

(1.6) reckless homicide;

(1.7) concealment of a homicidal death;

(1.8) involuntary manslaughter of an unborn child;

(1.9) reckless homicide of an unborn child;

(1.10) drug-induced homicide;

(2) a sex offense under Article 11, except offenses described in Sections 11-7, 11-8, 11-12, 11-13, 11-35, 11-40, and 11-45;

(3) kidnapping;

(3.1) aggravated unlawful restraint;

(3.2) forcible detention;

(3.3) aiding and abetting child abduction;

(4) aggravated kidnapping;

(5) child abduction;

(6) aggravated battery of a child as described in Section 12-4.3 or subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05;

(7) criminal sexual assault;

(8) aggravated criminal sexual assault;

(8.1) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child;

(9) criminal sexual abuse;

(10) aggravated sexual abuse;

(11) heinous battery as described in Section 12-4.1 or subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05;

(12) aggravated battery with a firearm as described in Section 12-4.2 or subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), or (e)(4) of Section 12-3.05;

(13) tampering with food, drugs, or cosmetics;

(14) drug-induced infliction of great bodily harm as described in Section 12-4.7 or subdivision (g)(1) of Section 12-3.05;

(15) aggravated stalking;

(16) home invasion;

(17) vehicular invasion;

(18) criminal transmission of HIV;

(19) criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person or person with a disability as described in Section 12-21 or subsection (b) of Section 12-4.4a;

(20) child abandonment;

(21) endangering the life or health of a child;

(22) ritual mutilation;

(23) ritualized abuse of a child;

(24) an offense in any other state the elements of which are similar and bear a substantial relationship to any of the foregoing offenses.

For the purpose of this subsection, "relative" shall include any person, 21 years of age or over, other than the parent, who (i) is currently related to the child in any of the following ways by blood or adoption: grandparent, sibling, great-grandparent, parent's sibling, sibling's child uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, first cousin, second cousin, godparent, or grandparent's sibling great-uncle, or great-aunt; or (ii) is the spouse of such a relative; or (iii) is the child's step-parent step-father, step-mother, or adult step-sibling step-brother or step-sister; or (iv) is a fictive kin; "relative" also includes a person related in any of the foregoing ways to a sibling of a child, even though the person is not related to the child, when the child and the child's its sibling are placed together with that person. For children who have been in the guardianship of the Department, have been adopted, and are subsequently returned to the temporary custody or guardianship of the Department, a "relative" may also include any person who would have qualified as a relative under this paragraph prior to the adoption, but only if the Department determines, and documents, that it would be in the child's best interests to consider this person a relative, based upon the factors for determining best interests set forth in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. A relative with whom a child is placed pursuant to this subsection may, but is not required to, apply for licensure as a foster family home pursuant to the Child Care Act of 1969; provided, however, that as of July 1, 1995, foster care payments shall be made only to licensed foster family homes pursuant to the terms of Section 5 of this Act.

Notwithstanding any other provision under this subsection to the contrary, a fictive kin with whom a child is placed pursuant to this subsection shall apply for licensure as a foster family home pursuant to the Child Care Act of 1969 within 6 months of the child's placement with the fictive kin. The Department shall not remove a child from the home of a fictive kin on the basis that the fictive kin fails to apply for licensure within 6 months of the child's placement with the fictive kin, or fails to meet the standard for licensure. All other requirements established under the rules and procedures of the Department concerning the placement of a child, for whom the Department is legally responsible, with a relative shall apply. By June 1, 2015, the Department shall promulgate rules establishing criteria and standards for placement, identification, and licensure of fictive kin.

For purposes of this subsection, "fictive kin" means any individual, unrelated by birth or marriage, who:

(i) is shown to have significant and close personal or emotional ties with the child or the child's family prior to the child's placement with the individual; or

(ii) is the current foster parent of a child in the custody or guardianship of the Department pursuant to this Act and the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, if the child has been placed in the home for at least one year and has established a significant and family-like relationship with the foster parent, and the foster parent has been identified by the Department as the child's permanent connection, as defined by Department rule.

The provisions added to this subsection (b) by Public Act 98-846 shall become operative on and after June 1, 2015.

(c) In placing a child under this Act, the Department shall ensure that the child's health, safety, and best interests are met. In rejecting placement of a child with an identified relative, the Department shall ensure that the child's health, safety, and best interests are met. In evaluating the best interests of the child, the Department shall take into consideration the factors set forth in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

The Department shall consider the individual needs of the child and the capacity of the prospective foster or adoptive parents to meet the needs of the child. When a child must be placed outside the child's his or her home and cannot be immediately returned to the child's his or her parents or guardian, a comprehensive, individualized assessment shall be performed of that child at which time the needs of the child shall be determined. Only if race, color, or national origin is identified as a legitimate factor in advancing the child's best interests shall it be considered. Race, color, or national origin shall not be routinely considered in making a placement decision. The Department shall make special efforts for the diligent recruitment of potential foster and adoptive families that reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of the children for whom foster and adoptive homes are needed. "Special efforts" shall include contacting and working with community organizations and religious organizations and may include contracting with those organizations, utilizing local media and other local resources, and conducting outreach activities.

(c-1) At the time of placement, the Department shall consider concurrent planning, as described in subsection (l-1) of Section 5, so that permanency may occur at the earliest opportunity. Consideration should be given so that if reunification fails or is delayed, the placement made is the best available placement to provide permanency for the child. To the extent that doing so is in the child's best interests as set forth in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Department should consider placements that will permit the child to maintain a meaningful relationship with the child's his or her parents.

(d) The Department may accept gifts, grants, offers of services, and other contributions to use in making special recruitment efforts.

(e) The Department in placing children in adoptive or foster care homes may not, in any policy or practice relating to the placement of children for adoption or foster care, discriminate against any child or prospective adoptive or foster parent on the basis of race.

(Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15; 99-340, eff. 1-1-16; 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 99-836, eff. 1-1-17; 100-101, eff. 8-11-17.)

(20 ILCS 505/7.3)

Sec. 7.3. Placement plan. The Department shall develop and implement a written plan for placing children. The plan shall include at least the following features:

(1) A plan for recruiting minority adoptive and foster families. The plan shall include strategies for using existing resources in minority communities, use of minority outreach staff whenever possible, use of minority foster homes for placements after birth and before adoption, and other techniques as appropriate.

(2) A plan for training adoptive and foster families of minority children.

(3) A plan for employing social workers in adoption and foster care. The plan shall include staffing goals and objectives.

(4) A plan for ensuring that adoption and foster care workers attend training offered or approved by the Department regarding the State's goal of encouraging cultural diversity and the needs of special needs children.

(5) A plan that includes policies and procedures for determining for each child requiring placement outside of the child's his or her home, and who cannot be immediately returned to the child's his or her parents or guardian, the placement needs of that child. In the rare instance when an individualized assessment identifies, documents, and substantiates that race, color, or national origin is a factor that needs to be considered in advancing a particular child's best interests, it shall be considered in making a placement.

(Source: P.A. 92-334, eff. 8-10-01.)

(20 ILCS 505/7.3a)

Sec. 7.3a. Normalcy parenting for children in foster care; participation in childhood activities.

(a) Legislative findings.

(1) Every day parents make important decisions about their child's participation in extracurricular activities. Caregivers for children in out-of-home care are faced with making the same decisions.

(2) When a caregiver makes decisions, the caregiver he or she must consider applicable laws, rules, and regulations to safeguard the health, safety, and best interests of a child in out-of-home care.

(3) Participation in extracurricular activities is important to a child's well-being, not only emotionally, but also in developing valuable life skills.

(4) The General Assembly recognizes the importance of making every effort to normalize the lives of children in out-of-home care and to empower a caregiver to approve or not approve a child's participation in appropriate extracurricular activities based on the caregiver's own assessment using the reasonable and prudent parent standard, without prior approval of the Department, the caseworker, or the court.

(5) Nothing in this Section shall be presumed to discourage or diminish the engagement of families and guardians in the child's life activities.

(b) Definitions. As used in this Section:

"Appropriate activities" means activities or items that are generally accepted as suitable for children of the same chronological age or developmental level of maturity. Appropriateness is based on the development of cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral capacity that is typical for an age or age group, taking into account the individual child's cognitive, emotional, physical, and behavioral development.

"Caregiver" means a person with whom the child is placed in out-of-home care or a designated official for child care facilities licensed by the Department as defined in the Child Care Act of 1969.

"Reasonable and prudent parent standard" means the standard characterized by careful and sensible parental decisions that maintain the child's health, safety, and best interests while at the same time supporting the child's emotional and developmental growth that a caregiver shall use when determining whether to allow a child in out-of-home care to participate in extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities.

(c) Requirements for decision-making.

(1) Each child who comes into the care and custody of the Department is fully entitled to participate in appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities in a manner that allows that child to participate in the child's his or her community to the fullest extent possible.

(2) Caregivers must use the reasonable and prudent parent standard in determining whether to give permission for a child in out-of-home care to participate in appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. Caregivers are expected to promote and support a child's participation in such activities. When using the reasonable and prudent parent standard, the caregiver shall consider:

(A) the child's age, maturity, and developmental level to promote the overall health, safety, and best interests of the child;

(B) the best interest of the child based on information known by the caregiver;

(C) the importance and fundamental value of encouraging the child's emotional and developmental growth gained through participation in activities in the child's his or her community;

(D) the importance and fundamental value of providing the child with the most family-like living experience possible; and

(E) the behavioral history of the child and the child's ability to safely participate in the proposed activity.

(3) A caregiver is not liable for harm caused to a child in out-of-home care who participates in an activity approved by the caregiver, provided that the caregiver has acted as a reasonable and prudent parent in permitting the child to engage in the activity.

(c-5) No youth in care shall be required to store the youth's his or her belongings in plastic bags or in similar forms of disposable containers, including, but not limited to, trash bags, paper or plastic shopping bags, or pillow cases when relocating from one placement type to another placement type or when discharged from the custody or guardianship of the Department. The Department shall ensure that each youth in care has appropriate baggage and other items to store the youth's his or her belongings when moving through the State's child welfare system. As used in this subsection, "purchase of service agency" means any entity that contracts with the Department to provide services that are consistent with the purposes of this Act.

(d) Rulemaking. The Department shall adopt, by rule, procedures no later than June 1, 2017 that promote and protect the ability of children to participate in appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities.

(e) The Department shall ensure that every youth in care who is entering the youth's his or her final year of high school has completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid form, if applicable, or an application for State financial aid on or after October 1, but no later than November 1, of the youth's final year of high school.

(Source: P.A. 102-70, eff. 1-1-22; 102-545, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/7.4)

Sec. 7.4. Development and preservation of sibling relationships for children in care; placement of siblings; contact among siblings placed apart.

(a) Purpose and policy. The General Assembly recognizes that sibling relationships are unique and essential for a person, but even more so for children who are removed from the care of their families and placed in the State child welfare system. When family separation occurs through State intervention, every effort must be made to preserve, support and nurture sibling relationships when doing so is in the best interest of each sibling. It is in the interests of foster children who are part of a sibling group to enjoy contact with one another, as long as the contact is in each child's best interest. This is true both while the siblings are in State care and after one or all of the siblings leave State care through adoption, guardianship, or aging out.

(b) Definitions. For purposes of this Section:

(1) Whenever a best interest determination is required by this Section, the Department shall consider the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the Department's rules regarding Sibling Placement, 89 Ill. Adm. 111. Admin. Code 301.70 and Sibling Visitation, 89 Ill. Adm. 111. Admin. Code 301.220, and the Department's rules regarding Placement Selection Criteria, 89 Ill. Adm. 111. Admin. Code 301.60.

(2) "Adopted child" means a child who, immediately preceding the adoption, was in the custody or guardianship of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(3) "Adoptive parent" means a person who has become a parent through the legal process of adoption.

(4) "Child" means a person in the temporary custody or guardianship of the Department who is under the age of 21.

(5) "Child placed in private guardianship" means a child who, immediately preceding the guardianship, was in the custody or guardianship of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act.

(6) "Contact" may include, but is not limited to visits, telephone calls, letters, sharing of photographs or information, e-mails, video conferencing, and other form of communication or contact.

(7) "Legal guardian" means a person who has become the legal guardian of a child who, immediately prior to the guardianship, was in the custody or guardianship of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(8) "Parent" means the child's mother or father who is named as the respondent in proceedings conducted under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(9) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact" means contact between siblings following the entry of a Judgment Order for Adoption under Section 14 of the Adoption Act regarding at least one sibling or an Order for Guardianship appointing a private guardian under Section 2-27 or the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, regarding at least one sibling. Post Permanency Sibling Contact may include, but is not limited to, visits, telephone calls, letters, sharing of photographs or information, emails, video conferencing, and other forms form of communication or connection agreed to by the parties to a Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement.

(10) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement" means a written agreement between the adoptive parent or parents, the child, and the child's sibling regarding post permanency contact between the adopted child and the child's sibling, or a written agreement between the legal guardians, the child, and the child's sibling regarding post permanency contact between the child placed in guardianship and the child's sibling. The Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement may specify the nature and frequency of contact between the adopted child or child placed in guardianship and the child's sibling following the entry of the Judgment Order for Adoption or Order for Private Guardianship. The Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement may be supported by services as specified in this Section. The Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement is voluntary on the part of the parties to the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement and is not a requirement for finalization of the child's adoption or guardianship. The Post Permanency Sibling Contract Agreement shall not be enforceable in any court of law or administrative forum and no cause of action shall be brought to enforce the Agreement. When entered into, the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement shall be placed in the child's Post Adoption or Guardianship case record and in the case file of a sibling who is a party to the agreement and who remains in the Department's custody or guardianship.

(11) "Sibling Contact Support Plan" means a written document that sets forth the plan for future contact between siblings who are in the Department's care and custody and residing separately. The goal of the Support Plan is to develop or preserve and nurture the siblings' relationships. The Support Plan shall set forth the role of the foster parents, caregivers, and others in implementing the Support Plan. The Support Plan must meet the minimum standards regarding frequency of in-person visits provided for in Department rule.

(12) "Siblings" means children who share at least one parent in common. This definition of siblings applies solely for purposes of placement and contact under this Section. For purposes of this Section, children who share at least one parent in common continue to be siblings after their parent's parental rights are terminated, if parental rights were terminated while a petition under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 was pending. For purposes of this Section, children who share at least one parent in common continue to be siblings after a sibling is adopted or placed in private guardianship when the adopted child or child placed in private guardianship was in the Department's custody or guardianship under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 immediately prior to the adoption or private guardianship. For children who have been in the guardianship of the Department under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, have been adopted, and are subsequently returned to the temporary custody or guardianship of the Department under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, "siblings" includes a person who would have been considered a sibling prior to the adoption and siblings through adoption.

(c) No later than January 1, 2013, the Department shall promulgate rules addressing the development and preservation of sibling relationships. The rules shall address, at a minimum:

(1) Recruitment, licensing, and support of foster parents willing and capable of either fostering sibling groups or supporting and being actively involved in planning and executing sibling contact for siblings placed apart. The rules shall address training for foster parents, licensing workers, placement workers, and others as deemed necessary.

(2) Placement selection for children who are separated from their siblings and how to best promote placements of children with foster parents or programs that can meet the children's needs, including the need to develop and maintain contact with siblings.

(3) State-supported guidance to siblings who have aged out of state care regarding positive engagement with siblings.

(4) Implementation of Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreements for children exiting State care, including services offered by the Department to encourage and assist parties in developing agreements, services offered by the Department post permanency to support parties in implementing and maintaining agreements, and including services offered by the Department post permanency to assist parties in amending agreements as necessary to meet the needs of the children.

(5) Services offered by the Department for children who exited foster care prior to the availability of Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreements, to invite willing parties to participate in a facilitated discussion, including, but not limited to, a mediation or joint team decision-making meeting, to explore sibling contact.

(d) The Department shall develop a form to be provided to youth entering care and exiting care explaining their rights and responsibilities related to sibling visitation while in care and post permanency.

(e) Whenever a child enters care or requires a new placement, the Department shall consider the development and preservation of sibling relationships.

(1) This subsection applies when a child entering care or requiring a change of placement has siblings who are in the custody or guardianship of the Department. When a child enters care or requires a new placement, the Department shall examine its files and other available resources and determine whether a sibling of that child is in the custody or guardianship of the Department. If the Department determines that a sibling is in its custody or guardianship, the Department shall then determine whether it is in the best interests of each of the siblings for the child needing placement to be placed with the sibling. If the Department determines that it is in the best interest of each sibling to be placed together, and the sibling's foster parent is able and willing to care for the child needing placement, the Department shall place the child needing placement with the sibling. A determination that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed with a sibling shall be made in accordance with Department rules, and documented in the file of each sibling.

(2) This subsection applies when a child who is entering care has siblings who have been adopted or placed in private guardianship. When a child enters care, the Department shall examine its files and other available resources, including consulting with the child's parents, to determine whether a sibling of the child was adopted or placed in private guardianship from State care. The Department shall determine, in consultation with the child's parents, whether it would be in the child's best interests to explore placement with the adopted sibling or sibling in guardianship. Unless the parent objects, if the Department determines it is in the child's best interest to explore the placement, the Department shall contact the adoptive parents or guardians of the sibling, determine whether they are willing to be considered as placement resources for the child, and, if so, determine whether it is in the best interests of the child to be placed in the home with the sibling. If the Department determines that it is in the child's best interests to be placed in the home with the sibling, and the sibling's adoptive parents or guardians are willing and capable, the Department shall make the placement. A determination that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed with a sibling shall be made in accordance with Department rule, and documented in the child's file.

(3) This subsection applies when a child in Department custody or guardianship requires a change of placement, and the child has siblings who have been adopted or placed in private guardianship. When a child in care requires a new placement, the Department may consider placing the child with the adoptive parent or guardian of a sibling under the same procedures and standards set forth in paragraph (2) of this subsection.

(4) When the Department determines it is not in the best interest of one or more siblings to be placed together the Department shall ensure that the child requiring placement is placed in a home or program where the caregiver is willing and able to be actively involved in supporting the sibling relationship to the extent doing so is in the child's best interest.

(f) When siblings in care are placed in separate placements, the Department shall develop a Sibling Contact Support Plan. The Department shall convene a meeting to develop the Support Plan. The meeting shall include, at a minimum, the case managers for the siblings, the foster parents or other care providers if a child is in a non-foster home placement and the child, when developmentally and clinically appropriate. The Department shall make all reasonable efforts to promote the participation of the foster parents. Parents whose parental rights are intact shall be invited to the meeting. Others, such as therapists and mentors, shall be invited as appropriate. The Support Plan shall set forth future contact and visits between the siblings to develop or preserve, and nurture the siblings' relationships. The Support Plan shall set forth the role of the foster parents and caregivers and others in implementing the Support Plan. The Support Plan must meet the minimum standards regarding frequency of in-person visits provided for in Department rule. The Support Plan will be incorporated in the child's service plan and reviewed at each administrative case review. The Support Plan should be modified if one of the children moves to a new placement, or as necessary to meet the needs of the children. The Sibling Contact Support Plan for a child in care may include siblings who are not in the care of the Department, with the consent and participation of that child's parent or guardian.

(g) By January 1, 2013, the Department shall develop a registry so that placement information regarding adopted siblings and siblings in private guardianship is readily available to Department and private agency caseworkers responsible for placing children in the Department's care. When a child is adopted or placed in private guardianship from foster care the Department shall inform the adoptive parents or guardians that they may be contacted in the future regarding placement of or contact with siblings subsequently requiring placement.

(h) When a child is in need of an adoptive placement, the Department shall examine its files and other available resources and attempt to determine whether a sibling of the child has been adopted or placed in private guardianship after being in the Department's custody or guardianship. If the Department determines that a sibling of the child has been adopted or placed in private guardianship, the Department shall make a good faith effort to locate the adoptive parents or guardians of the sibling and inform them of the availability of the child for adoption. The Department may determine not to inform the adoptive parents or guardians of a sibling of a child that the child is available for adoption only for a reason permitted under criteria adopted by the Department by rule, and documented in the child's case file. If a child available for adoption has a sibling who has been adopted or placed in guardianship, and the adoptive parents or guardians of that sibling apply to adopt the child, the Department shall consider them as adoptive applicants for the adoption of the child. The Department's final decision as to whether it will consent to the adoptive parents or guardians of a sibling being the adoptive parents of the child shall be based upon the welfare and best interest of the child. In arriving at its decision, the Department shall consider all relevant factors, including, but not limited to:

(1) the wishes of the child;

(2) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the applicant to adopt the child;

(3) the child's need for stability and continuity of relationship with parent figures;

(4) the child's adjustment to the child's his or her present home, school, and community;

(5) the mental and physical health of all individuals involved;

(6) the family ties between the child and the child's relatives, including siblings;

(7) the background, age, and living arrangements of the applicant to adopt the child;

(8) a criminal background report of the applicant to adopt the child.

If placement of the child available for adoption with the adopted sibling or sibling in private guardianship is not feasible, but it is in the child's best interest to develop a relationship with the child's his or her sibling, the Department shall invite the adoptive parents, guardian, or guardians for a mediation or joint team decision-making meeting to facilitate a discussion regarding future sibling contact.

(i) Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. When a child in the Department's care has a permanency goal of adoption or private guardianship, and the Department is preparing to finalize the adoption or guardianship, the Department shall convene a meeting with the pre-adoptive parent or prospective guardian and the case manager for the child being adopted or placed in guardianship and the foster parents and case managers for the child's siblings, and others as applicable. The children should participate as is developmentally appropriate. Others, such as therapists and mentors, may participate as appropriate. At the meeting the Department shall encourage the parties to discuss sibling contact post permanency. The Department may assist the parties in drafting a Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement.

(1) Parties to the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement shall include:

(A) The adoptive parent or parents or guardian.

(B) The child's sibling or siblings, parents or guardians.

(C) The child.

(2) Consent of child 14 and over. The written consent of a child age 14 and over to the terms and conditions of the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement and subsequent modifications is required.

(3) In developing this Agreement, the Department shall encourage the parties to consider the following factors:

(A) the physical and emotional safety and welfare of the child;

(B) the child's wishes;

(C) the interaction and interrelationship of the child with the child's sibling or siblings who would be visiting or communicating with the child, including:

(i) the quality of the relationship between the child and the sibling or siblings, and

(ii) the benefits and potential harms to the child in allowing the relationship or relationships to continue or in ending them;

(D) the child's sense of attachments to the birth sibling or siblings and adoptive family, including:

(i) the child's sense of being valued;

(ii) the child's sense of familiarity; and

(iii) continuity of affection for the child; and

(E) other factors relevant to the best interest of the child.

(4) In considering the factors in paragraph (3) of this subsection, the Department shall encourage the parties to recognize the importance to a child of developing a relationship with siblings including siblings with whom the child does not yet have a relationship; and the value of preserving family ties between the child and the child's siblings, including:

(A) the child's need for stability and continuity of relationships with siblings, and

(B) the importance of sibling contact in the development of the child's identity.

(5) Modification or termination of Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. The parties to the agreement may modify or terminate the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. If the parties cannot agree to modification or termination, they may request the assistance of the Department of Children and Family Services or another agency identified and agreed upon by the parties to the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement. Any and all terms may be modified by agreement of the parties. Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreements may also be modified to include contact with siblings whose whereabouts were unknown or who had not yet been born when the Judgment Order for Adoption or Order for Private Guardianship was entered.

(6) Adoptions and private guardianships finalized prior to the effective date of amendatory Act. Nothing in this Section prohibits the parties from entering into a Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement if the adoption or private guardianship was finalized prior to the effective date of this Section. If the Agreement is completed and signed by the parties, the Department shall include the Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement in the child's Post Adoption or Private Guardianship case record and in the case file of siblings who are parties to the agreement who are in the Department's custody or guardianship.

(Source: P.A. 97-1076, eff. 8-24-12; 98-463, eff. 8-16-13; revised 2-28-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/7.5)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 102-825)

Sec. 7.5. Notice of post-adoption reunion services.

(a) For purposes of this Section, "post-adoption reunion services" means services provided by the Department to facilitate contact between adoptees and their siblings when one or more is still in the Department's care or adopted elsewhere, with the notarized consent of the adoptive parents of a minor child, when such contact has been established to be necessary to the adoptee's best interests and when all involved parties, including the adoptive parent of a child under 21 years of age, have provided written consent for such contact.

(b) The Department shall provide to all adoptive parents of children receiving monthly adoption assistance under subsection (j) of Section 5 of this Act a notice that includes a description of the Department's post-adoption reunion services and an explanation of how to access those services. The notice to adoptive parents shall be provided at least once per year until such time as the adoption assistance payments cease.

The Department shall also provide to all youth in care, within 30 days after their 18th birthday, the notice described in this Section.

(c) The Department shall adopt a rule regarding the provision of search and reunion services to youth in care and former youth in care.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 102-825)

Sec. 7.5. Search and reunion services for youth in care and former youth in care.

(a) For purposes of this Section, "search and reunion services" means:

(1) services provided by the Department to facilitate contact between adoptees and their siblings when one or more is still in the Department's care or adopted elsewhere, with the notarized consent of the adoptive parents of a minor child, when such contact has been established to be necessary to the adoptee's best interests and when all involved parties, including the adoptive parent of a former youth in care under 18 years of age, have provided written consent for such contact;

(2) services provided by the Department to facilitate contact between current or former youth in care, over the age of 18, including, but not limited to, youth who were adopted, to facilitate contact with siblings, birth biological relatives, former foster parents, or former foster siblings.

(b) The Department shall provide to all adoptive parents of children receiving monthly adoption assistance under subsection (j) of Section 5 of this Act a notice that includes a description of the Department's post-adoption reunion services and an explanation of how to access those services. The notice to adoptive parents shall be provided at least once per year until such time as the adoption assistance payments cease.

(b-5) The Department shall provide a notice that includes a description of the Department's search and reunion services and an explanation of how to access those services to each person who is a youth in care within 30 days after the youth's 18th birthday and within 30 days prior to closure of the youth's case pending under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 if the case is closing after the youth's 18th birthday. The Department shall work with organizations, such as the Foster Care Alumni of America Illinois Chapter, that have contact with foster care alumni, to distribute information about the Department's search and reunion services.

(c) The Department shall adopt a rule regarding the provision of search and reunion services to youth in care and former youth in care.

(Source: P.A. 102-825, eff. 7-1-23.)

(20 ILCS 505/7.8)

Sec. 7.8. Home safety checklist; aftercare services; immunization checks.

(a) As used in this Section, "purchase of service agency" means any entity that contracts with the Department to provide services that are consistent with the purposes of this Act.

(b) Whenever a child is placed in the custody or guardianship of the Department or a child is returned to the custody of a parent or guardian and the court retains jurisdiction of the case, the Department must ensure that the child is up to date on the child's his or her well-child visits, including age-appropriate immunizations, or that there is a documented religious or medical reason the child did not receive the immunizations.

(c) Whenever a child has been placed in foster or substitute care by court order and the court later determines that the child can return to the custody of the child's his or her parent or guardian, the Department must complete, prior to the child's discharge from foster or substitute care, a home safety checklist to ensure that the conditions of the child's home are sufficient to ensure the child's safety and well-being, as defined in Department rules and procedures. At a minimum, the home safety checklist shall be completed within 24 hours prior to the child's return home and completed again or recertified in the absence of any environmental barriers or hazards within 5 working days after a child is returned home and every month thereafter until the child's case is closed pursuant to the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The home safety checklist shall include a certification that there are no environmental barriers or hazards to prevent returning the child home.

(d) When a court determines that a child should return to the custody or guardianship of a parent or guardian, any aftercare services provided to the child and the child's family by the Department or a purchase of service agency shall commence on the date upon which the child is returned to the custody or guardianship of the child's his or her parent or guardian. If children are returned to the custody of a parent at different times, the Department or purchase of service agency shall provide a minimum of 6 months of aftercare services to each child commencing on the date each individual child is returned home.

(e) One year after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the Auditor General shall commence a performance audit of the Department of Children and Family Services to determine whether the Department is meeting the requirements of this Section. Within 2 years after the audit's release, the Auditor General shall commence a follow-up performance audit to determine whether the Department has implemented the recommendations contained in the initial performance audit. Upon completion of each audit, the Auditor General shall report its findings to the General Assembly. The Auditor General's reports shall include any issues or deficiencies and recommendations. The audits required by this Section shall be in accordance with and subject to the Illinois State Auditing Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-237, eff. 1-1-20.)

(20 ILCS 505/8) (from Ch. 23, par. 5008)

Sec. 8. Scholarships and fee waivers; tuition waiver.

(a) Each year the Department shall select a minimum of 53 students (at least 4 of whom shall be children of veterans) to receive scholarships and fee waivers which will enable them to attend and complete their post-secondary education at a community college, university, or college. Youth shall be selected from among the youth for whom the Department has court-ordered legal responsibility, youth who aged out of care at age 18 or older, or youth formerly under care who have been adopted or who have been placed in private guardianship. Recipients must have earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution or a State of Illinois High School Diploma or diploma or have met the State criteria for high school graduation before the start of the school year for which they are applying for the scholarship and waiver. Scholarships and fee waivers shall be available to students for at least 5 years, provided they are continuing to work toward graduation. Unused scholarship dollars and fee waivers shall be reallocated to new recipients. No later than January 1, 2015, the Department shall promulgate rules identifying the criteria for "continuing to work toward graduation" and for reallocating unused scholarships and fee waivers. Selection shall be made on the basis of several factors, including, but not limited to, scholastic record, aptitude, and general interest in higher education. The selection committee shall include at least 2 individuals formerly under the care of the Department who have completed their post-secondary education. In accordance with this Act, tuition scholarships and fee waivers shall be available to such students at any university or college maintained by the State of Illinois. The Department shall provide maintenance and school expenses, except tuition and fees, during the academic years to supplement the students' earnings or other resources so long as they consistently maintain scholastic records which are acceptable to their schools and to the Department. Students may attend other colleges and universities, if scholarships are awarded to them, and receive the same benefits for maintenance and other expenses as those students attending any Illinois State community college, university, or college under this Section. Beginning with recipients receiving scholarships and waivers in August 2014, the Department shall collect data and report annually to the General Assembly on measures of success, including (i) the number of youth applying for and receiving scholarships or waivers, (ii) the percentage of scholarship or waiver recipients who complete their college or university degree within 5 years, (iii) the average length of time it takes for scholarship or waiver recipients to complete their college or university degree, (iv) the reasons that scholarship or waiver recipients are discharged or fail to complete their college or university degree, (v) when available, youths' outcomes 5 years and 10 years after being awarded the scholarships or waivers, and (vi) budget allocations for maintenance and school expenses incurred by the Department.

(b) Youth shall receive a tuition and fee waiver to assist them in attending and completing their post-secondary education at any community college, university, or college maintained by the State of Illinois if they are youth for whom the Department has court-ordered legal responsibility, youth who aged out of care at age 18 or older, or youth formerly under care who have been adopted and were the subject of an adoption assistance agreement or who have been placed in private guardianship and were the subject of a subsidized guardianship agreement.

To receive a waiver under this subsection, an applicant must:

(1) have earned a high school diploma from an accredited institution or a State of Illinois High School Diploma or have met the State criteria for high school graduation before the start of the school year for which the applicant is applying for the waiver;

(2) enroll in a qualifying post-secondary education before the applicant reaches the age of 26; and

(3) apply for federal and State grant assistance by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

The community college or public university that an applicant attends must waive any tuition and fee amounts that exceed the amounts paid to the applicant under the federal Pell Grant Program or the State's Monetary Award Program.

Tuition and fee waivers shall be available to a student for at least the first 5 years the student is enrolled in a community college, university, or college maintained by the State of Illinois so long as the student makes satisfactory progress toward completing the student's his or her degree. The age requirement and 5-year cap on tuition and fee waivers under this subsection shall be waived and eligibility for tuition and fee waivers shall be extended for any applicant or student who the Department determines was unable to enroll in a qualifying post-secondary school or complete an academic term because the applicant or student: (i) was called into active duty with the United States Armed Forces; (ii) was deployed for service in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; or (iii) volunteered in the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps. The Department shall extend eligibility for a qualifying applicant or student by the total number of months or years during which the applicant or student served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces, was deployed for service in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, or volunteered in the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps. The number of months an applicant or student served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces shall be rounded up to the next higher year to determine the maximum length of time to extend eligibility for the applicant or student.

The Department may provide the student with a stipend to cover maintenance and school expenses, except tuition and fees, during the academic years to supplement the student's earnings or other resources so long as the student consistently maintains scholastic records which are acceptable to the student's school and to the Department.

The Department shall develop outreach programs to ensure that youths who qualify for the tuition and fee waivers under this subsection who are high school students in grades 9 through 12 or who are enrolled in a high school equivalency testing program are aware of the availability of the tuition and fee waivers.

(c) Subject to appropriation, the Department shall provide eligible youth an apprenticeship stipend to cover those costs associated with entering and sustaining through completion an apprenticeship, including, but not limited to fees, tuition for classes, work clothes, rain gear, boots, and occupation-specific tools. The following youth may be eligible for the apprenticeship stipend provided under this subsection: youth for whom the Department has court-ordered legal responsibility; youth who aged out of care at age 18 or older; or youth formerly under care who have been adopted and were the subject of an adoption assistance agreement or who have been placed in private guardianship and were the subject of a subsidized guardianship agreement.

To receive a stipend under this subsection, an applicant must:

(1) be enrolled in an apprenticeship training program approved or recognized by the Illinois Department of Employment Security or an apprenticeship program approved by the United States Department of Labor;

(2) not be a recipient of a scholarship or fee waiver under subsection (a) or (b); and

(3) be under the age of 26 before enrolling in a qualified apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeship stipends shall be available to an eligible youth for a maximum of 5 years after the youth enrolls in a qualifying apprenticeship program so long as the youth makes satisfactory progress toward completing the youth's his or her apprenticeship. The age requirement and 5-year cap on the apprenticeship stipend provided under this subsection shall be extended for any applicant who the Department determines was unable to enroll in a qualifying apprenticeship program because the applicant: (i) was called into active duty with the United States Armed Forces; (ii) was deployed for service in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; or (iii) volunteered in the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps. The Department shall extend eligibility for a qualifying applicant by the total number of months or years during which the applicant served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces, was deployed for service in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, or volunteered in the Peace Corps or the AmeriCorps. The number of months an applicant served on active duty with the United States Armed Forces shall be rounded up to the next higher year to determine the maximum length of time to extend eligibility for the applicant.

The Department shall develop outreach programs to ensure that youths who qualify for the apprenticeship stipends under this subsection who are high school students in grades 9 through 12 or who are enrolled in a high school equivalency testing program are aware of the availability of the apprenticeship stipend.

(Source: P.A. 101-558, eff. 1-1-20; 102-1100, eff. 1-1-23; revised 12-8-22.)

(20 ILCS 505/8a) (from Ch. 23, par. 5008a)

Sec. 8a. No otherwise qualified child with a disability receiving special education and related services under Article 14 of The School Code shall solely by reason of the child's his or her disability be excluded from the participation in or be denied the benefits of or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by the Department.

The Department, or its authorized agent, shall ensure that a copy of a student's then current individualized education program (IEP) is provided to the school district in which the student is newly placed by the Department. Upon receipt of the IEP, the new school district shall review it and place the student in a special education program in accordance with that described in the IEP. The Department shall consult with the State Board of Education in the development of necessary rules and regulations to implement this provision.

(Source: P.A. 87-372.)

(20 ILCS 505/8b) (from Ch. 23, par. 5008b)

Sec. 8b. No homeless person eligible to receive benefits or services from the Department shall, by reason of the homeless person's his or her status as a homeless person, be excluded from participation in, be denied benefits under or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity provided by the Department.

(Source: P.A. 84-1277.)

(20 ILCS 505/9.3) (from Ch. 23, par. 5009.3)

Sec. 9.3. Declarations by Parents and Guardians. Information requested of parents and guardians shall be submitted on forms or questionnaires prescribed by the Department or units of local government as the case may be and shall contain a written declaration to be signed by the parent or guardian in substantially the following form:

"I declare under penalties of perjury that I have examined this form or questionnaire and all accompanying statements or documents pertaining to my income, or any other matter having bearing upon my status and ability to provide payment for care and training of my child, and to the best of my knowledge and belief the information supplied is true, correct, and complete".

A person who makes and subscribes a form or questionnaire which contains, as herein above provided, a written declaration that it is made under the penalties of perjury, knowing it to be false, incorrect or incomplete, in respect to any material statement or representative bearing upon the parent's or guardian's his status as a parent or guardian, or upon the parent's or guardian's his income, resources, or other matter concerning the parent's or guardian's his ability to provide parental payment, shall be subject to the penalties for perjury provided for in Section 32-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

Parents who refuse to provide such information after three written requests from the Department will be liable for the full cost of care provided, from the commencement of such care until the required information is received.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(20 ILCS 505/9.5) (from Ch. 23, par. 5009.5)

Sec. 9.5. Notice of Parental Payments Due. When the Department has determined that a parent or guardian is liable for payment for care and support of the parent's or guardian's his children, the parent or guardian shall be notified by mailing the parent or guardian him a copy of the determination by mail, advising the parent or guardian him of the parent's or guardian's his legal obligation to make payments for such period or periods of time, definite in duration or indefinite, as the circumstances required. The notice shall direct payment as provided in Section 9.6.

Within 30 days after receipt of a payment notice, the parents may appeal the assessment amount if the data used in determining the amount is inaccurate or incomplete. Parents may also appeal the assessment at any time on the basis of changes in their circumstances which render inaccurate information on which the assessment is based. If the changes requested in a parental appeal are granted, the Department may modify its assessment retroactively to the appropriate date and adjust any amount in arrears accordingly.

(Source: P.A. 83-1037.)

(20 ILCS 505/17) (from Ch. 23, par. 5017)

Sec. 17. Youth and Community Services Program. The Department of Human Services shall develop a State program for youth and community services which will assure that youth who come into contact or may come into contact with the child welfare and the juvenile justice systems will have access to needed community, prevention, diversion, emergency and independent living services. The term "youth" means a person under the age of 19 years. The term "homeless youth" means a youth who cannot be reunited with the youth's his or her family and is not in a safe and stable living situation. This Section shall not be construed to require the Department of Human Services to provide services under this Section to any homeless youth who is at least 18 years of age but is younger than 19 years of age; however, the Department may, in its discretion, provide services under this Section to any such homeless youth.

(a) The goals of the program shall be to:

(1) maintain children and youths in their own community;

(2) eliminate unnecessary categorical funding of programs by funding more comprehensive and integrated programs;

(3) encourage local volunteers and voluntary associations in developing programs aimed at preventing and controlling juvenile delinquency;

(4) address voids in services and close service gaps;

(5) develop program models aimed at strengthening the relationships between youth and their families and aimed at developing healthy, independent lives for homeless youth;

(6) contain costs by redirecting funding to more comprehensive and integrated community-based services; and

(7) coordinate education, employment, training and other programs for youths with other State agencies.

(b) The duties of the Department under the program shall be to:

(1) design models for service delivery by local communities;

(2) test alternative systems for delivering youth services;

(3) develop standards necessary to achieve and maintain, on a statewide basis, more comprehensive and integrated community-based youth services;

(4) monitor and provide technical assistance to local boards and local service systems;

(5) assist local organizations in developing programs which address the problems of youths and their families through direct services, advocacy with institutions, and improvement of local conditions; and

(6) develop a statewide adoption awareness campaign aimed at pregnant teenagers.

(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(20 ILCS 505/21) (from Ch. 23, par. 5021)

Sec. 21. Investigative powers; training.

(a) To make such investigations as it may deem necessary to the performance of its duties.

(b) In the course of any such investigation any qualified person authorized by the Director may administer oaths and secure by its subpoena both the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of books and papers relevant to such investigation. Any person who is served with a subpoena by the Department to appear and testify or to produce books and papers, in the course of an investigation authorized by law, and who refuses or neglects to appear, or to testify, or to produce books and papers relevant to such investigation, as commanded in such subpoena, shall be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. The fees of witnesses for attendance and travel shall be the same as the fees of witnesses before the circuit courts of this State. Any circuit court of this State, upon application of the person requesting the hearing or the Department, may compel the attendance of witnesses, the production of books and papers, and giving of testimony before the Department or before any authorized officer or employee thereof, by an attachment for contempt or otherwise, in the same manner as production of evidence may be compelled before such court. Every person who, having taken an oath or made affirmation before the Department or any authorized officer or employee thereof, shall willfully swear or affirm falsely, shall be guilty of perjury and upon conviction shall be punished accordingly.

(c) Investigations initiated under this Section shall provide individuals due process of law, including the right to a hearing, to cross-examine witnesses, to obtain relevant documents, and to present evidence. Administrative findings shall be subject to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law.

(d) Beginning July 1, 1988, any child protective investigator or supervisor or child welfare specialist or supervisor employed by the Department on the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1987 shall have completed a training program which shall be instituted by the Department. The training program shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (1) training in the detection of symptoms of child neglect and drug abuse; (2) specialized training for dealing with families and children of drug abusers; and (3) specific training in child development, family dynamics and interview techniques. Such program shall conform to the criteria and curriculum developed under Section 4 of the Child Protective Investigator and Child Welfare Specialist Certification Act of 1987. Failure to complete such training due to lack of opportunity provided by the Department shall in no way be grounds for any disciplinary or other action against an investigator or a specialist.

The Department shall develop a continuous inservice staff development program and evaluation system. Each child protective investigator and supervisor and child welfare specialist and supervisor shall participate in such program and evaluation and shall complete a minimum of 20 hours of inservice education and training every 2 years in order to maintain certification.

Any child protective investigator or child protective supervisor, or child welfare specialist or child welfare specialist supervisor hired by the Department who begins his actual employment after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1987, shall be certified pursuant to the Child Protective Investigator and Child Welfare Specialist Certification Act of 1987 before beginning he begins such employment. Nothing in this Act shall replace or diminish the rights of employees under the Illinois Public Labor Relations Act, as amended, or the National Labor Relations Act. In the event of any conflict between either of those Acts, or any collective bargaining agreement negotiated thereunder, and the provisions of subsections (d) and (e), the former shall prevail and control.

(e) The Department shall develop and implement the following:

(1) A standardized child endangerment risk assessment protocol.

(2) Related training procedures.

(3) A standardized method for demonstration of proficiency in application of the protocol.

(4) An evaluation of the reliability and validity of the protocol.

All child protective investigators and supervisors and child welfare specialists and supervisors employed by the Department or its contractors shall be required, subsequent to the availability of training under this Act, to demonstrate proficiency in application of the protocol previous to being permitted to make decisions about the degree of risk posed to children for whom they are responsible. The Department shall establish a multi-disciplinary advisory committee appointed by the Director, including but not limited to representatives from the fields of child development, domestic violence, family systems, juvenile justice, law enforcement, health care, mental health, substance abuse, and social service to advise the Department and its related contractors in the development and implementation of the child endangerment risk assessment protocol, related training, method for demonstration of proficiency in application of the protocol, and evaluation of the reliability and validity of the protocol. The Department shall develop the protocol, training curriculum, method for demonstration of proficiency in application of the protocol and method for evaluation of the reliability and validity of the protocol by July 1, 1995. Training and demonstration of proficiency in application of the child endangerment risk assessment protocol for all child protective investigators and supervisors and child welfare specialists and supervisors shall be completed as soon as practicable, but no later than January 1, 1996. The Department shall submit to the General Assembly on or before May 1, 1996, and every year thereafter, an annual report on the evaluation of the reliability and validity of the child endangerment risk assessment protocol. The Department shall contract with a not for profit organization with demonstrated expertise in the field of child endangerment risk assessment to assist in the development and implementation of the child endangerment risk assessment protocol, related training, method for demonstration of proficiency in application of the protocol, and evaluation of the reliability and validity of the protocol.

(f) The Department shall provide each parent or guardian and responsible adult caregiver participating in a safety plan a copy of the written safety plan as signed by each parent or guardian and responsible adult caregiver and by a representative of the Department. The Department shall also provide each parent or guardian and responsible adult caregiver safety plan information on their rights and responsibilities that shall include, but need not be limited to, information on how to obtain medical care, emergency phone numbers, and information on how to notify schools or day care providers as appropriate. The Department's representative shall ensure that the safety plan is reviewed and approved by the child protection supervisor.

(Source: P.A. 98-830, eff. 1-1-15.)

(20 ILCS 505/35.5)

Sec. 35.5. Inspector General.

(a) The Governor shall appoint, and the Senate shall confirm, an Inspector General who shall have the authority to conduct investigations into allegations of or incidents of possible misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance, or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by any employee, foster parent, service provider, or contractor of the Department of Children and Family Services, except for allegations of violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act which shall be referred to the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General for investigation. The Inspector General shall make recommendations to the Director of Children and Family Services concerning sanctions or disciplinary actions against Department employees or providers of service under contract to the Department. The Director of Children and Family Services shall provide the Inspector General with an implementation report on the status of any corrective actions taken on recommendations under review and shall continue sending updated reports until the corrective action is completed. The Director shall provide a written response to the Inspector General indicating the status of any sanctions or disciplinary actions against employees or providers of service involving any investigation subject to review. In any case, information included in the reports to the Inspector General and Department responses shall be subject to the public disclosure requirements of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Any investigation conducted by the Inspector General shall be independent and separate from the investigation mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. The Inspector General shall be appointed for a term of 4 years. The Inspector General shall function independently within the Department of Children and Family Services with respect to the operations of the Office of Inspector General, including the performance of investigations and issuance of findings and recommendations, and shall report to the Director of Children and Family Services and the Governor and perform other duties the Director may designate. The Inspector General shall adopt rules as necessary to carry out the functions, purposes, and duties of the office of Inspector General in the Department of Children and Family Services, in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act and any other applicable law.

(b) The Inspector General shall have access to all information and personnel necessary to perform the duties of the office. To minimize duplication of efforts, and to assure consistency and conformance with the requirements and procedures established in the B.H. v. Suter consent decree and to share resources when appropriate, the Inspector General shall coordinate the Inspector General's his or her activities with the Bureau of Quality Assurance within the Department.

(c) The Inspector General shall be the primary liaison between the Department and the Illinois State Police with regard to investigations conducted under the Inspector General's auspices. If the Inspector General determines that a possible criminal act has been committed, or that special expertise is required in the investigation, the Inspector General he or she shall immediately notify the Illinois State Police. All investigations conducted by the Inspector General shall be conducted in a manner designed to ensure the preservation of evidence for possible use in a criminal prosecution.

(d) The Inspector General may recommend to the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Public Health, or any other appropriate agency, sanctions to be imposed against service providers under the jurisdiction of or under contract with the Department for the protection of children in the custody or under the guardianship of the Department who received services from those providers. The Inspector General may seek the assistance of the Attorney General or any of the several State's Attorneys in imposing sanctions.

(e) The Inspector General shall at all times be granted access to any foster home, facility, or program operated for or licensed or funded by the Department.

(f) Nothing in this Section shall limit investigations by the Department of Children and Family Services that may otherwise be required by law or that may be necessary in that Department's capacity as the central administrative authority for child welfare.

(g) The Inspector General shall have the power to subpoena witnesses and compel the production of books and papers pertinent to an investigation authorized by this Act. The power to subpoena or to compel the production of books and papers, however, shall not extend to the person or documents of a labor organization or its representatives insofar as the person or documents of a labor organization relate to the function of representing an employee subject to investigation under this Act. Any person who fails to appear in response to a subpoena or to answer any question or produce any books or papers pertinent to an investigation under this Act, except as otherwise provided in this Section, or who knowingly gives false testimony in relation to an investigation under this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(h) The Inspector General shall provide to the General Assembly and the Governor, no later than January 1 of each year, a summary of reports and investigations made under this Section for the prior fiscal year. The summaries shall detail the imposition of sanctions and the final disposition of those recommendations. The summaries shall not contain any confidential or identifying information concerning the subjects of the reports and investigations. The summaries also shall include detailed recommended administrative actions and matters for consideration by the General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(20 ILCS 505/35.6)

Sec. 35.6. State-wide toll-free telephone number.

(a) There shall be a State-wide, toll-free telephone number for any person, whether or not mandated by law, to report to the Inspector General of the Department, suspected misconduct, malfeasance, misfeasance, or violations of rules, procedures, or laws by Department employees, service providers, or contractors that is detrimental to the best interest of children receiving care, services, or training from or who were committed to the Department as allowed under Section 5 of this Act. Immediately upon receipt of a telephone call regarding suspected abuse or neglect of children, the Inspector General shall refer the call to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline or to the Illinois State Police as mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and Section 35.5 of this Act. A mandated reporter shall not be relieved of the mandated reporter's his or her duty to report incidents to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline referred to in this subsection. The Inspector General shall also establish rules and procedures for evaluating reports of suspected misconduct and violation of rules and for conducting an investigation of such reports.

(b) The Inspector General shall prepare and maintain written records from the reporting source that shall contain the following information to the extent known at the time the report is made: (1) the names and addresses of the child and the person responsible for the child's welfare; (2) the nature of the misconduct and the detriment cause to the child's best interest; (3) the names of the persons or agencies responsible for the alleged misconduct. Any investigation conducted by the Inspector General pursuant to such information shall not duplicate and shall be separate from the investigation mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. However, the Inspector General may include the results of such investigation in reports compiled under this Section. At the request of the reporting agent, the Inspector General shall keep the identity of the reporting agent strictly confidential from the operation of the Department, until the Inspector General shall determine what recommendations shall be made with regard to discipline or sanction of the Department employee, service provider, or contractor, with the exception of suspected child abuse or neglect which shall be handled consistent with the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act and Section 35.5 of this Act. The Department shall take whatever steps are necessary to assure that a person making a report in good faith under this Section is not adversely affected solely on the basis of having made such report.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(20 ILCS 505/35.9)

Sec. 35.9. Visitation privileges; grandparents and great-grandparents.

(a) The Department shall make reasonable efforts and accommodations to provide for visitation privileges to a non-custodial grandparent or great-grandparent of a child who is in the care and custody of the Department. Any visitation privileges provided under this Section shall be separate and apart from any visitation privileges provided to a parent of the child. The Department shall provide visitation privileges only if doing so is in the child's best interest, taking into consideration the factors set out in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the following additional factors:

(1) the mental and physical health of the grandparent or great-grandparent;

(2) the quantity of the visitation time requested and the potential adverse impact that visitation would have on the child's customary activities;

(3) any other fact that establishes that the loss of the relationship between the child and the grandparent or great-grandparent is likely to unduly harm the child's mental, physical, or emotional health; and

(4) whether visitation can be structured in a way to minimize the child's exposure to conflicts between adult family members.

(b) Any visitation privileges provided under this Section shall automatically terminate upon the child leaving the care or custody of the Department.

(c) The Department may deny a request for visitation after considering the criteria provided under subsection (a) in addition to any other criteria the Department deems necessary. If the Department determines that a grandparent or great-grandparent is inappropriate to serve as a visitation resource and denies visitation, the Department shall: (i) document the basis of its determination and maintain the documentation in the child's case file and (ii) inform the grandparent or great-grandparent of the grandparent's or great-grandparent's his or her right to a clinical review in accordance with Department rules and procedures. The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 99-838, eff. 1-1-17.)

Section 10. The Department of Children and Family Services Powers Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by changing Section 510-25 as follows:

(20 ILCS 510/510-25) (was 20 ILCS 510/65.5)

Sec. 510-25. Child Care Act of 1969; injunction. The Department has the power to initiate injunction proceedings whenever it appears to the Director of Children and Family Services that any person, group of persons, or corporation is engaged or about to engage in any acts or practices that constitute or will constitute a violation of the Child Care Act of 1969 or any rule or regulation prescribed under the authority of that Act. The Director of Children and Family Services may, in the Director's his or her discretion, through the Attorney General apply for an injunction to enforce the Act, rule, or regulation. Upon a proper showing, any circuit court may enter a permanent or preliminary injunction or a temporary restraining order without bond to enforce the Act, rule, or regulation in addition to the penalties and other remedies provided in the Act, rule, or regulation. Appeals may be taken as in other civil cases.

(Source: P.A. 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.)

Section 15. The Child Death Review Team Act is amended by changing Section 20 as follows:

(20 ILCS 515/20)

Sec. 20. Reviews of child deaths.

(a) Every child death shall be reviewed by the team in the subregion which has primary case management responsibility. The deceased child must be one of the following:

(1) A youth in care.

(2) The subject of an open service case maintained by the Department.

(3) The subject of a pending child abuse or neglect investigation.

(4) A child who was the subject of an abuse or neglect investigation at any time during the 12 months preceding the child's death.

(5) Any other child whose death is reported to the State central register as a result of alleged child abuse or neglect which report is subsequently indicated.

A child death review team may, at its discretion, review other sudden, unexpected, or unexplained child deaths, cases of serious or fatal injuries to a child identified under the Children's Advocacy Center Act, and all unfounded child death cases.

(b) A child death review team's purpose in conducting reviews of child deaths is to do the following:

(1) Assist in determining the cause and manner of the child's death, when requested.

(2) Evaluate means by which the death might have been prevented.

(3) Report its findings to appropriate agencies and make recommendations that may help to reduce the number of child deaths caused by abuse or neglect.

(4) Promote continuing education for professionals involved in investigating, treating, and preventing child abuse and neglect as a means of preventing child deaths due to abuse or neglect.

(5) Make specific recommendations to the Director and the Inspector General of the Department concerning the prevention of child deaths due to abuse or neglect and the establishment of protocols for investigating child deaths.

(c) A child death review team shall review a child death as soon as practical and not later than 90 days following the completion by the Department of the investigation of the death under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. When there has been no investigation by the Department, the child death review team shall review a child's death within 90 days after obtaining the information necessary to complete the review from the coroner, pathologist, medical examiner, or law enforcement agency, depending on the nature of the case. A child death review team shall meet at least once in each calendar quarter.

(d) The Director shall, within 90 days, review and reply to recommendations made by a team under item (5) of subsection (b). With respect to each recommendation made by a team, the Director shall submit the Director's his or her reply both to the chairperson of that team and to the chairperson of the Executive Council. The Director's reply to each recommendation must include a statement as to whether the Director intends to implement the recommendation. The Director shall meet in person with the Executive Council at least every 60 days to discuss recommendations and the Department's responses.

The Director shall implement recommendations as feasible and appropriate and shall respond in writing to explain the implementation or nonimplementation of the recommendations.

(e) Within 90 days after the Director submits a reply with respect to a recommendation as required by subsection (d), the Director must submit an additional report that sets forth in detail the way, if any, in which the Director will implement the recommendation and the schedule for implementing the recommendation. The Director shall submit this report to the chairperson of the team that made the recommendation and to the chairperson of the Executive Council.

(f) Within 180 days after the Director submits a report under subsection (e) concerning the implementation of a recommendation, the Director shall submit a further report to the chairperson of the team that made the recommendation and to the chairperson of the Executive Council. This report shall set forth the specific changes in the Department's policies and procedures that have been made in response to the recommendation.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17; 100-1122, eff. 11-27-18.)

Section 20. The Foster Parent Law is amended by changing Sections 1-5, 1-15, and 1-20 as follows:

(20 ILCS 520/1-5)

Sec. 1-5. Legislative findings. Family foster care is an essential service for children and their families who have been separated due to the tragedy of child abuse, neglect, or dependency. When children have been separated from their families, it is the responsibility of the child welfare team to respond to the needs of the children and their families by means including (i) providing protection and nurture to children in a safe, healthy environment; (ii) meeting the developmental and emotional needs of the children, including maintaining and promoting a child's emotional attachment to a child's his or her own family; (iii) protecting and promoting the child's cultural identity and heritage; and (iv) working toward permanency for children by connecting them to safe, nurturing relationships intended to last a lifetime, preferably with their own family.

Foster parents are an essential part of and fulfill an integral role on the child welfare team along with children in care who are old enough to participate in planning and services, parents of children in care, caseworkers, and other professionals serving the child and family. By providing care for children and supporting the attachment of children to their families in a manner sensitive to each child's and family's unique needs, the foster parent serves the child, the family, and the community.

In order to successfully fulfill their role on the professional child welfare team, foster parents must be committed to the goal of the child welfare program and must provide care to children and promote the best interests of the children and families served. In order to achieve this goal, foster parents must understand and be sensitive to issues of culture, ethnicity, religion, and children's connectedness with their families and must maintain a level of care, conduct, and demeanor that is consistent with the high professional ethics demanded of all other members of the child welfare team.

The General Assembly finds that there is a need to establish public policy regarding the role of foster parents. The General Assembly establishes this statement of foster parents' rights and responsibilities, which shall apply to all foster parents in the State of Illinois, whether supervised by the Department of Children and Family Services or by another agency under contract to the Department of Children and Family Services to provide foster care services.

(Source: P.A. 89-19, eff. 6-3-95.)

(20 ILCS 520/1-15)

Sec. 1-15. Foster parent rights. A foster parent's rights include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The right to be treated with dignity, respect, and consideration as a professional member of the child welfare team.

(2) The right to be given standardized pre-service training and appropriate ongoing training to meet mutually assessed needs and improve the foster parent's skills.

(3) The right to be informed as to how to contact the appropriate child placement agency in order to receive information and assistance to access supportive services for children in the foster parent's care.

(4) The right to receive timely financial reimbursement commensurate with the care needs of the child as specified in the service plan.

(5) The right to be provided a clear, written understanding of a placement agency's plan concerning the placement of a child in the foster parent's home. Inherent in this right is the foster parent's responsibility to support activities that will promote the child's right to relationships with the child's his or her own family and cultural heritage.

(6) The right to be provided a fair, timely, and impartial investigation of complaints concerning the foster parent's licensure, to be provided the opportunity to have a person of the foster parent's choosing present during the investigation, and to be provided due process during the investigation; the right to be provided the opportunity to request and receive mediation or an administrative review of decisions that affect licensing parameters, or both mediation and an administrative review; and the right to have decisions concerning a licensing corrective action plan specifically explained and tied to the licensing standards violated.

(7) The right, at any time during which a child is placed with the foster parent, to receive additional or necessary information that is relevant to the care of the child.

(7.5) The right to be given information concerning a child (i) from the Department as required under subsection (u) of Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act and (ii) from a child welfare agency as required under subsection (c-5) of Section 7.4 of the Child Care Act of 1969.

(8) The right to be notified of scheduled meetings and staffings concerning the foster child in order to actively participate in the case planning and decision-making process regarding the child, including individual service planning meetings, administrative case reviews, interdisciplinary staffings, and individual educational planning meetings; the right to be informed of decisions made by the courts or the child welfare agency concerning the child; the right to provide input concerning the plan of services for the child and to have that input given full consideration in the same manner as information presented by any other professional on the team; and the right to communicate with other professionals who work with the foster child within the context of the team, including therapists, physicians, attending health care professionals, and teachers.

(9) The right to be given, in a timely and consistent manner, any information a caseworker case worker has regarding the child and the child's family which is pertinent to the care and needs of the child and to the making of a permanency plan for the child. Disclosure of information concerning the child's family shall be limited to that information that is essential for understanding the needs of and providing care to the child in order to protect the rights of the child's family. When a positive relationship exists between the foster parent and the child's family, the child's family may consent to disclosure of additional information.

(10) The right to be given reasonable written notice of (i) any change in a child's case plan, (ii) plans to terminate the placement of the child with the foster parent, and (iii) the reasons for the change or termination in placement. The notice shall be waived only in cases of a court order or when the child is determined to be at imminent risk of harm.

(11) The right to be notified in a timely and complete manner of all court hearings, including notice of the date and time of the court hearing, the name of the judge or hearing officer hearing the case, the location of the hearing, and the court docket number of the case; and the right to intervene in court proceedings or to seek mandamus under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(12) The right to be considered as a placement option when a foster child who was formerly placed with the foster parent is to be re-entered into foster care, if that placement is consistent with the best interest of the child and other children in the foster parent's home.

(13) The right to have timely access to the child placement agency's existing appeals process and the right to be free from acts of harassment and retaliation by any other party when exercising the right to appeal.

(14) The right to be informed of the Foster Parent Hotline established under Section 35.6 of the Children and Family Services Act and all of the rights accorded to foster parents concerning reports of misconduct by Department employees, service providers, or contractors, confidential handling of those reports, and investigation by the Inspector General appointed under Section 35.5 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-581, eff. 1-1-17.)

(20 ILCS 520/1-20)

Sec. 1-20. Foster parent responsibilities. A foster parent's responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The responsibility to openly communicate and share information about the child with other members of the child welfare team.

(2) The responsibility to respect the confidentiality of information concerning foster children and their families and act appropriately within applicable confidentiality laws and regulations.

(3) The responsibility to advocate for children in the foster parent's care.

(4) The responsibility to treat children in the foster parent's care and the children's families with dignity, respect, and consideration.

(5) The responsibility to recognize the foster parent's own individual and familial strengths and limitations when deciding whether to accept a child into care; and the responsibility to recognize the foster parent's own support needs and utilize appropriate supports in providing care for foster children.

(6) The responsibility to be aware of the benefits of relying on and affiliating with other foster parents and foster parent associations in improving the quality of care and service to children and families.

(7) The responsibility to assess the foster parent's ongoing individual training needs and take action to meet those needs.

(8) The responsibility to develop and assist in implementing strategies to prevent placement disruptions, recognizing the traumatic impact of placement disruptions on a foster child and all members of the foster family; and the responsibility to provide emotional support for the foster children and members of the foster family if preventive strategies fail and placement disruptions occur.

(9) The responsibility to know the impact foster parenting has on individuals and family relationships; and the responsibility to endeavor to minimize, as much as possible, any stress that results from foster parenting.

(10) The responsibility to know the rewards and benefits to children, parents, families, and society that come from foster parenting and to promote the foster parenting experience in a positive way.

(11) The responsibility to know the roles, rights, and responsibilities of foster parents, other professionals in the child welfare system, the foster child, and the foster child's own family.

(12) The responsibility to know and, as necessary, fulfill the foster parent's responsibility to serve as a mandated reporter of suspected child abuse or neglect under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act; and the responsibility to know the child welfare agency's policy regarding allegations that foster parents have committed child abuse or neglect and applicable administrative rules and procedures governing investigations of those allegations.

(13) The responsibility to know and receive training regarding the purpose of administrative case reviews, client service plans, and court processes, as well as any filing or time requirements associated with those proceedings; and the responsibility to actively participate in the foster parent's designated role in these proceedings.

(14) The responsibility to know the child welfare agency's appeal procedure for foster parents and the rights of foster parents under the procedure.

(15) The responsibility to know and understand the importance of maintaining accurate and relevant records regarding the child's history and progress; and the responsibility to be aware of and follow the procedures and regulations of the child welfare agency with which the foster parent is licensed or affiliated.

(16) The responsibility to share information, through the child welfare team, with the subsequent caregiver (whether the child's parent or another substitute caregiver) regarding the child's adjustment in the foster parent's home.

(17) The responsibility to provide care and services that are respectful of and responsive to the child's cultural needs and are supportive of the relationship between the child and the child's his or her own family; the responsibility to recognize the increased importance of maintaining a child's cultural identity when the race or culture of the foster family differs from that of the foster child; and the responsibility to take action to address these issues.

(Source: P.A. 89-19, eff. 6-3-95.)

Section 25. The Foster Children's Bill of Rights Act is amended by changing Section 5 as follows:

(20 ILCS 521/5)

Sec. 5. Foster Children's Bill of Rights. It is the policy of this State that every child and adult in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services who is placed in foster care shall have the following rights:

(1) To live in a safe, healthy, and comfortable home where they are he or she is treated with respect.

(2) To be free from physical, sexual, emotional, or other abuse, or corporal punishment.

(3) To receive adequate and healthy food, adequate clothing, and, for youth in group homes, residential treatment facilities, and foster homes, an allowance.

(4) To receive medical, dental, vision, and mental health services.

(5) To be free of the administration of medication or chemical substances, unless authorized by a physician.

(6) To contact family members, unless prohibited by court order, and social workers, attorneys, foster youth advocates and supporters, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs), and probation officers.

(7) To visit and contact siblings brothers and sisters, unless prohibited by court order.

(8) To contact the Advocacy Office for Children and Families established under the Children and Family Services Act or the Department of Children and Family Services' Office of the Inspector General regarding violations of rights, to speak to representatives of these offices confidentially, and to be free from threats or punishment for making complaints.

(9) To make and receive confidential telephone calls and send and receive unopened mail, unless prohibited by court order.

(10) To attend religious services and activities of their his or her choice.

(11) To maintain an emancipation bank account and manage personal income, consistent with the child's age and developmental level, unless prohibited by the case plan.

(12) To not be locked in a room, building, or facility premises, unless placed in a secure child care facility licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services under the Child Care Act of 1969 and placed pursuant to Section 2-27.1 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(13) To attend school and participate in extracurricular, cultural, and personal enrichment activities, consistent with the child's age and developmental level, with minimal disruptions to school attendance and educational stability.

(14) To work and develop job skills at an age-appropriate level, consistent with State law.

(15) To have social contacts with people outside of the foster care system, including teachers, church members, mentors, and friends.

(16) If they meet he or she meets age requirements, to attend services and programs operated by the Department of Children and Family Services or any other appropriate State agency that aim to help current and former foster youth achieve self-sufficiency prior to and after leaving foster care.

(17) To attend court hearings and speak to the judge.

(18) To have storage space for private use.

(19) To be involved in the development of their his or her own case plan and plan for permanent placement.

(20) To review their his or her own case plan and plan for permanent placement, if they are he or she is 12 years of age or older and in a permanent placement, and to receive information about their his or her out-of-home placement and case plan, including being told of changes to the case plan.

(21) To be free from unreasonable searches of personal belongings.

(22) To the confidentiality of all juvenile court records consistent with existing law.

(23) To have fair and equal access to all available services, placement, care, treatment, and benefits, and to not be subjected to discrimination or harassment on the basis of actual or perceived race, ethnic group identification, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or HIV status.

(24) To have caregivers and child welfare personnel who have received sensitivity training and instruction on matters concerning race, ethnicity, national origin, color, ancestry, religion, mental and physical disability, and HIV status.

(25) To have caregivers and child welfare personnel who have received instruction on cultural competency and sensitivity relating to, and best practices for, providing adequate care to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender youth in out-of-home care.

(26) At 16 years of age or older, to have access to existing information regarding the educational options available, including, but not limited to, the coursework necessary for vocational and postsecondary educational programs, and information regarding financial aid for postsecondary education.

(27) To have access to age-appropriate, medically accurate information about reproductive health care, the prevention of unplanned pregnancy, and the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections at 12 years of age or older.

(28) To receive a copy of this Act from and have it fully explained by the Department of Children and Family Services when the child or adult is placed in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(29) To be placed in the least restrictive and most family-like setting available and in close proximity to their his or her parent's home consistent with their his or her health, safety, best interests, and special needs.

(30) To participate in an age and developmentally appropriate intake process immediately after placement in the custody or guardianship of the Department. During the intake process, the Department shall provide the youth with a document describing inappropriate acts of affection, discipline, and punishment by guardians, foster parents, foster siblings, or any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare. The Department shall review and discuss the document with the child. The Department must document completion of the intake process in the child's records as well as giving a copy of the document to the child.

(31) To participate in appropriate intervention and counseling services after removal from the home of origin in order to assess whether the youth is exhibiting signs of traumatic stress, special needs, or mental illness.

(32) To receive a home visit by an assigned child welfare specialist, per existing Department policies and procedures, on a monthly basis or more frequently as needed. In addition to what existing policies and procedures outline, home visits shall be used to assess the youth's well-being and emotional health following placement, to determine the youth's relationship with the youth's guardian or foster parent or with any other adult responsible for the youth's welfare or living in or frequenting the home environment, and to determine what forms of discipline, if any, the youth's guardian or foster parent or any other person in the home environment uses to correct the youth.

(33) To be enrolled in an independent living services program prior to transitioning out of foster care where the youth will receive classes and instruction, appropriate to the youth's age and developmental capacity, on independent living and self-sufficiency in the areas of employment, finances, meals, and housing as well as help in developing life skills and long-term goals.

(34) To be assessed by a third-party entity or agency prior to enrollment in any independent living services program in order to determine the youth's readiness for a transition out of foster care based on the youth's individual needs, emotional development, and ability, regardless of age, to make a successful transition to adulthood.

(Source: P.A. 102-810, eff. 1-1-23.)

Section 30. The Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council Law is amended by changing Section 5-10 as follows:

(20 ILCS 525/5-10)

Sec. 5-10. Membership.

(a) The Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council shall consist of the following membership:

(1) 2 foster parents from the Department's southern and northern administrative regions; 3 foster parents from the Department's central administrative region; and 2 foster parents from each of the Department's Cook County administrative regions. One of the 6 foster parents representing the Cook County administrative regions shall be the current President of the Cook County Foster Parent Advisory Committee;

(2) 2 foster parents representing the Department's Child Welfare Advisory Committee, with at least one foster parent residing in Cook County;

(3) 2 foster care professionals representing the Department's Child Welfare Advisory Committee to represent agencies providing foster care services under contract to the Department;

(4) the current president of the Illinois Foster Parent Association; and

(5) 4 other non-Department persons with recognized expertise regarding foster care who shall be nominated by the Director of the Department ("the Director").

Each Administrator of the Department's specified administrative regions shall make recommendations of foster parents for appointment as members to the Director. The recommendations of the Regional Administrator shall be based upon consultation by the Regional Administrator with organized foster parent groups and Department staff.

All appointments to the Council shall be made in writing by the Director. In soliciting and making appointments, the Director shall make all reasonable efforts to ensure the membership of the Council is culturally diverse and representative and also geographically representative of the Department's administrative regions.

(b) Each member shall be appointed for a term of 3 years. No member shall be appointed to more than 2 terms, except the President of the Illinois Foster Parent Association and the President of the Cook County Foster Parent Association may serve as long as the member he or she holds office. Members shall continue to serve until their successors are appointed. The terms of original members and of members subsequently appointed to fill vacancies created by a change in the number of the Council's members shall be determined to assure as nearly as possible that the terms of one-third of the members in each sector expire each year on June 30th. The original members in each sector shall determine by lot the length of each member's term, one-third to be for 3 years, one-third to be for 2 years, and one-third to be for one year, and the Council's secretary shall record the results. Thereafter, any member appointed to fill a vacancy other than one created by the expiration of a regular 3 year term shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the predecessor member, or in the case of new memberships created by change in number of members, for such term as is appropriate under this subsection.

(c) Members of the Advisory Council shall serve without compensation, except that the Department shall reimburse members for travel and per diem expenses associated with participation in Advisory Council meetings and activities. Reimbursement shall be consistent with Illinois Department of Central Management Services rules, as approved by the Governor's Travel Control Board.

(Source: P.A. 89-19, eff. 6-3-95.)

Section 35. The Department of Children and Family Services Statewide Youth Advisory Board Act is amended by changing Section 15 as follows:

(20 ILCS 527/15)

Sec. 15. Meetings.

(a) Regular meetings of the regional youth advisory boards shall be held monthly.

(b) Regular meetings of the Statewide Youth Advisory Board shall be held at least 5 times per year.

(c) The Director of the Department or the Director's his or her designee shall meet with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board at least quarterly in order to discuss the issues and concerns of youth in foster care.

(d) All meetings shall take place at locations, dates, and times determined by the Department or its designee in accordance with the bylaws for the Statewide Youth Advisory Board and the regional youth advisory boards.

(Source: P.A. 98-806, eff. 1-1-15.)

Section 40. The Interstate Compact on Adoption Act is amended by changing Section 5-35 as follows:

(45 ILCS 17/5-35)

Sec. 5-35. Medical assistance.

(a) A child with special needs who resides in this State and who is the subject of an adoption assistance agreement with another state shall be eligible for medical assistance from this State under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code upon the filing of agreed documentation obtained from the assistance state and filed with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The Department of Children and Family Services shall be required at least annually to establish that the agreement is still in force or has been renewed.

(b) If a child (i) is in another state, (ii) is covered by an adoption assistance agreement made by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, and (iii) was eligible for medical assistance under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code at the time the child he or she resided in this State and would continue to be eligible for that assistance if the child he or she was currently residing in this State, then that child is eligible for medical assistance under Article V of the Illinois Public Aid Code, but only for those medical assistance benefits under Article V that are not provided by the other state. There shall be no payment or reimbursement by this State for services or benefits covered under any insurance or other third party medical contract or arrangement held by the child or the adoptive parents.

(c) The submission of any claim for payment or reimbursement for services or benefits pursuant to this Section or the making of any statement in connection therewith, which claim or statement the maker knows or should know to be false, misleading, or fraudulent, shall be punishable as perjury and shall also be subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 or imprisonment for not to exceed 2 years, or both.

(d) The provisions of this Section shall apply only to medical assistance for children under adoption assistance agreements from states that have entered into a compact with this State under which the other state provided medical assistance to children with special needs under adoption assistance agreements made by this State.

(e) The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services may adopt all rules necessary to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 95-331, eff. 8-21-07.)

Section 45. The Child Care Act of 1969 is amended by changing Sections 2.24, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 5.3, 7, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 7.6, 7.7, 9, 9.1b, 12, 14.5, 14.7, and 18 as follows:

(225 ILCS 10/2.24)

Sec. 2.24. "Adoption services" includes any one or more of the following services performed for any type of compensation or thing of value, directly or indirectly: (i) arranging for the placement of or placing out a child, (ii) identifying a child for adoption, (iii) matching adoptive parents with birth biological parents, (iv) arranging or facilitating an adoption, (v) taking or acknowledging consents or surrenders for termination of parental rights for purposes of adoption, as defined in the Adoption Act, (vi) performing background studies on a child or adoptive parents, (vii) making determinations of the best interests of a child and the appropriateness of adoptive placement for the child, or (viii) post-placement monitoring of a child prior to adoption. "Adoption services" does not include the following: (1) the provision of legal services by a licensed attorney for which the attorney must be licensed as an attorney under Illinois law, (2) adoption-related services performed by public governmental entities or entities or persons performing investigations by court appointment as described in subsection A of Section 6 of the Adoption Act, (3) prospective birth biological parents or adoptive parents operating on their own behalf, (4) the provision of general education and training on adoption-related topics, or (5) post-adoption services, including supportive services to families to promote the well-being of members of adoptive families or birth families.

(Source: P.A. 94-586, eff. 8-15-05.)

(225 ILCS 10/3.3)

Sec. 3.3. Requirements for criminal background checks for adoption-only homes. In approving an adoption-only home pursuant to Section 3.2 of this Act, if an adult resident has an arrest or conviction record, the licensed child welfare agency:

(1) shall thoroughly investigate and evaluate the criminal history of the resident and, in so doing, include an assessment of the applicant's character and, in the case of the prospective adoptive parent, the impact that the criminal history has on the prospective adoptive parent's his or her ability to parent the child; the investigation should consider the type of crime, the number of crimes, the nature of the offense, the age at time of crime, the length of time that has elapsed since the last conviction, the relationship of the crime to the ability to care for children, and any evidence of rehabilitation;

(2) shall not approve the home if the record reveals a felony conviction for crimes against a child, including, but not limited to, child abuse or neglect, child pornography, rape, sexual assault, or homicide;

(3) shall not approve the home if the record reveals a felony conviction within the last 5 years, including, but not limited to, for physical assault, battery, drug-related offenses, or spousal abuse; and

(4) shall not approve the home if the record reveals a felony conviction for homicide, rape, or sexual assault.

(Source: P.A. 99-833, eff. 1-1-17.)

(225 ILCS 10/4.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 2214.1)

Sec. 4.1. Criminal Background Investigations. The Department shall require that each child care facility license applicant as part of the application process, and each employee and volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider, as a condition of employment, authorize an investigation to determine if such applicant, employee, or volunteer has ever been charged with a crime and if so, the disposition of those charges; this authorization shall indicate the scope of the inquiry and the agencies which may be contacted. Upon this authorization, the Director shall request and receive information and assistance from any federal, State or local governmental agency as part of the authorized investigation. Each applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider shall submit the applicant's, employee's, or volunteer's his or her fingerprints to the Illinois State Police in the form and manner prescribed by the Illinois State Police. These fingerprints shall be checked against the fingerprint records now and hereafter filed in the Illinois State Police and Federal Bureau of Investigation criminal history records databases. The Illinois State Police shall charge a fee for conducting the criminal history records check, which shall be deposited in the State Police Services Fund and shall not exceed the actual cost of the records check. The Illinois State Police shall provide information concerning any criminal charges, and their disposition, now or hereafter filed, against an applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider upon request of the Department of Children and Family Services when the request is made in the form and manner required by the Illinois State Police.

Information concerning convictions of a license applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider investigated under this Section, including the source of the information and any conclusions or recommendations derived from the information, shall be provided, upon request, to such applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider prior to final action by the Department on the application. State conviction information provided by the Illinois State Police regarding employees, prospective employees, or volunteers of non-licensed service providers and child care facilities licensed under this Act shall be provided to the operator of such facility, and, upon request, to the employee, prospective employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider. Any information concerning criminal charges and the disposition of such charges obtained by the Department shall be confidential and may not be transmitted outside the Department, except as required herein, and may not be transmitted to anyone within the Department except as needed for the purpose of evaluating an application or an employee or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider. Only information and standards which bear a reasonable and rational relation to the performance of a child care facility shall be used by the Department or any licensee. Any employee of the Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois State Police, or a child care facility receiving confidential information under this Section who gives or causes to be given any confidential information concerning any criminal convictions of an applicant, employee, or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider, shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless release of such information is authorized by this Section.

A child care facility may hire, on a probationary basis, any employee or volunteer of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider authorizing a criminal background investigation under this Section, pending the result of such investigation. Employees and volunteers of a child care facility or non-licensed service provider shall be notified prior to hiring that such employment may be terminated on the basis of criminal background information obtained by the facility.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(225 ILCS 10/4.2) (from Ch. 23, par. 2214.2)

Sec. 4.2. (a) No applicant may receive a license from the Department and no person may be employed by a licensed child care facility who refuses to authorize an investigation as required by Section 4.1.

(b) In addition to the other provisions of this Section, no applicant may receive a license from the Department and no person may be employed by a child care facility licensed by the Department who has been declared a sexually dangerous person under the Sexually Dangerous Persons Act "An Act in relation to sexually dangerous persons, and providing for their commitment, detention and supervision", approved July 6, 1938, as amended, or convicted of committing or attempting to commit any of the following offenses stipulated under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012:

(1) murder;

(1.1) solicitation of murder;

(1.2) solicitation of murder for hire;

(1.3) intentional homicide of an unborn child;

(1.4) voluntary manslaughter of an unborn child;

(1.5) involuntary manslaughter;

(1.6) reckless homicide;

(1.7) concealment of a homicidal death;

(1.8) involuntary manslaughter of an unborn child;

(1.9) reckless homicide of an unborn child;

(1.10) drug-induced homicide;

(2) a sex offense under Article 11, except offenses described in Sections 11-7, 11-8, 11-12, 11-13, 11-35, 11-40, and 11-45;

(3) kidnapping;

(3.1) aggravated unlawful restraint;

(3.2) forcible detention;

(3.3) harboring a runaway;

(3.4) aiding and abetting child abduction;

(4) aggravated kidnapping;

(5) child abduction;

(6) aggravated battery of a child as described in Section 12-4.3 or subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05;

(7) criminal sexual assault;

(8) aggravated criminal sexual assault;

(8.1) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child;

(9) criminal sexual abuse;

(10) aggravated sexual abuse;

(11) heinous battery as described in Section 12-4.1 or subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05;

(12) aggravated battery with a firearm as described in Section 12-4.2 or subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), or (e)(4) of Section 12-3.05;

(13) tampering with food, drugs, or cosmetics;

(14) drug induced infliction of great bodily harm as described in Section 12-4.7 or subdivision (g)(1) of Section 12-3.05;

(15) hate crime;

(16) stalking;

(17) aggravated stalking;

(18) threatening public officials;

(19) home invasion;

(20) vehicular invasion;

(21) criminal transmission of HIV;

(22) criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person or person with a disability as described in Section 12-21 or subsection (e) of Section 12-4.4a;

(23) child abandonment;

(24) endangering the life or health of a child;

(25) ritual mutilation;

(26) ritualized abuse of a child;

(27) an offense in any other jurisdiction the elements of which are similar and bear a substantial relationship to any of the foregoing offenses.

(b-1) In addition to the other provisions of this Section, beginning January 1, 2004, no new applicant and, on the date of licensure renewal, no current licensee may operate or receive a license from the Department to operate, no person may be employed by, and no adult person may reside in a child care facility licensed by the Department who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit any of the following offenses or an offense in any other jurisdiction the elements of which are similar and bear a substantial relationship to any of the following offenses:

(I) BODILY HARM

(1) Felony aggravated assault.

(2) Vehicular endangerment.

(3) Felony domestic battery.

(4) Aggravated battery.

(5) Heinous battery.

(6) Aggravated battery with a firearm.

(7) Aggravated battery of an unborn child.

(8) Aggravated battery of a senior citizen.

(9) Intimidation.

(10) Compelling organization membership of persons.

(11) Abuse and criminal neglect of a long term care facility resident.

(12) Felony violation of an order of protection.

(II) OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND DECENCY

(1) Felony unlawful use of weapons.

(2) Aggravated discharge of a firearm.

(3) Reckless discharge of a firearm.

(4) Unlawful use of metal piercing bullets.

(5) Unlawful sale or delivery of firearms on the premises of any school.

(6) Disarming a police officer.

(7) Obstructing justice.

(8) Concealing or aiding a fugitive.

(9) Armed violence.

(10) Felony contributing to the criminal delinquency of a juvenile.

(III) DRUG OFFENSES

(1) Possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis.

(2) Manufacture of more than 10 grams of cannabis.

(3) Cannabis trafficking.

(4) Delivery of cannabis on school grounds.

(5) Unauthorized production of more than 5 cannabis sativa plants.

(6) Calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy.

(7) Unauthorized manufacture or delivery of controlled substances.

(8) Controlled substance trafficking.

(9) Manufacture, distribution, or advertisement of look-alike substances.

(10) Calculated criminal drug conspiracy.

(11) Street gang criminal drug conspiracy.

(12) Permitting unlawful use of a building.

(13) Delivery of controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substances to persons under age 18, or at truck stops, rest stops, or safety rest areas, or on school property.

(14) Using, engaging, or employing persons under 18 to deliver controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substances.

(15) Delivery of controlled substances.

(16) Sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia.

(17) Felony possession, sale, or exchange of instruments adapted for use of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, or cannabis by subcutaneous injection.

(18) Felony possession of a controlled substance.

(19) Any violation of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

(b-1.5) In addition to any other provision of this Section, for applicants with access to confidential financial information or who submit documentation to support billing, the Department may, in its discretion, deny or refuse to renew a license to an applicant who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit any of the following felony offenses:

(1) financial institution fraud under Section 17-10.6 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(2) identity theft under Section 16-30 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(3) financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability under Section 17-56 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(4) computer tampering under Section 17-51 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(5) aggravated computer tampering under Section 17-52 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(6) computer fraud under Section 17-50 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(7) deceptive practices under Section 17-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(8) forgery under Section 17-3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(9) State benefits fraud under Section 17-6 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(10) mail fraud and wire fraud under Section 17-24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(11) theft under paragraphs (1.1) through (11) of subsection (b) of Section 16-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

(b-2) Notwithstanding subsection (b-1), the Department may make an exception and, for child care facilities other than foster family homes, issue a new child care facility license to or renew the existing child care facility license of an applicant, a person employed by a child care facility, or an applicant who has an adult residing in a home child care facility who was convicted of an offense described in subsection (b-1), provided that all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The relevant criminal offense occurred more than 5 years prior to the date of application or renewal, except for drug offenses. The relevant drug offense must have occurred more than 10 years prior to the date of application or renewal, unless the applicant passed a drug test, arranged and paid for by the child care facility, no less than 5 years after the offense.

(2) The Department must conduct a background check and assess all convictions and recommendations of the child care facility to determine if hiring or licensing the applicant is in accordance with Department administrative rules and procedures.

(3) The applicant meets all other requirements and qualifications to be licensed as the pertinent type of child care facility under this Act and the Department's administrative rules.

(c) In addition to the other provisions of this Section, no applicant may receive a license from the Department to operate a foster family home, and no adult person may reside in a foster family home licensed by the Department, who has been convicted of committing or attempting to commit any of the following offenses stipulated under the Criminal Code of 1961, the Criminal Code of 2012, the Cannabis Control Act, the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, and the Illinois Controlled Substances Act:

(I) OFFENSES DIRECTED AGAINST THE PERSON

(A) KIDNAPPING AND RELATED OFFENSES

(1) Unlawful restraint.

(B) BODILY HARM

(2) Felony aggravated assault.

(3) Vehicular endangerment.

(4) Felony domestic battery.

(5) Aggravated battery.

(6) Heinous battery.

(7) Aggravated battery with a firearm.

(8) Aggravated battery of an unborn child.

(9) Aggravated battery of a senior citizen.

(10) Intimidation.

(11) Compelling organization membership of persons.

(12) Abuse and criminal neglect of a long term care facility resident.

(13) Felony violation of an order of protection.

(II) OFFENSES DIRECTED AGAINST PROPERTY

(14) Felony theft.

(15) Robbery.

(16) Armed robbery.

(17) Aggravated robbery.

(18) Vehicular hijacking.

(19) Aggravated vehicular hijacking.

(20) Burglary.

(21) Possession of burglary tools.

(22) Residential burglary.

(23) Criminal fortification of a residence or building.

(24) Arson.

(25) Aggravated arson.

(26) Possession of explosive or explosive incendiary devices.

(III) OFFENSES AFFECTING PUBLIC HEALTH, SAFETY, AND DECENCY

(27) Felony unlawful use of weapons.

(28) Aggravated discharge of a firearm.

(29) Reckless discharge of a firearm.

(30) Unlawful use of metal piercing bullets.

(31) Unlawful sale or delivery of firearms on the premises of any school.

(32) Disarming a police officer.

(33) Obstructing justice.

(34) Concealing or aiding a fugitive.

(35) Armed violence.

(36) Felony contributing to the criminal delinquency of a juvenile.

(IV) DRUG OFFENSES

(37) Possession of more than 30 grams of cannabis.

(38) Manufacture of more than 10 grams of cannabis.

(39) Cannabis trafficking.

(40) Delivery of cannabis on school grounds.

(41) Unauthorized production of more than 5 cannabis sativa plants.

(42) Calculated criminal cannabis conspiracy.

(43) Unauthorized manufacture or delivery of controlled substances.

(44) Controlled substance trafficking.

(45) Manufacture, distribution, or advertisement of look-alike substances.

(46) Calculated criminal drug conspiracy.

(46.5) Streetgang criminal drug conspiracy.

(47) Permitting unlawful use of a building.

(48) Delivery of controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substances to persons under age 18, or at truck stops, rest stops, or safety rest areas, or on school property.

(49) Using, engaging, or employing persons under 18 to deliver controlled, counterfeit, or look-alike substances.

(50) Delivery of controlled substances.

(51) Sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia.

(52) Felony possession, sale, or exchange of instruments adapted for use of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, or cannabis by subcutaneous injection.

(53) Any violation of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

(d) Notwithstanding subsection (c), the Department may make an exception and issue a new foster family home license or may renew an existing foster family home license of an applicant who was convicted of an offense described in subsection (c), provided all of the following requirements are met:

(1) The relevant criminal offense or offenses occurred more than 10 years prior to the date of application or renewal.

(2) The applicant had previously disclosed the conviction or convictions to the Department for purposes of a background check.

(3) After the disclosure, the Department either placed a child in the home or the foster family home license was issued.

(4) During the background check, the Department had assessed and waived the conviction in compliance with the existing statutes and rules in effect at the time of the hire or licensure.

(5) The applicant meets all other requirements and qualifications to be licensed as a foster family home under this Act and the Department's administrative rules.

(6) The applicant has a history of providing a safe, stable home environment and appears able to continue to provide a safe, stable home environment.

(e) In evaluating the exception pursuant to subsections (b-2) and (d), the Department must carefully review any relevant documents to determine whether the applicant, despite the disqualifying convictions, poses a substantial risk to State resources or clients. In making such a determination, the following guidelines shall be used:

(1) the age of the applicant when the offense was committed;

(2) the circumstances surrounding the offense;

(3) the length of time since the conviction;

(4) the specific duties and responsibilities necessarily related to the license being applied for and the bearing, if any, that the applicant's conviction history may have on the applicant's his or her fitness to perform these duties and responsibilities;

(5) the applicant's employment references;

(6) the applicant's character references and any certificates of achievement;

(7) an academic transcript showing educational attainment since the disqualifying conviction;

(8) a Certificate of Relief from Disabilities or Certificate of Good Conduct; and

(9) anything else that speaks to the applicant's character.

(Source: P.A. 101-112, eff. 7-19-19.)

(225 ILCS 10/5.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 2215.1)

(Text of Section before amendment by P.A. 102-982)

Sec. 5.1. (a) The Department shall ensure that no day care center, group home or child care institution as defined in this Act shall on a regular basis transport a child or children with any motor vehicle unless such vehicle is operated by a person who complies with the following requirements:

1. is 21 years of age or older;

2. currently holds a valid driver's license, which has not been revoked or suspended for one or more traffic violations during the 3 years immediately prior to the date of application;

3. demonstrates physical fitness to operate vehicles by submitting the results of a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician;

4. has not been convicted of more than 2 offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles within a twelve month period;

5. has not been convicted of reckless driving or driving under the influence or manslaughter or reckless homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle within the past 3 years;

6. has signed and submitted a written statement certifying that the person he has not, through the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused an accident which resulted in the death of any person within the 5 years immediately prior to the date of application.

However, such day care centers, group homes and child care institutions may provide for transportation of a child or children for special outings, functions or purposes that are not scheduled on a regular basis without verification that drivers for such purposes meet the requirements of this Section.

(a-5) As a means of ensuring compliance with the requirements set forth in subsection (a), the Department shall implement appropriate measures to verify that every individual who is employed at a group home or child care institution meets those requirements.

For every person individual employed at a group home or child care institution who regularly transports children in the course of performing the person's his or her duties, the Department must make the verification every 2 years. Upon the Department's request, the Secretary of State shall provide the Department with the information necessary to enable the Department to make the verifications required under subsection (a).

In the case of an individual employed at a group home or child care institution who becomes subject to subsection (a) for the first time after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, the Department must make that verification with the Secretary of State before the individual operates a motor vehicle to transport a child or children under the circumstances described in subsection (a).

In the case of an individual employed at a group home or child care institution who is subject to subsection (a) on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, the Department must make that verification with the Secretary of State within 30 days after that effective date.

If the Department discovers that an individual fails to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a), the Department shall promptly notify the appropriate group home or child care institution.

(b) Any individual who holds a valid Illinois school bus driver permit issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to The Illinois Vehicle Code, and who is currently employed by a school district or parochial school, or by a contractor with a school district or parochial school, to drive a school bus transporting children to and from school, shall be deemed in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a).

(c) The Department may, pursuant to Section 8 of this Act, revoke the license of any day care center, group home or child care institution that fails to meet the requirements of this Section.

(d) A group home or child care institution that fails to meet the requirements of this Section is guilty of a petty offense and is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day that a group home or child care institution fails to meet the requirements of this Section is a separate offense.

(Source: P.A. 94-943, eff. 1-1-07.)

(Text of Section after amendment by P.A. 102-982)

Sec. 5.1. (a) The Department shall ensure that no day care center, group home or child care institution as defined in this Act shall on a regular basis transport a child or children with any motor vehicle unless such vehicle is operated by a person who complies with the following requirements:

1. is 21 years of age or older;

2. currently holds a valid driver's license, which has not been revoked or suspended for one or more traffic violations during the 3 years immediately prior to the date of application;

3. demonstrates physical fitness to operate vehicles by submitting the results of a medical examination conducted by a licensed physician;

4. has not been convicted of more than 2 offenses against traffic regulations governing the movement of vehicles within a twelve month period;

5. has not been convicted of reckless driving or driving under the influence or manslaughter or reckless homicide resulting from the operation of a motor vehicle within the past 3 years;

6. has signed and submitted a written statement certifying that the person he has not, through the unlawful operation of a motor vehicle, caused a crash which resulted in the death of any person within the 5 years immediately prior to the date of application.

However, such day care centers, group homes and child care institutions may provide for transportation of a child or children for special outings, functions or purposes that are not scheduled on a regular basis without verification that drivers for such purposes meet the requirements of this Section.

(a-5) As a means of ensuring compliance with the requirements set forth in subsection (a), the Department shall implement appropriate measures to verify that every individual who is employed at a group home or child care institution meets those requirements.

For every person individual employed at a group home or child care institution who regularly transports children in the course of performing the person's his or her duties, the Department must make the verification every 2 years. Upon the Department's request, the Secretary of State shall provide the Department with the information necessary to enable the Department to make the verifications required under subsection (a).

In the case of an individual employed at a group home or child care institution who becomes subject to subsection (a) for the first time after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, the Department must make that verification with the Secretary of State before the individual operates a motor vehicle to transport a child or children under the circumstances described in subsection (a).

In the case of an individual employed at a group home or child care institution who is subject to subsection (a) on the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, the Department must make that verification with the Secretary of State within 30 days after that effective date.

If the Department discovers that an individual fails to meet the requirements set forth in subsection (a), the Department shall promptly notify the appropriate group home or child care institution.

(b) Any individual who holds a valid Illinois school bus driver permit issued by the Secretary of State pursuant to The Illinois Vehicle Code, and who is currently employed by a school district or parochial school, or by a contractor with a school district or parochial school, to drive a school bus transporting children to and from school, shall be deemed in compliance with the requirements of subsection (a).

(c) The Department may, pursuant to Section 8 of this Act, revoke the license of any day care center, group home or child care institution that fails to meet the requirements of this Section.

(d) A group home or child care institution that fails to meet the requirements of this Section is guilty of a petty offense and is subject to a fine of not more than $1,000. Each day that a group home or child care institution fails to meet the requirements of this Section is a separate offense.

(Source: P.A. 102-982, eff. 7-1-23.)

(225 ILCS 10/5.3)

Sec. 5.3. Lunches in day care homes. In order to increase the affordability and availability of day care, a day care home licensed under this Act may allow any child it receives to bring the child's his or her lunch for consumption instead of or in addition to the lunch provided by the day care home.

(Source: P.A. 90-242, eff. 1-1-98.)

(225 ILCS 10/7) (from Ch. 23, par. 2217)

Sec. 7. (a) The Department must prescribe and publish minimum standards for licensing that apply to the various types of facilities for child care defined in this Act and that are equally applicable to like institutions under the control of the Department and to foster family homes used by and under the direct supervision of the Department. The Department shall seek the advice and assistance of persons representative of the various types of child care facilities in establishing such standards. The standards prescribed and published under this Act take effect as provided in the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, and are restricted to regulations pertaining to the following matters and to any rules and regulations required or permitted by any other Section of this Act:

(1) The operation and conduct of the facility and responsibility it assumes for child care;

(2) The character, suitability and qualifications of the applicant and other persons directly responsible for the care and welfare of children served. All child day care center licensees and employees who are required to report child abuse or neglect under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act shall be required to attend training on recognizing child abuse and neglect, as prescribed by Department rules;

(3) The general financial ability and competence of the applicant to provide necessary care for children and to maintain prescribed standards;

(4) The number of individuals or staff required to insure adequate supervision and care of the children received. The standards shall provide that each child care institution, maternity center, day care center, group home, day care home, and group day care home shall have on its premises during its hours of operation at least one staff member certified in first aid, in the Heimlich maneuver and in cardiopulmonary resuscitation by the American Red Cross or other organization approved by rule of the Department. Child welfare agencies shall not be subject to such a staffing requirement. The Department may offer, or arrange for the offering, on a periodic basis in each community in this State in cooperation with the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association or other appropriate organization, voluntary programs to train operators of foster family homes and day care homes in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation;

(5) The appropriateness, safety, cleanliness, and general adequacy of the premises, including maintenance of adequate fire prevention and health standards conforming to State laws and municipal codes to provide for the physical comfort, care, and well-being of children received;

(6) Provisions for food, clothing, educational opportunities, program, equipment and individual supplies to assure the healthy physical, mental, and spiritual development of children served;

(7) Provisions to safeguard the legal rights of children served;

(8) Maintenance of records pertaining to the admission, progress, health, and discharge of children, including, for day care centers and day care homes, records indicating each child has been immunized as required by State regulations. The Department shall require proof that children enrolled in a facility have been immunized against Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB);

(9) Filing of reports with the Department;

(10) Discipline of children;

(11) Protection and fostering of the particular religious faith of the children served;

(12) Provisions prohibiting firearms on day care center premises except in the possession of peace officers;

(13) Provisions prohibiting handguns on day care home premises except in the possession of peace officers or other adults who must possess a handgun as a condition of employment and who reside on the premises of a day care home;

(14) Provisions requiring that any firearm permitted on day care home premises, except handguns in the possession of peace officers, shall be kept in a disassembled state, without ammunition, in locked storage, inaccessible to children and that ammunition permitted on day care home premises shall be kept in locked storage separate from that of disassembled firearms, inaccessible to children;

(15) Provisions requiring notification of parents or guardians enrolling children at a day care home of the presence in the day care home of any firearms and ammunition and of the arrangements for the separate, locked storage of such firearms and ammunition;

(16) Provisions requiring all licensed child care facility employees who care for newborns and infants to complete training every 3 years on the nature of sudden unexpected infant death (SUID), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and the safe sleep recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics; and

(17) With respect to foster family homes, provisions requiring the Department to review quality of care concerns and to consider those concerns in determining whether a foster family home is qualified to care for children.

By July 1, 2022, all licensed day care home providers, licensed group day care home providers, and licensed day care center directors and classroom staff shall participate in at least one training that includes the topics of early childhood social emotional learning, infant and early childhood mental health, early childhood trauma, or adverse childhood experiences. Current licensed providers, directors, and classroom staff shall complete training by July 1, 2022 and shall participate in training that includes the above topics at least once every 3 years.

(b) If, in a facility for general child care, there are children diagnosed as mentally ill or children diagnosed as having an intellectual or physical disability, who are determined to be in need of special mental treatment or of nursing care, or both mental treatment and nursing care, the Department shall seek the advice and recommendation of the Department of Human Services, the Department of Public Health, or both Departments regarding the residential treatment and nursing care provided by the institution.

(c) The Department shall investigate any person applying to be licensed as a foster parent to determine whether there is any evidence of current drug or alcohol abuse in the prospective foster family. The Department shall not license a person as a foster parent if drug or alcohol abuse has been identified in the foster family or if a reasonable suspicion of such abuse exists, except that the Department may grant a foster parent license to an applicant identified with an alcohol or drug problem if the applicant has successfully participated in an alcohol or drug treatment program, self-help group, or other suitable activities and if the Department determines that the foster family home can provide a safe, appropriate environment and meet the physical and emotional needs of children.

(d) The Department, in applying standards prescribed and published, as herein provided, shall offer consultation through employed staff or other qualified persons to assist applicants and licensees in meeting and maintaining minimum requirements for a license and to help them otherwise to achieve programs of excellence related to the care of children served. Such consultation shall include providing information concerning education and training in early childhood development to providers of day care home services. The Department may provide or arrange for such education and training for those providers who request such assistance.

(e) The Department shall distribute copies of licensing standards to all licensees and applicants for a license. Each licensee or holder of a permit shall distribute copies of the appropriate licensing standards and any other information required by the Department to child care facilities under its supervision. Each licensee or holder of a permit shall maintain appropriate documentation of the distribution of the standards. Such documentation shall be part of the records of the facility and subject to inspection by authorized representatives of the Department.

(f) The Department shall prepare summaries of day care licensing standards. Each licensee or holder of a permit for a day care facility shall distribute a copy of the appropriate summary and any other information required by the Department, to the legal guardian of each child cared for in that facility at the time when the child is enrolled or initially placed in the facility. The licensee or holder of a permit for a day care facility shall secure appropriate documentation of the distribution of the summary and brochure. Such documentation shall be a part of the records of the facility and subject to inspection by an authorized representative of the Department.

(g) The Department shall distribute to each licensee and holder of a permit copies of the licensing or permit standards applicable to such person's facility. Each licensee or holder of a permit shall make available by posting at all times in a common or otherwise accessible area a complete and current set of licensing standards in order that all employees of the facility may have unrestricted access to such standards. All employees of the facility shall have reviewed the standards and any subsequent changes. Each licensee or holder of a permit shall maintain appropriate documentation of the current review of licensing standards by all employees. Such records shall be part of the records of the facility and subject to inspection by authorized representatives of the Department.

(h) Any standards involving physical examinations, immunization, or medical treatment shall include appropriate exemptions for children whose parents object thereto on the grounds that they conflict with the tenets and practices of a recognized church or religious organization, of which the parent is an adherent or member, and for children who should not be subjected to immunization for clinical reasons.

(i) The Department, in cooperation with the Department of Public Health, shall work to increase immunization awareness and participation among parents of children enrolled in day care centers and day care homes by publishing on the Department's website information about the benefits of immunization against vaccine preventable diseases, including influenza and pertussis. The information for vaccine preventable diseases shall include the incidence and severity of the diseases, the availability of vaccines, and the importance of immunizing children and persons who frequently have close contact with children. The website content shall be reviewed annually in collaboration with the Department of Public Health to reflect the most current recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The Department shall work with day care centers and day care homes licensed under this Act to ensure that the information is annually distributed to parents in August or September.

(j) Any standard adopted by the Department that requires an applicant for a license to operate a day care home to include a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent certificate with the person's his or her application shall be deemed to be satisfied if the applicant includes a copy of a high school diploma or equivalent certificate or a copy of a degree from an accredited institution of higher education or vocational institution or equivalent certificate.

(Source: P.A. 102-4, eff. 4-27-21.)

(225 ILCS 10/7.2) (from Ch. 23, par. 2217.2)

Sec. 7.2. Employer discrimination. (a) For purposes of this Section, "employer" means a licensee or holder of a permit subject to this Act. "Employee" means an employee of such an employer.

(b) No employer shall discharge, demote or suspend, or threaten to discharge, demote or suspend, or in any manner discriminate against any employee who:

(1) Makes any good faith oral or written complaint of any employer's violation of any licensing or other laws (including but not limited to laws concerning child abuse or the transportation of children) which may result in closure of the facility pursuant to Section 11.2 of this Act to the Department or other agency having statutory responsibility for the enforcement of such laws or to the employer or representative of the employer;

(2) Institutes or causes to be instituted against any employer any proceeding concerning the violation of any licensing or other laws, including a proceeding to revoke or to refuse to renew a license under Section 9 of this Act;

(3) Is or will be a witness or testify in any proceeding concerning the violation of any licensing or other laws, including a proceeding to revoke or to refuse to renew a license under Section 9 of this Act; or

(4) Refuses to perform work in violation of a licensing or other law or regulation after notifying the employer of the violation.

(c)(1) A claim by an employee alleging an employer's violation of subsection (b) of this Section shall be presented to the employer within 30 days after the date of the action complained of and shall be filed with the Department of Labor within 60 days after the date of the action complained of.

(2) Upon receipt of the complaint, the Department of Labor shall conduct whatever investigation it deems appropriate, and may hold a hearing. After investigation or hearing, the Department of Labor shall determine whether the employer has violated subsection (b) of this Section and it shall notify the employer and the employee of its determination.

(3) If the Department of Labor determines that the employer has violated subsection (b) of this Section, and the employer refuses to take remedial action to comply with the determination, the Department of Labor shall so notify the Attorney General, who shall bring an action against the employer in the circuit court seeking enforcement of its determination. The court may order any appropriate relief, including rehiring and reinstatement of the employee to the person's his or her former position with backpay and other benefits.

(d) Except for any grievance procedure, arbitration or hearing which is available to the employee pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement, this Section shall be the exclusive remedy for an employee complaining of any action described in subsection (b).

(e) Any employer who willfully wilfully refuses to rehire, promote or otherwise restore an employee or former employee who has been determined eligible for rehiring or promotion as a result of any grievance procedure, arbitration or hearing authorized by law shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 85-987.)

(225 ILCS 10/7.3)

Sec. 7.3. Children placed by private child welfare agency.

(a) Before placing a child who is a youth in care in a foster family home, a private child welfare agency must ascertain (i) whether any other children who are youth in care have been placed in that home and (ii) whether every such child who has been placed in that home continues to reside in that home, unless the child has been transferred to another placement or is no longer a youth in care. The agency must keep a record of every other child welfare agency that has placed such a child in that foster family home; the record must include the name and telephone number of a contact person at each such agency.

(b) At least once every 30 days, a private child welfare agency that places youth in care in foster family homes must make a site visit to every such home where it has placed a youth in care. The purpose of the site visit is to verify that the child continues to reside in that home and to verify the child's safety and well-being. The agency must document the verification in its records. If a private child welfare agency fails to comply with the requirements of this subsection, the Department must suspend all payments to the agency until the agency complies.

(c) The Department must periodically (but no less often than once every 6 months) review the child placement records of each private child welfare agency that places youth in care.

(d) If a child placed in a foster family home is missing, the foster parent must promptly report that fact to the Department or to the child welfare agency that placed the child in the home. If the foster parent fails to make such a report, the Department shall put the home on hold for the placement of other children and initiate corrective action that may include revocation of the foster parent's license to operate the foster family home. A foster parent who knowingly and willfully fails to report a missing foster child under this subsection is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(e) If a private child welfare agency determines that a youth in care whom it has placed in a foster family home no longer resides in that home, the agency must promptly report that fact to the Department. If the agency fails to make such a report, the Department shall put the agency on hold for the placement of other children and initiate corrective action that may include revocation of the agency's license.

(f) When a child is missing from a foster home, the Department or private agency in charge of case management shall report regularly to the foster parent concerning efforts to locate the missing child.

(g) The Department must strive to account for the status and whereabouts of every one of its youth in care who it determines is not residing in the authorized placement in which the youth he or she was placed.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(225 ILCS 10/7.4)

Sec. 7.4. Disclosures.

(a) Every licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services shall provide to all prospective clients and to the public written disclosures with respect to its adoption services, policies, and practices, including general eligibility criteria, fees, and the mutual rights and responsibilities of clients, including birth biological parents and adoptive parents. The written disclosure shall be posted on any website maintained by the child welfare agency that relates to adoption services. The Department shall adopt rules relating to the contents of the written disclosures. Eligible agencies may be deemed compliant with this subsection (a).

(b) Every licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services shall provide to all applicants, prior to application, a written schedule of estimated fees, expenses, and refund policies. Every child welfare agency providing adoption services shall have a written policy that shall be part of its standard adoption contract and state that it will not charge additional fees and expenses beyond those disclosed in the adoption contract unless additional fees are reasonably required by the circumstances and are disclosed to the adoptive parents or parent before they are incurred. The Department shall adopt rules relating to the contents of the written schedule and policy. Eligible agencies may be deemed compliant with this subsection (b).

(c) Every licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services must make full and fair disclosure to its clients, including birth biological parents and adoptive parents, of all circumstances material to the placement of a child for adoption. The Department shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation and regulation of the requirements of this subsection (c).

(c-5) Whenever a licensed child welfare agency places a child in a licensed foster family home or an adoption-only home, the agency shall provide the following to the caretaker or prospective adoptive parent:

(1) Available detailed information concerning the child's educational and health history, copies of immunization records (including insurance and medical card information), a history of the child's previous placements, if any, and reasons for placement changes, excluding any information that identifies or reveals the location of any previous caretaker.

(2) A copy of the child's portion of the client service plan, including any visitation arrangement, and all amendments or revisions to it as related to the child.

(3) Information containing details of the child's individualized educational plan when the child is receiving special education services.

(4) Any known social or behavioral information (including, but not limited to, criminal background, fire setting, perpetration of sexual abuse, destructive behavior, and substance abuse) necessary to care for and safeguard the child.

The agency may prepare a written summary of the information required by this subsection, which may be provided to the foster or prospective adoptive parent in advance of a placement. The foster or prospective adoptive parent may review the supporting documents in the child's file in the presence of casework staff. In the case of an emergency placement, casework staff shall at least provide information verbally, if necessary, and must subsequently provide the information in writing as required by this subsection. In the case of emergency placements when time does not allow prior review, preparation, and collection of written information, the agency shall provide such information as it becomes available.

The Department shall adopt rules necessary for the implementation and regulation of the requirements of this subsection (c-5).

(d) Every licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services shall meet minimum standards set forth by the Department concerning the taking or acknowledging of a consent prior to taking or acknowledging a consent from a prospective birth biological parent. The Department shall adopt rules concerning the minimum standards required by agencies under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 99-833, eff. 1-1-17.)

(225 ILCS 10/7.6)

Sec. 7.6. Annual report. Every licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services shall file an annual report with the Department and with the Attorney General on forms and on a date prescribed by the Department. The annual reports for the preceding 2 years must be made available, upon request, to the public by the Department and every licensed agency and must be included on the website of the Department. Each licensed agency that maintains a website shall provide the reports on its website. The annual report shall include all of the following matters and all other matters required by the Department:

(1) a balance sheet and a statement of income and expenses for the year, certified by an independent public accountant; for purposes of this item (1), the audit report filed by an agency with the Department may be included in the annual report and, if so, shall be sufficient to comply with the requirement of this item (1);

(2) non-identifying information concerning the placements made by the agency during the year, consisting of the number of adoptive families in the process of obtaining approval for an adoption-only home, the number of adoptive families that are approved and awaiting placement, the number of birth biological parents that the agency is actively working with, the number of placements, and the number of adoptions initiated during the year and the status of each matter at the end of the year;

(3) any instance during the year in which the agency lost the right to provide adoption services in any State or country, had its license suspended for cause, or was the subject of other sanctions by any court, governmental agency, or governmental regulatory body relating to the provision of adoption services;

(4) any actions related to licensure that were initiated against the agency during the year by a licensing or accrediting body;

(5) any pending investigations by federal or State authorities;

(6) any criminal charges, child abuse charges, malpractice complaints, or lawsuits against the agency or any of its employees, officers, or directors related to the provision of adoption services and the basis or disposition of the actions;

(7) any instance in the year where the agency was found guilty of, or pled guilty to, any criminal or civil or administrative violation under federal, State, or foreign law that relates to the provision of adoption services;

(8) any instance in the year where any employee, officer, or director of the agency was found guilty of any crime or was determined to have violated a civil law or administrative rule under federal, State, or foreign law relating to the provision of adoption services; and

(9) any civil or administrative proceeding instituted by the agency during the year and relating to adoption services, excluding uncontested adoption proceedings and proceedings filed pursuant to Section 12a of the Adoption Act.

Failure to disclose information required under this Section may result in the suspension of the agency's license for a period of 90 days. Subsequent violations may result in revocation of the license.

Information disclosed in accordance with this Section shall be subject to the applicable confidentiality requirements of this Act and the Adoption Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-833, eff. 1-1-17.)

(225 ILCS 10/7.7)

Sec. 7.7. Certain waivers prohibited. Licensed child welfare agencies providing adoption services shall not require birth biological or adoptive parents to sign any document that purports to waive claims against an agency for intentional or reckless acts or omissions or for gross negligence. Nothing in this Section shall require an agency to assume risks that are not within the reasonable control of the agency.

(Source: P.A. 94-586, eff. 8-15-05.)

(225 ILCS 10/9) (from Ch. 23, par. 2219)

Sec. 9. Prior to revocation or refusal to renew a license, the Department shall notify the licensee by registered mail with postage prepaid, at the address specified on the license, or at the address of the ranking or presiding officer of a board of directors, or any equivalent body conducting a child care facility, of the contemplated action and that the licensee may, within 10 days of such notification, dating from the postmark of the registered mail, request in writing a public hearing before the Department, and, at the same time, may request a written statement of charges from the Department.

(a) Upon written request by the licensee, the Department shall furnish such written statement of charges, and, at the same time, shall set the date and place for the hearing. The charges and notice of the hearing shall be delivered by registered mail with postage prepaid, and the hearing must be held within 30 days, dating from the date of the postmark of the registered mail, except that notification must be made at least 15 days in advance of the date set for the hearing.

(b) If no request for a hearing is made within 10 days after notification, or if the Department determines, upon holding a hearing, that the license should be revoked or renewal denied, then the license shall be revoked or renewal denied.

(c) Upon the hearing of proceedings in which the license is revoked, renewal of license is refused or full license is denied, the Director of the Department, or any officer or employee duly authorized by the Director him in writing, may administer oaths and the Department may procure, by its subpoena, the attendance of witnesses and the production of relevant books and papers.

(d) At the time and place designated, the Director of the Department or the officer or employee authorized by the Director him in writing, shall hear the charges, and both the Department and the licensee shall be allowed to present in person or by counsel such statements, testimony and evidence as may be pertinent to the charges or to the defense thereto. The hearing officer may continue such hearing from time to time, but not to exceed a single period of 30 days, unless special extenuating circumstances make further continuance feasible.

(Source: P.A. 83-1362.)

(225 ILCS 10/9.1b)

Sec. 9.1b. Complaint procedures. All child welfare agencies providing adoption services shall be required by the Department to have complaint policies and procedures that shall be provided in writing to their prospective clients, including birth biological parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees that they have served, at the earliest time possible, and, in the case of birth biological and adoptive parents, prior to placement or prior to entering into any written contract with the clients. These complaint procedures must be filed with the Department within 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly. Failure to comply with this Section may result in the suspension of licensure for a period of 90 days. Subsequent violations may result in licensure revocation. The Department shall adopt rules that describe the complaint procedures required by each agency. These rules shall include without limitation prompt complaint response time, recording of the complaints, prohibition of agency retaliation against the person making the complaint, and agency reporting of all complaints to the Department in a timely manner. Any agency that maintains a website shall post the prescribed complaint procedures and its license number, as well as the statewide toll-free complaint registry telephone number, on its website.

(Source: P.A. 94-586, eff. 8-15-05.)

(225 ILCS 10/12) (from Ch. 23, par. 2222)

Sec. 12. Advertisements.

(a) In this Section, "advertise" means communication by any public medium originating or distributed in this State, including, but not limited to, newspapers, periodicals, telephone book listings, outdoor advertising signs, radio, or television.

(b) A child care facility or child welfare agency licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Department may publish advertisements for the services that the facility is specifically licensed or issued a permit under this Act to provide. A person, group of persons, agency, association, organization, corporation, institution, center, or group who advertises or causes to be published any advertisement offering, soliciting, or promising to perform adoption services as defined in Section 2.24 of this Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 or 9 months imprisonment for each advertisement, unless that person, group of persons, agency, association, organization, corporation, institution, center, or group is (i) licensed or operating under a permit issued by the Department as a child care facility or child welfare agency, (ii) a birth biological parent or a prospective adoptive parent acting on the birth parent's or prospective adoptive parent's his or her own behalf, or (iii) a licensed attorney advertising the licensed attorney's his or her availability to provide legal services relating to adoption, as permitted by law.

(c) Every advertisement published after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly shall include the Department-issued license number of the facility or agency.

(d) Any licensed child welfare agency providing adoption services that, after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 94th General Assembly, causes to be published an advertisement containing reckless or intentional misrepresentations concerning adoption services or circumstances material to the placement of a child for adoption is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and is subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 or 9 months imprisonment for each advertisement.

(e) An out-of-state agency that is not licensed in Illinois and that has a written interagency agreement with one or more Illinois licensed child welfare agencies may advertise under this Section, provided that (i) the out-of-state agency must be officially recognized by the United States Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt organization under 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (or any successor provision of federal tax law), (ii) the out-of-state agency provides only international adoption services and is covered by the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000, (iii) the out-of-state agency displays, in the advertisement, the license number of at least one of the Illinois licensed child welfare agencies with which it has a written agreement, and (iv) the advertisements pertain only to international adoption services. Subsection (d) of this Section shall apply to any out-of-state agencies described in this subsection (e).

(f) An advertiser, publisher, or broadcaster, including, but not limited to, newspapers, periodicals, telephone book publishers, outdoor advertising signs, radio stations, or television stations, who knowingly or recklessly advertises or publishes any advertisement offering, soliciting, or promising to perform adoption services, as defined in Section 2.24 of this Act, on behalf of a person, group of persons, agency, association, organization, corporation, institution, center, or group, not authorized to advertise under subsection (b) or subsection (e) of this Section, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and is subject to a fine not to exceed $10,000 or 9 months imprisonment for each advertisement.

(g) The Department shall maintain a website listing child welfare agencies licensed by the Department that provide adoption services and other general information for birth biological parents and adoptive parents. The website shall include, but not be limited to, agency addresses, phone numbers, e-mail addresses, website addresses, annual reports as referenced in Section 7.6 of this Act, agency license numbers, the Birth Parent Bill of Rights, the Adoptive Parents Bill of Rights, and the Department's complaint registry established under Section 9.1a of this Act. The Department shall adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

(h) Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a day care agency, day care center, day care home, or group day care home that does not provide or perform adoption services, as defined in Section 2.24 of this Act, from advertising or marketing the day care agency, day care center, day care home, or group day care home.

(Source: P.A. 100-406, eff. 1-1-18.)

(225 ILCS 10/14.5)

Sec. 14.5. Offering, providing, or co-signing a loan or other credit accommodation. No person or entity shall offer, provide, or co-sign a loan or other credit accommodation, directly or indirectly, with a birth biological parent or a relative of a birth biological parent based on the contingency of a surrender or placement of a child for adoption.

(Source: P.A. 93-1063, eff. 6-1-05.)

(225 ILCS 10/14.7)

Sec. 14.7. Payments to birth biological parents.

(a) Payment of reasonable living expenses by a child welfare agency shall not obligate the birth biological parents to place the child for adoption. In the event that the birth biological parents choose not to place the child for adoption, the child welfare agency shall have no right to seek reimbursement from the birth biological parents, or from any relative of the birth biological parents, of moneys paid to, or on behalf of, the birth biological parents, except as provided in subsection (b) of this Section.

(b) Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this Section, a child welfare agency may seek reimbursement of reasonable living expenses from a person who receives such payments only if the person who accepts payment of reasonable living expenses before the child's birth, as described in subsection (a) of this Section, knows that the person on whose behalf they are accepting payment is not pregnant at the time of the receipt of such payments or the person receives reimbursement for reasonable living expenses simultaneously from more than one child welfare agency without the agencies' knowledge.

(Source: P.A. 94-586, eff. 8-15-05.)

(225 ILCS 10/18) (from Ch. 23, par. 2228)

Sec. 18. Any person, group of persons, association or corporation who

(1) conducts, operates or acts as a child care facility without a license or permit to do so in violation of Section 3 of this Act;

(2) makes materially false statements in order to obtain a license or permit;

(3) fails to keep the records and make the reports provided under this Act;

(4) advertises any service not authorized by license or permit held;

(5) publishes any advertisement in violation of this Act;

(6) receives within this State any child in violation of Section 16 of this Act; or

(7) violates any other provision of this Act or any reasonable rule or regulation adopted and published by the Department for the enforcement of the provisions of this Act, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and in case of an association or corporation, imprisonment may be imposed upon its officers who knowingly participated in the violation.

Any child care facility that continues to operate after its license is revoked under Section 8 of this Act or after its license expires and the Department refused to renew the license as provided in Section 8 of this Act is guilty of a business offense and shall be fined an amount in excess of $500 but not exceeding $10,000, and each day of violation is a separate offense.

In a prosecution under this Act, a defendant who relies upon the relationship of any child to the defendant himself has the burden of proof as to that relationship.

(Source: P.A. 83-1362.)

Section 50. The Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act is amended by changing Sections 10, 15, 30, and 35 as follows:

(325 ILCS 2/10)

Sec. 10. Definitions. In this Act:

"Abandon" has the same meaning as in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

"Abused child" has the same meaning as in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

"Child-placing agency" means a licensed public or private agency that receives a child for the purpose of placing or arranging for the placement of the child in a foster family home or other facility for child care, apart from the custody of the child's parents.

"Department" or "DCFS" means the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

"Emergency medical facility" means a freestanding emergency center or trauma center, as defined in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act.

"Emergency medical professional" includes licensed physicians, and any emergency medical technician, emergency medical technician-intermediate, advanced emergency medical technician, paramedic, trauma nurse specialist, and pre-hospital registered nurse, as defined in the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Systems Act.

"Fire station" means a fire station within the State with at least one staff person.

"Hospital" has the same meaning as in the Hospital Licensing Act.

"Legal custody" means the relationship created by a court order in the best interest of a newborn infant that imposes on the infant's custodian the responsibility of physical possession of the infant, the duty to protect, train, and discipline the infant, and the duty to provide the infant with food, shelter, education, and medical care, except as these are limited by parental rights and responsibilities.

"Neglected child" has the same meaning as in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

"Newborn infant" means a child who a licensed physician reasonably believes is 30 days old or less at the time the child is initially relinquished to a hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility, and who is not an abused or a neglected child.

"Police station" means a municipal police station, a county sheriff's office, a campus police department located on any college or university owned or controlled by the State or any private college or private university that is not owned or controlled by the State when employees of the campus police department are present, or any of the district headquarters of the Illinois State Police.

"Relinquish" means to bring a newborn infant, who a licensed physician reasonably believes is 30 days old or less, to a hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility and to leave the infant with personnel of the facility, if the person leaving the infant does not express an intent to return for the infant or states that the person he or she will not return for the infant. In the case of a person mother who gives birth to an infant in a hospital, the person's mother's act of leaving that newborn infant at the hospital (i) without expressing an intent to return for the infant or (ii) stating that the person she will not return for the infant is not a "relinquishment" under this Act.

"Temporary protective custody" means the temporary placement of a newborn infant within a hospital or other medical facility out of the custody of the infant's parent.

(Source: P.A. 97-293, eff. 8-11-11; 98-973, eff. 8-15-14.)

(325 ILCS 2/15)

Sec. 15. Presumptions.

(a) There is a presumption that by relinquishing a newborn infant in accordance with this Act, the infant's parent consents to the termination of the parent's his or her parental rights with respect to the infant.

(b) There is a presumption that a person relinquishing a newborn infant in accordance with this Act:

(1) is the newborn infant's birth biological parent; and

(2) either without expressing an intent to return for the infant or expressing an intent not to return for the infant, did intend to relinquish the infant to the hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility to treat, care for, and provide for the infant in accordance with this Act.

(c) A parent of a relinquished newborn infant may rebut the presumption set forth in either subsection (a) or subsection (b) pursuant to Section 55, at any time before the termination of the parent's parental rights.

(Source: P.A. 92-408, eff. 8-17-01; 92-432, eff. 8-17-01; 93-820, eff. 7-27-04.)

(325 ILCS 2/30)

Sec. 30. Anonymity of relinquishing person. If there is no evidence of abuse or neglect of a relinquished newborn infant, the relinquishing person has the right to remain anonymous and to leave the hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility at any time and not be pursued or followed. Before the relinquishing person leaves the hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility, the hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility personnel shall (i) verbally inform the relinquishing person that by relinquishing the child anonymously, the relinquishing person he or she will have to petition the court if the relinquishing person he or she desires to prevent the termination of parental rights and regain custody of the child and (ii) shall offer the relinquishing person the information packet described in Section 35 of this Act. However, nothing in this Act shall be construed as precluding the relinquishing person from providing the relinquishing person's his or her identity or completing the application forms for the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange and requesting that the hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility forward those forms to the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

(Source: P.A. 92-408, eff. 8-17-01; 92-432, eff. 8-17-01; 93-820, eff. 7-27-04.)

(325 ILCS 2/35)

Sec. 35. Information for relinquishing person.

(a) A hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility that receives a newborn infant relinquished in accordance with this Act must offer an information packet to the relinquishing person and, if possible, must clearly inform the relinquishing person that the relinquishing person's his or her acceptance of the information is completely voluntary. The information packet must include all of the following:

(1) (Blank).

(2) Written notice of the following:

(A) No sooner than 60 days following the date of the initial relinquishment of the infant to a hospital, police station, fire station, or emergency medical facility, the child-placing agency or the Department will commence proceedings for the termination of parental rights and placement of the infant for adoption.

(B) Failure of a parent of the infant to contact the Department and petition for the return of custody of the infant before termination of parental rights bars any future action asserting legal rights with respect to the infant.

(3) A resource list of providers of counseling services including grief counseling, pregnancy counseling, and counseling regarding adoption and other available options for placement of the infant.

Upon request of a parent, the Department of Public Health shall provide the application forms for the Illinois Adoption Registry and Medical Information Exchange.

(b) The information packet given to a relinquishing parent in accordance with this Act shall include, in addition to other information required under this Act, the following:

(1) A brochure (with a self-mailer attached) that describes this Act and the rights of birth parents, including an optional section for the parent to complete and mail to the Department of Children and Family Services, that shall ask for basic anonymous background information about the relinquished child. This brochure shall be maintained by the Department on its website.

(2) A brochure that describes the Illinois Adoption Registry, including a toll-free number and website information. This brochure shall be maintained on the Office of Vital Records website.

(3) A brochure describing postpartum health information for the mother.

The information packet shall be designed in coordination between the Office of Vital Records and the Department of Children and Family Services, with the exception of the resource list of providers of counseling services and adoption agencies, which shall be provided by the hospital, fire station, police station, sheriff's office, or emergency medical facility.

(Source: P.A. 96-1114, eff. 7-20-10; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

Section 55. The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act is amended by changing Sections 2.1, 3, 4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 7, 7.3b, 7.3c, 7.4, 7.9, 7.14, 7.16, 7.19, 11.1, 11.1a, 11.3, 11.5, and 11.8 as follows:

(325 ILCS 5/2.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 2052.1)

Sec. 2.1. Any person or family seeking assistance in meeting child care responsibilities may use the services and facilities established by this Act which may assist in meeting such responsibilities. Whether or not the problem presented constitutes child abuse or neglect, such persons or families shall be referred to appropriate resources or agencies. No person seeking assistance under this Section shall be required to give the person's his name or any other identifying information.

(Source: P.A. 81-1077.)

(325 ILCS 5/3) (from Ch. 23, par. 2053)

Sec. 3. As used in this Act unless the context otherwise requires:

"Adult resident" means any person between 18 and 22 years of age who resides in any facility licensed by the Department under the Child Care Act of 1969. For purposes of this Act, the criteria set forth in the definitions of "abused child" and "neglected child" shall be used in determining whether an adult resident is abused or neglected.

"Agency" means a child care facility licensed under Section 2.05 or Section 2.06 of the Child Care Act of 1969 and includes a transitional living program that accepts children and adult residents for placement who are in the guardianship of the Department.

"Blatant disregard" means an incident where the real, significant, and imminent risk of harm would be so obvious to a reasonable parent or caretaker that it is unlikely that a reasonable parent or caretaker would have exposed the child to the danger without exercising precautionary measures to protect the child from harm. With respect to a person working at an agency in the person's his or her professional capacity with a child or adult resident, "blatant disregard" includes a failure by the person to perform job responsibilities intended to protect the child's or adult resident's health, physical well-being, or welfare, and, when viewed in light of the surrounding circumstances, evidence exists that would cause a reasonable person to believe that the child was neglected. With respect to an agency, "blatant disregard" includes a failure to implement practices that ensure the health, physical well-being, or welfare of the children and adult residents residing in the facility.

"Child" means any person under the age of 18 years, unless legally emancipated by reason of marriage or entry into a branch of the United States armed services.

"Department" means Department of Children and Family Services.

"Local law enforcement agency" means the police of a city, town, village or other incorporated area or the sheriff of an unincorporated area or any sworn officer of the Illinois State Police.

"Abused child" means a child whose parent or immediate family member, or any person responsible for the child's welfare, or any individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent:

(a) inflicts, causes to be inflicted, or allows to be inflicted upon such child physical injury, by other than accidental means, which causes death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function;

(b) creates a substantial risk of physical injury to such child by other than accidental means which would be likely to cause death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function;

(c) commits or allows to be committed any sex offense against such child, as such sex offenses are defined in the Criminal Code of 2012 or in the Wrongs to Children Act, and extending those definitions of sex offenses to include children under 18 years of age;

(d) commits or allows to be committed an act or acts of torture upon such child;

(e) inflicts excessive corporal punishment or, in the case of a person working for an agency who is prohibited from using corporal punishment, inflicts corporal punishment upon a child or adult resident with whom the person is working in the person's his or her professional capacity;

(f) commits or allows to be committed the offense of female genital mutilation, as defined in Section 12-34 of the Criminal Code of 2012, against the child;

(g) causes to be sold, transferred, distributed, or given to such child under 18 years of age, a controlled substance as defined in Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act in violation of Article IV of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or in violation of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, except for controlled substances that are prescribed in accordance with Article III of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act and are dispensed to such child in a manner that substantially complies with the prescription;

(h) commits or allows to be committed the offense of involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons as defined in Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 2012 against the child; or

(i) commits the offense of grooming, as defined in Section 11-25 of the Criminal Code of 2012, against the child.

A child shall not be considered abused for the sole reason that the child has been relinquished in accordance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.

"Neglected child" means any child who is not receiving the proper or necessary nourishment or medically indicated treatment including food or care not provided solely on the basis of the present or anticipated mental or physical impairment as determined by a physician acting alone or in consultation with other physicians or otherwise is not receiving the proper or necessary support or medical or other remedial care recognized under State law as necessary for a child's well-being, or other care necessary for the child's his or her well-being, including adequate food, clothing and shelter; or who is subjected to an environment which is injurious insofar as (i) the child's environment creates a likelihood of harm to the child's health, physical well-being, or welfare and (ii) the likely harm to the child is the result of a blatant disregard of parent, caretaker, person responsible for the child's welfare, or agency responsibilities; or who is abandoned by the child's his or her parents or other person responsible for the child's welfare without a proper plan of care; or who has been provided with interim crisis intervention services under Section 3-5 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and whose parent, guardian, or custodian refuses to permit the child to return home and no other living arrangement agreeable to the parent, guardian, or custodian can be made, and the parent, guardian, or custodian has not made any other appropriate living arrangement for the child; or who is a newborn infant whose blood, urine, or meconium contains any amount of a controlled substance as defined in subsection (f) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or a metabolite thereof, with the exception of a controlled substance or metabolite thereof whose presence in the newborn infant is the result of medical treatment administered to the person who gave birth mother or the newborn infant. A child shall not be considered neglected for the sole reason that the child's parent or other person responsible for the child's his or her welfare has left the child in the care of an adult relative for any period of time. A child shall not be considered neglected for the sole reason that the child has been relinquished in accordance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act. A child shall not be considered neglected or abused for the sole reason that such child's parent or other person responsible for the child's his or her welfare depends upon spiritual means through prayer alone for the treatment or cure of disease or remedial care as provided under Section 4 of this Act. A child shall not be considered neglected or abused solely because the child is not attending school in accordance with the requirements of Article 26 of The School Code, as amended.

"Child Protective Service Unit" means certain specialized State employees of the Department assigned by the Director to perform the duties and responsibilities as provided under Section 7.2 of this Act.

"Near fatality" means an act that, as certified by a physician, places the child in serious or critical condition, including acts of great bodily harm inflicted upon children under 13 years of age, and as otherwise defined by Department rule.

"Great bodily harm" includes bodily injury which creates a high probability of death, or which causes serious permanent disfigurement, or which causes a permanent or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ, or other serious bodily harm.

"Person responsible for the child's welfare" means the child's parent; guardian; foster parent; relative caregiver; any person responsible for the child's welfare in a public or private residential agency or institution; any person responsible for the child's welfare within a public or private profit or not for profit child care facility; or any other person responsible for the child's welfare at the time of the alleged abuse or neglect, including any person who commits or allows to be committed, against the child, the offense of involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons for forced labor or services, as provided in Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 2012, including, but not limited to, the custodian of the minor, or any person who came to know the child through an official capacity or position of trust, including, but not limited to, health care professionals, educational personnel, recreational supervisors, members of the clergy, and volunteers or support personnel in any setting where children may be subject to abuse or neglect.

"Temporary protective custody" means custody within a hospital or other medical facility or a place previously designated for such custody by the Department, subject to review by the Court, including a licensed foster home, group home, or other institution; but such place shall not be a jail or other place for the detention of criminal or juvenile offenders.

"An unfounded report" means any report made under this Act for which it is determined after an investigation that no credible evidence of abuse or neglect exists.

"An indicated report" means a report made under this Act if an investigation determines that credible evidence of the alleged abuse or neglect exists.

"An undetermined report" means any report made under this Act in which it was not possible to initiate or complete an investigation on the basis of information provided to the Department.

"Subject of report" means any child reported to the central register of child abuse and neglect established under Section 7.7 of this Act as an alleged victim of child abuse or neglect and the parent or guardian of the alleged victim or other person responsible for the alleged victim's welfare who is named in the report or added to the report as an alleged perpetrator of child abuse or neglect.

"Perpetrator" means a person who, as a result of investigation, has been determined by the Department to have caused child abuse or neglect.

"Member of the clergy" means a clergyperson clergyman or practitioner of any religious denomination accredited by the religious body to which the clergyperson or practitioner he or she belongs.

(Source: P.A. 102-567, eff. 1-1-22; 102-676, eff. 12-3-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(325 ILCS 5/4)

Sec. 4. Persons required to report; privileged communications; transmitting false report.

(a) The following persons are required to immediately report to the Department when they have reasonable cause to believe that a child known to them in their professional or official capacities may be an abused child or a neglected child:

(1) Medical personnel, including any: physician licensed to practice medicine in any of its branches (medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy); resident; intern; medical administrator or personnel engaged in the examination, care, and treatment of persons; psychiatrist; surgeon; dentist; dental hygienist; chiropractic physician; podiatric physician; physician assistant; emergency medical technician; physical therapist; physical therapy assistant; occupational therapist; occupational therapy assistant; acupuncturist; registered nurse; licensed practical nurse; advanced practice registered nurse; genetic counselor; respiratory care practitioner; home health aide; or certified nursing assistant.

(2) Social services and mental health personnel, including any: licensed professional counselor; licensed clinical professional counselor; licensed social worker; licensed clinical social worker; licensed psychologist or assistant working under the direct supervision of a psychologist; associate licensed marriage and family therapist; licensed marriage and family therapist; field personnel of the Departments of Healthcare and Family Services, Public Health, Human Services, Human Rights, or Children and Family Services; supervisor or administrator of the General Assistance program established under Article VI of the Illinois Public Aid Code; social services administrator; or substance abuse treatment personnel.

(3) Crisis intervention personnel, including any: crisis line or hotline personnel; or domestic violence program personnel.

(4) Education personnel, including any: school personnel (including administrators and certified and non-certified school employees); personnel of institutions of higher education; educational advocate assigned to a child in accordance with the School Code; member of a school board or the Chicago Board of Education or the governing body of a private school (but only to the extent required under subsection (d)); or truant officer.

(5) Recreation or athletic program or facility personnel; or an athletic trainer.

(6) Child care personnel, including any: early intervention provider as defined in the Early Intervention Services System Act; director or staff assistant of a nursery school or a child day care center; or foster parent, homemaker, or child care worker.

(7) Law enforcement personnel, including any: law enforcement officer; field personnel of the Department of Juvenile Justice; field personnel of the Department of Corrections; probation officer; or animal control officer or field investigator of the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare.

(8) Any funeral home director; funeral home director and embalmer; funeral home employee; coroner; or medical examiner.

(9) Any member of the clergy.

(10) Any physician, physician assistant, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, medical technician, certified nursing assistant, licensed social worker, licensed clinical social worker, or licensed professional counselor of any office, clinic, licensed behavior analyst, licensed assistant behavior analyst, or any other physical location that provides abortions, abortion referrals, or contraceptives.

(b) When 2 or more persons who work within the same workplace and are required to report under this Act share a reasonable cause to believe that a child may be an abused or neglected child, one of those reporters may be designated to make a single report. The report shall include the names and contact information for the other mandated reporters sharing the reasonable cause to believe that a child may be an abused or neglected child. The designated reporter must provide written confirmation of the report to those mandated reporters within 48 hours. If confirmation is not provided, those mandated reporters are individually responsible for immediately ensuring a report is made. Nothing in this Section precludes or may be used to preclude any person from reporting child abuse or child neglect.

(c)(1) As used in this Section, "a child known to them in their professional or official capacities" means:

(A) the mandated reporter comes into contact with the child in the course of the reporter's employment or practice of a profession, or through a regularly scheduled program, activity, or service;

(B) the mandated reporter is affiliated with an agency, institution, organization, school, school district, regularly established church or religious organization, or other entity that is directly responsible for the care, supervision, guidance, or training of the child; or

(C) a person makes a specific disclosure to the mandated reporter that an identifiable child is the victim of child abuse or child neglect, and the disclosure happens while the mandated reporter is engaged in the reporter's his or her employment or practice of a profession, or in a regularly scheduled program, activity, or service.

(2) Nothing in this Section requires a child to come before the mandated reporter in order for the reporter to make a report of suspected child abuse or child neglect.

(d) If an allegation is raised to a school board member during the course of an open or closed school board meeting that a child who is enrolled in the school district of which the person he or she is a board member is an abused child as defined in Section 3 of this Act, the member shall direct or cause the school board to direct the superintendent of the school district or other equivalent school administrator to comply with the requirements of this Act concerning the reporting of child abuse. For purposes of this paragraph, a school board member is granted the authority in that board member's his or her individual capacity to direct the superintendent of the school district or other equivalent school administrator to comply with the requirements of this Act concerning the reporting of child abuse.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, if an employee of a school district has made a report or caused a report to be made to the Department under this Act involving the conduct of a current or former employee of the school district and a request is made by another school district for the provision of information concerning the job performance or qualifications of the current or former employee because the current or former employee he or she is an applicant for employment with the requesting school district, the general superintendent of the school district to which the request is being made must disclose to the requesting school district the fact that an employee of the school district has made a report involving the conduct of the applicant or caused a report to be made to the Department, as required under this Act. Only the fact that an employee of the school district has made a report involving the conduct of the applicant or caused a report to be made to the Department may be disclosed by the general superintendent of the school district to which the request for information concerning the applicant is made, and this fact may be disclosed only in cases where the employee and the general superintendent have not been informed by the Department that the allegations were unfounded. An employee of a school district who is or has been the subject of a report made pursuant to this Act during the employee's his or her employment with the school district must be informed by that school district that if the employee he or she applies for employment with another school district, the general superintendent of the former school district, upon the request of the school district to which the employee applies, shall notify that requesting school district that the employee is or was the subject of such a report.

(e) Whenever such person is required to report under this Act in the person's his capacity as a member of the staff of a medical or other public or private institution, school, facility or agency, or as a member of the clergy, the person he shall make report immediately to the Department in accordance with the provisions of this Act and may also notify the person in charge of such institution, school, facility or agency, or church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other religious institution, or his designated agent of the person in charge that such report has been made. Under no circumstances shall any person in charge of such institution, school, facility or agency, or church, synagogue, temple, mosque, or other religious institution, or his designated agent of the person in charge to whom such notification has been made, exercise any control, restraint, modification or other change in the report or the forwarding of such report to the Department.

(f) In addition to the persons required to report suspected cases of child abuse or child neglect under this Section, any other person may make a report if such person has reasonable cause to believe a child may be an abused child or a neglected child.

(g) The privileged quality of communication between any professional person required to report and the professional person's his patient or client shall not apply to situations involving abused or neglected children and shall not constitute grounds for failure to report as required by this Act or constitute grounds for failure to share information or documents with the Department during the course of a child abuse or neglect investigation. If requested by the professional, the Department shall confirm in writing that the information or documents disclosed by the professional were gathered in the course of a child abuse or neglect investigation.

The reporting requirements of this Act shall not apply to the contents of a privileged communication between an attorney and the attorney's his or her client or to confidential information within the meaning of Rule 1.6 of the Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct relating to the legal representation of an individual client.

A member of the clergy may claim the privilege under Section 8-803 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(h) Any office, clinic, or any other physical location that provides abortions, abortion referrals, or contraceptives shall provide to all office personnel copies of written information and training materials about abuse and neglect and the requirements of this Act that are provided to employees of the office, clinic, or physical location who are required to make reports to the Department under this Act, and instruct such office personnel to bring to the attention of an employee of the office, clinic, or physical location who is required to make reports to the Department under this Act any reasonable suspicion that a child known to office personnel him or her in their his or her professional or official capacity may be an abused child or a neglected child.

(i) Any person who enters into employment on and after July 1, 1986 and is mandated by virtue of that employment to report under this Act, shall sign a statement on a form prescribed by the Department, to the effect that the employee has knowledge and understanding of the reporting requirements of this Act. On and after January 1, 2019, the statement shall also include information about available mandated reporter training provided by the Department. The statement shall be signed prior to commencement of the employment. The signed statement shall be retained by the employer. The cost of printing, distribution, and filing of the statement shall be borne by the employer.

(j) Persons required to report child abuse or child neglect as provided under this Section must complete an initial mandated reporter training, including a section on implicit bias, within 3 months of their date of engagement in a professional or official capacity as a mandated reporter, or within the time frame of any other applicable State law that governs training requirements for a specific profession, and at least every 3 years thereafter. The initial requirement only applies to the first time they engage in their professional or official capacity. In lieu of training every 3 years, medical personnel, as listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), must meet the requirements described in subsection (k).

The mandated reporter trainings shall be in-person or web-based, and shall include, at a minimum, information on the following topics: (i) indicators for recognizing child abuse and child neglect, as defined under this Act; (ii) the process for reporting suspected child abuse and child neglect in Illinois as required by this Act and the required documentation; (iii) responding to a child in a trauma-informed manner; and (iv) understanding the response of child protective services and the role of the reporter after a call has been made. Child-serving organizations are encouraged to provide in-person annual trainings.

The implicit bias section shall be in-person or web-based, and shall include, at a minimum, information on the following topics: (i) implicit bias and (ii) racial and ethnic sensitivity. As used in this subsection, "implicit bias" means the attitudes or internalized stereotypes that affect people's perceptions, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner and that exist and often contribute to unequal treatment of people based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, and other characteristics. The implicit bias section shall provide tools to adjust automatic patterns of thinking and ultimately eliminate discriminatory behaviors. During these trainings mandated reporters shall complete the following: (1) a pretest to assess baseline implicit bias levels; (2) an implicit bias training task; and (3) a posttest to reevaluate bias levels after training. The implicit bias curriculum for mandated reporters shall be developed within one year after January 1, 2022 (the effective date of Public Act 102-604) this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly and shall be created in consultation with organizations demonstrating expertise and or experience in the areas of implicit bias, youth and adolescent developmental issues, prevention of child abuse, exploitation, and neglect, culturally diverse family systems, and the child welfare system.

The mandated reporter training, including a section on implicit bias, shall be provided through the Department, through an entity authorized to provide continuing education for professionals licensed through the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the State Board of Education, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, or the Illinois Department of State Police, or through an organization approved by the Department to provide mandated reporter training, including a section on implicit bias. The Department must make available a free web-based training for reporters.

Each mandated reporter shall report to the mandated reporter's his or her employer and, when applicable, to the mandated reporter's his or her licensing or certification board that the mandated reporter he or she received the mandated reporter training. The mandated reporter shall maintain records of completion.

Beginning January 1, 2021, if a mandated reporter receives licensure from the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation or the State Board of Education, and the mandated reporter's his or her profession has continuing education requirements, the training mandated under this Section shall count toward meeting the licensee's required continuing education hours.

(k)(1) Medical personnel, as listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), who work with children in their professional or official capacity, must complete mandated reporter training at least every 6 years. Such medical personnel, if licensed, must attest at each time of licensure renewal on their renewal form that they understand they are a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect, that they are aware of the process for making a report, that they know how to respond to a child in a trauma-informed manner, and that they are aware of the role of child protective services and the role of a reporter after a call has been made.

(2) In lieu of repeated training, medical personnel, as listed in paragraph (1) of subsection (a), who do not work with children in their professional or official capacity, may instead attest each time at licensure renewal on their renewal form that they understand they are a mandated reporter of child abuse and neglect, that they are aware of the process for making a report, that they know how to respond to a child in a trauma-informed manner, and that they are aware of the role of child protective services and the role of a reporter after a call has been made. Nothing in this paragraph precludes medical personnel from completing mandated reporter training and receiving continuing education credits for that training.

(l) The Department shall provide copies of this Act, upon request, to all employers employing persons who shall be required under the provisions of this Section to report under this Act.

(m) Any person who knowingly transmits a false report to the Department commits the offense of disorderly conduct under subsection (a)(7) of Section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. A violation of this provision is a Class 4 felony.

Any person who knowingly and willfully violates any provision of this Section other than a second or subsequent violation of transmitting a false report as described in the preceding paragraph, is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for a first violation and a Class 4 felony for a second or subsequent violation; except that if the person acted as part of a plan or scheme having as its object the prevention of discovery of an abused or neglected child by lawful authorities for the purpose of protecting or insulating any person or entity from arrest or prosecution, the person is guilty of a Class 4 felony for a first offense and a Class 3 felony for a second or subsequent offense (regardless of whether the second or subsequent offense involves any of the same facts or persons as the first or other prior offense).

(n) A child whose parent, guardian or custodian in good faith selects and depends upon spiritual means through prayer alone for the treatment or cure of disease or remedial care may be considered neglected or abused, but not for the sole reason that the child's his parent, guardian or custodian accepts and practices such beliefs.

(o) A child shall not be considered neglected or abused solely because the child is not attending school in accordance with the requirements of Article 26 of the School Code, as amended.

(p) Nothing in this Act prohibits a mandated reporter who reasonably believes that an animal is being abused or neglected in violation of the Humane Care for Animals Act from reporting animal abuse or neglect to the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare.

(q) A home rule unit may not regulate the reporting of child abuse or neglect in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(r) For purposes of this Section "child abuse or neglect" includes abuse or neglect of an adult resident as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-564, eff. 1-1-20; 102-604, eff. 1-1-22; 102-861, eff. 1-1-23; 102-953, eff. 5-27-22; revised 12-14-22.)

(325 ILCS 5/4.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 2054.1)

Sec. 4.1. Any person required to report under this Act who has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has died as a result of abuse or neglect shall also immediately report the person's his suspicion to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner. Any other person who has reasonable cause to believe that a child has died as a result of abuse or neglect may report the person's his suspicion to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner. The medical examiner or coroner shall investigate the report and communicate the medical examiner's or coroner's his apparent gross findings, orally, immediately upon completion of the gross autopsy, but in all cases within 72 hours and within 21 days in writing, to the local law enforcement agency, the appropriate State's attorney, the Department and, if the institution making the report is a hospital, the hospital. The child protective investigator assigned to the death investigation shall have the right to require a copy of the completed autopsy report from the coroner or medical examiner.

(Source: P.A. 85-193.)

(325 ILCS 5/4.2)

Sec. 4.2. Departmental report on death or serious life-threatening injury of child.

(a) In the case of the death or serious life-threatening injury of a child whose care and custody or custody and guardianship has been transferred to the Department, or in the case of a child abuse or neglect report made to the central register involving the death of a child, the Department shall (i) investigate or provide for an investigation of the cause of and circumstances surrounding the death or serious life-threatening injury, (ii) review the investigation, and (iii) prepare and issue a report on the death or serious life-threatening injury.

(b) The report shall include (i) the cause of death or serious life-threatening injury, whether from natural or other causes, (ii) any extraordinary or pertinent information concerning the circumstances of the child's death or serious life-threatening injury, (iii) identification of child protective or other social services provided or actions taken regarding the child or the child's his or her family at the time of the death or serious life-threatening injury or within the preceding 5 years, (iv) any action or further investigation undertaken by the Department since the death or serious life-threatening injury of the child, (v) as appropriate, recommendations for State administrative or policy changes, (vi) whether the alleged perpetrator of the abuse or neglect has been charged with committing a crime related to the report and allegation of abuse or neglect, and (vii) a copy of any documents, files, records, books, and papers created or used in connection with the Department's investigation of the death or serious life-threatening injury of the child. In any case involving the death or near death of a child, when a person responsible for the child has been charged with committing a crime that results in the child's death or near death, there shall be a presumption that the best interest of the public will be served by public disclosure of certain information concerning the circumstances of the investigations of the death or near death of the child and any other investigations concerning that child or other children living in the same household.

If the Department receives from the public a request for information relating to a case of child abuse or neglect involving the death or serious life-threatening injury of a child, the Director shall consult with the State's Attorney in the county of venue and release the report related to the case, except for the following, which may be redacted from the information disclosed to the public: any mental health or psychological information that is confidential as otherwise provided in State law; privileged communications of an attorney; the identity of the individual or individuals, if known, who made the report; information that may cause mental or physical harm to a sibling or another child living in the household; information that may undermine an ongoing criminal investigation; and any information prohibited from disclosure by federal law or regulation. Any information provided by an adult subject of a report that is released about the case in a public forum shall be subject to disclosure upon a public information request. Information about the case shall also be subject to disclosure upon consent of an adult subject. Information about the case shall also be subject to disclosure if it has been publicly disclosed in a report by a law enforcement agency or official, a State's Attorney, a judge, or any other State or local investigative agency or official. Except as it may apply directly to the cause of the death or serious life-threatening injury of the child, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to authorize the release or disclosure to the public of the substance or content of any psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic, clinical, or medical reports, evaluation, or like materials or information pertaining to the child or the child's family.

(c) No later than 6 months after the date of the death or serious life-threatening injury of the child, the Department shall notify the President of the Senate, the Minority Leader of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, and the members of the Senate and the House of Representatives in whose district the child's death or serious life-threatening injury occurred upon the completion of each report and shall submit an annual cumulative report to the Governor and the General Assembly incorporating cumulative data about the above reports and including appropriate findings and recommendations. The reports required by this subsection (c) shall be made available to the public after completion or submittal.

(d) To enable the Department to prepare the report, the Department may request and shall timely receive from departments, boards, bureaus, or other agencies of the State, or any of its political subdivisions, or any duly authorized agency, or any other agency which provided assistance, care, or services to the deceased or injured child any information they are authorized to provide.

(Source: P.A. 97-1068, eff. 1-1-13.)

(325 ILCS 5/4.4)

Sec. 4.4. DCFS duty to report to State's Attorney. Whenever the Department receives, by means of its statewide toll-free telephone number established under Section 7.6 for the purpose of reporting suspected child abuse or neglect or by any other means or from any mandated reporter under Section 4, a report of a newborn infant whose blood, urine, or meconium contains any amount of a controlled substance as defined in subsection (f) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or a metabolite thereof, with the exception of a controlled substance or metabolite thereof whose presence in the newborn infant is the result of medical treatment administered to the person who gave birth mother or the newborn infant, the Department must immediately report that information to the State's Attorney of the county in which the infant was born.

(Source: P.A. 95-361, eff. 8-23-07.)

(325 ILCS 5/4.5)

Sec. 4.5. Electronic and information technology workers; reporting child pornography.

(a) In this Section:

"Child pornography" means child pornography as described in Section 11-20.1 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

"Electronic and information technology equipment" means equipment used in the creation, manipulation, storage, display, or transmission of data, including internet and intranet systems, software applications, operating systems, video and multimedia, telecommunications products, kiosks, information transaction machines, copiers, printers, and desktop and portable computers.

"Electronic and information technology equipment worker" means a person who in the scope and course of the person's his or her employment or business installs, repairs, or otherwise services electronic and information technology equipment for a fee but does not include (i) an employee, independent contractor, or other agent of a telecommunications carrier or telephone or telecommunications cooperative, as those terms are defined in the Public Utilities Act, or (ii) an employee, independent contractor, or other agent of a provider of commercial mobile radio service, as defined in 47 C.F.R. 20.3.

(b) If an electronic and information technology equipment worker discovers any depiction of child pornography while installing, repairing, or otherwise servicing an item of electronic and information technology equipment, that worker or the worker's employer shall immediately report the discovery to the local law enforcement agency or to the Cyber Tipline at the National Center for Missing and & Exploited Children.

(c) If a report is filed in accordance with the requirements of 42 U.S.C. 13032, the requirements of this Section 4.5 will be deemed to have been met.

(d) An electronic and information technology equipment worker or electronic and information technology equipment worker's employer who reports a discovery of child pornography as required under this Section is immune from any criminal, civil, or administrative liability in connection with making the report, except for willful or wanton misconduct.

(e) Failure to report a discovery of child pornography as required under this Section is a business offense subject to a fine of $1,001.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(325 ILCS 5/5) (from Ch. 23, par. 2055)

Sec. 5. An officer of a local law enforcement agency, designated employee of the Department, or a physician treating a child may take or retain temporary protective custody of the child without the consent of the person responsible for the child's welfare, if (1) the officer of a local law enforcement agency, designated employee of the Department, or a physician treating a child he has reason to believe that the child cannot be cared for at home or in the custody of the person responsible for the child's welfare without endangering the child's health or safety; and (2) there is not time to apply for a court order under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 for temporary custody of the child. The person taking or retaining a child in temporary protective custody shall immediately make every reasonable effort to notify the person responsible for the child's welfare and shall immediately notify the Department. The Department shall provide to the temporary caretaker of a child any information in the Department's possession concerning the positive results of a test performed on the child to determine the presence of the antibody or antigen to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), or of HIV infection, as well as any communicable diseases or communicable infections that the child has. The temporary caretaker of a child shall not disclose to another person any information received by the temporary caretaker from the Department concerning the results of a test performed on the child to determine the presence of the antibody or antigen to HIV, or of HIV infection, except pursuant to Section 9 of the AIDS Confidentiality Act, as now or hereafter amended. The Department shall promptly initiate proceedings under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 for the continued temporary custody of the child.

Where the physician keeping a child in the physician's his custody does so in the physician's his capacity as a member of the staff of a hospital or similar institution, the physician he shall notify the person in charge of the institution or the his designated agent of the person in charge, who shall then become responsible for the further care of such child in the hospital or similar institution under the direction of the Department.

Said care includes, but is not limited to the granting of permission to perform emergency medical treatment to a minor where the treatment itself does not involve a substantial risk of harm to the minor and the failure to render such treatment will likely result in death or permanent harm to the minor, and there is not time to apply for a court order under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

Any person authorized and acting in good faith in the removal of a child under this Section shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of such removal. Any physician authorized and acting in good faith and in accordance with acceptable medical practice in the treatment of a child under this Section shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, that might otherwise be incurred or imposed as a result of granting permission for emergency treatment.

With respect to any child taken into temporary protective custody pursuant to this Section, the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee shall be deemed the child's legally authorized representative for purposes of consenting to an HIV test if deemed necessary and appropriate by the Department's Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's designee and obtaining and disclosing information concerning such test pursuant to the AIDS Confidentiality Act if deemed necessary and appropriate by the Department's Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's designee and for purposes of consenting to the release of information pursuant to the Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act if deemed necessary and appropriate by the Department's Guardianship Administrator or designee.

Any person who administers an HIV test upon the consent of the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee, or who discloses the results of such tests to the Department's Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee, shall have immunity from any liability, civil, criminal or otherwise, that might result by reason of such actions. For the purpose of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of any persons required to administer or disclose the results of tests, or permitted to take such actions, shall be presumed.

(Source: P.A. 90-28, eff. 1-1-98.)

(325 ILCS 5/7) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057)

Sec. 7. Time and manner of making reports. All reports of suspected child abuse or neglect made under this Act shall be made immediately by telephone to the central register established under Section 7.7 on the single, State-wide, toll-free telephone number established in Section 7.6, or in person or by telephone through the nearest Department office. The Department shall, in cooperation with school officials, distribute appropriate materials in school buildings listing the toll-free telephone number established in Section 7.6, including methods of making a report under this Act. The Department may, in cooperation with appropriate members of the clergy, distribute appropriate materials in churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, or other religious buildings listing the toll-free telephone number established in Section 7.6, including methods of making a report under this Act.

Wherever the Statewide number is posted, there shall also be posted the following notice:

"Any person who knowingly transmits a false report to the Department commits the offense of disorderly conduct under subsection (a)(7) of Section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012. A violation of this subsection is a Class 4 felony."

The report required by this Act shall include, if known, the name and address of the child and the child's his parents or other persons having the child's his custody; the child's age; the nature of the child's condition, including any evidence of previous injuries or disabilities; and any other information that the person filing the report believes might be helpful in establishing the cause of such abuse or neglect and the identity of the person believed to have caused such abuse or neglect. Reports made to the central register through the State-wide, toll-free telephone number shall be immediately transmitted by the Department to the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit. All such reports alleging the death of a child, serious injury to a child, including, but not limited to, brain damage, skull fractures, subdural hematomas, and internal injuries, torture of a child, malnutrition of a child, and sexual abuse to a child, including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual molestation, and sexually transmitted disease in a child age 12 and under, shall also be immediately transmitted by the Department to the appropriate local law enforcement agency. The Department shall within 24 hours orally notify local law enforcement personnel and the office of the State's Attorney of the involved county of the receipt of any report alleging the death of a child, serious injury to a child, including, but not limited to, brain damage, skull fractures, subdural hematomas, and internal injuries, torture of a child, malnutrition of a child, and sexual abuse to a child, including, but not limited to, sexual intercourse, sexual exploitation, sexual molestation, and sexually transmitted disease in a child age 12 and under. All oral reports made by the Department to local law enforcement personnel and the office of the State's Attorney of the involved county shall be confirmed in writing within 24 hours of the oral report. All reports by persons mandated to report under this Act shall be confirmed in writing to the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit, which may be on forms supplied by the Department, within 48 hours of any initial report.

Any report received by the Department alleging the abuse or neglect of a child by a person who is not the child's parent, a member of the child's immediate family, a person responsible for the child's welfare, an individual residing in the same home as the child, or a paramour of the child's parent shall immediately be referred to the appropriate local law enforcement agency for consideration of criminal investigation or other action.

Written confirmation reports from persons not required to report by this Act may be made to the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit. Written reports from persons required by this Act to report shall be admissible in evidence in any judicial proceeding or administrative hearing relating to child abuse or neglect. Reports involving known or suspected child abuse or neglect in public or private residential agencies or institutions shall be made and received in the same manner as all other reports made under this Act.

For purposes of this Section, "child" includes an adult resident as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-583, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.3b) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.3b)

Sec. 7.3b. All persons required to report under Section 4 may refer to the Department of Human Services any pregnant person in this State who has a substance use disorder as defined in the Substance Use Disorder Act. The Department of Human Services shall notify the local Infant Mortality Reduction Network service provider or Department funded prenatal care provider in the area in which the person resides. The service provider shall prepare a case management plan and assist the pregnant person woman in obtaining counseling and treatment from a local substance use disorder treatment program licensed by the Department of Human Services or a licensed hospital which provides substance abuse treatment services. The local Infant Mortality Reduction Network service provider and Department funded prenatal care provider shall monitor the pregnant person woman through the service program. The Department of Human Services shall have the authority to promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Section.

(Source: P.A. 100-759, eff. 1-1-19.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.3c)

Sec. 7.3c. Substance abuse services for parents women with children.

The Department of Human Services and the Department of Children and Family Services shall develop a community based system of integrated child welfare and substance abuse services for the purpose of providing safety and protection for children, improving adult health and parenting outcomes, and improving family outcomes.

The Department of Children and Family Services, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, shall develop case management protocols for DCFS clients with substance abuse problems. The Departments may establish pilot programs designed to test the most effective approaches to case management case-management. The Departments shall evaluate the effectiveness of these pilot programs and report to the Governor and the General Assembly on an annual basis.

(Source: P.A. 89-268, eff. 1-1-96; 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.4) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.4)

Sec. 7.4. (a) The Department shall be capable of receiving reports of suspected child abuse or neglect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Whenever the Department receives a report alleging that a child is a truant as defined in Section 26-2a of the School Code, as now or hereafter amended, the Department shall notify the superintendent of the school district in which the child resides and the appropriate superintendent of the educational service region. The notification to the appropriate officials by the Department shall not be considered an allegation of abuse or neglect under this Act.

(a-5) The Department of Children and Family Services may implement a "differential response program" in accordance with criteria, standards, and procedures prescribed by rule. The program may provide that, upon receiving a report, the Department shall determine whether to conduct a family assessment or an investigation as appropriate to prevent or provide a remedy for child abuse or neglect.

For purposes of this subsection (a-5), "family assessment" means a comprehensive assessment of child safety, risk of subsequent child maltreatment, and family strengths and needs that is applied to a child maltreatment report that does not allege substantial child endangerment. "Family assessment" does not include a determination as to whether child maltreatment occurred but does determine the need for services to address the safety of family members and the risk of subsequent maltreatment.

For purposes of this subsection (a-5), "investigation" means fact-gathering related to the current safety of a child and the risk of subsequent abuse or neglect that determines whether a report of suspected child abuse or neglect should be indicated or unfounded and whether child protective services are needed.

Under the "differential response program" implemented under this subsection (a-5), the Department:

(1) Shall conduct an investigation on reports involving substantial child abuse or neglect.

(2) Shall begin an immediate investigation if, at any time when it is using a family assessment response, it determines that there is reason to believe that substantial child abuse or neglect or a serious threat to the child's safety exists.

(3) May conduct a family assessment for reports that do not allege substantial child endangerment. In determining that a family assessment is appropriate, the Department may consider issues, including, but not limited to, child safety, parental cooperation, and the need for an immediate response.

(4) Shall promulgate criteria, standards, and procedures that shall be applied in making this determination, taking into consideration the Child Endangerment Risk Assessment Protocol of the Department.

(5) May conduct a family assessment on a report that was initially screened and assigned for an investigation.

In determining that a complete investigation is not required, the Department must document the reason for terminating the investigation and notify the local law enforcement agency or the Illinois State Police if the local law enforcement agency or Illinois State Police is conducting a joint investigation.

Once it is determined that a "family assessment" will be implemented, the case shall not be reported to the central register of abuse and neglect reports.

During a family assessment, the Department shall collect any available and relevant information to determine child safety, risk of subsequent abuse or neglect, and family strengths.

Information collected includes, but is not limited to, when relevant: information with regard to the person reporting the alleged abuse or neglect, including the nature of the reporter's relationship to the child and to the alleged offender, and the basis of the reporter's knowledge for the report; the child allegedly being abused or neglected; the alleged offender; the child's caretaker; and other collateral sources having relevant information related to the alleged abuse or neglect. Information relevant to the assessment must be asked for, and may include:

(A) The child's sex and age, prior reports of abuse or neglect, information relating to developmental functioning, credibility of the child's statement, and whether the information provided under this paragraph (A) is consistent with other information collected during the course of the assessment or investigation.

(B) The alleged offender's age, a record check for prior reports of abuse or neglect, and criminal charges and convictions. The alleged offender may submit supporting documentation relevant to the assessment.

(C) Collateral source information regarding the alleged abuse or neglect and care of the child. Collateral information includes, when relevant: (i) a medical examination of the child; (ii) prior medical records relating to the alleged maltreatment or care of the child maintained by any facility, clinic, or health care professional, and an interview with the treating professionals; and (iii) interviews with the child's caretakers, including the child's parent, guardian, foster parent, child care provider, teachers, counselors, family members, relatives, and other persons who may have knowledge regarding the alleged maltreatment and the care of the child.

(D) Information on the existence of domestic abuse and violence in the home of the child, and substance abuse.

Nothing in this subsection (a-5) precludes the Department from collecting other relevant information necessary to conduct the assessment or investigation. Nothing in this subsection (a-5) shall be construed to allow the name or identity of a reporter to be disclosed in violation of the protections afforded under Section 7.19 of this Act.

After conducting the family assessment, the Department shall determine whether services are needed to address the safety of the child and other family members and the risk of subsequent abuse or neglect.

Upon completion of the family assessment, if the Department concludes that no services shall be offered, then the case shall be closed. If the Department concludes that services shall be offered, the Department shall develop a family preservation plan and offer or refer services to the family.

At any time during a family assessment, if the Department believes there is any reason to stop the assessment and conduct an investigation based on the information discovered, the Department shall do so.

The procedures available to the Department in conducting investigations under this Act shall be followed as appropriate during a family assessment.

If the Department implements a differential response program authorized under this subsection (a-5), the Department shall arrange for an independent evaluation of the program for at least the first 3 years of implementation to determine whether it is meeting the goals in accordance with Section 2 of this Act.

The Department may adopt administrative rules necessary for the execution of this Section, in accordance with Section 4 of the Children and Family Services Act.

The Department shall submit a report to the General Assembly by January 15, 2018 on the implementation progress and recommendations for additional needed legislative changes.

(b)(1) The following procedures shall be followed in the investigation of all reports of suspected abuse or neglect of a child, except as provided in subsection (c) of this Section.

(2) If, during a family assessment authorized by subsection (a-5) or an investigation, it appears that the immediate safety or well-being of a child is endangered, that the family may flee or the child disappear, or that the facts otherwise so warrant, the Child Protective Service Unit shall commence an investigation immediately, regardless of the time of day or night. All other investigations shall be commenced within 24 hours of receipt of the report. Upon receipt of a report, the Child Protective Service Unit shall conduct a family assessment authorized by subsection (a-5) or begin an initial investigation and make an initial determination whether the report is a good faith indication of alleged child abuse or neglect.

(3) Based on an initial investigation, if the Unit determines the report is a good faith indication of alleged child abuse or neglect, then a formal investigation shall commence and, pursuant to Section 7.12 of this Act, may or may not result in an indicated report. The formal investigation shall include: direct contact with the subject or subjects of the report as soon as possible after the report is received; an evaluation of the environment of the child named in the report and any other children in the same environment; a determination of the risk to such children if they continue to remain in the existing environments, as well as a determination of the nature, extent and cause of any condition enumerated in such report; the name, age and condition of other children in the environment; and an evaluation as to whether there would be an immediate and urgent necessity to remove the child from the environment if appropriate family preservation services were provided. After seeing to the safety of the child or children, the Department shall forthwith notify the subjects of the report in writing, of the existence of the report and their rights existing under this Act in regard to amendment or expungement. To fulfill the requirements of this Section, the Child Protective Service Unit shall have the capability of providing or arranging for comprehensive emergency services to children and families at all times of the day or night.

(4) If (i) at the conclusion of the Unit's initial investigation of a report, the Unit determines the report to be a good faith indication of alleged child abuse or neglect that warrants a formal investigation by the Unit, the Department, any law enforcement agency or any other responsible agency and (ii) the person who is alleged to have caused the abuse or neglect is employed or otherwise engaged in an activity resulting in frequent contact with children and the alleged abuse or neglect are in the course of such employment or activity, then the Department shall, except in investigations where the Director determines that such notification would be detrimental to the Department's investigation, inform the appropriate supervisor or administrator of that employment or activity that the Unit has commenced a formal investigation pursuant to this Act, which may or may not result in an indicated report. The Department shall also notify the person being investigated, unless the Director determines that such notification would be detrimental to the Department's investigation.

(c) In an investigation of a report of suspected abuse or neglect of a child by a school employee at a school or on school grounds, the Department shall make reasonable efforts to follow the following procedures:

(1) Investigations involving teachers shall not, to the extent possible, be conducted when the teacher is scheduled to conduct classes. Investigations involving other school employees shall be conducted so as to minimize disruption of the school day. The school employee accused of child abuse or neglect may have the school employee's his superior, the school employee's his association or union representative and the school employee's his attorney present at any interview or meeting at which the teacher or administrator is present. The accused school employee shall be informed by a representative of the Department, at any interview or meeting, of the accused school employee's due process rights and of the steps in the investigation process. These due process rights shall also include the right of the school employee to present countervailing evidence regarding the accusations. In an investigation in which the alleged perpetrator of abuse or neglect is a school employee, including, but not limited to, a school teacher or administrator, and the recommendation is to determine the report to be indicated, in addition to other procedures as set forth and defined in Department rules and procedures, the employee's due process rights shall also include: (i) the right to a copy of the investigation summary; (ii) the right to review the specific allegations which gave rise to the investigation; and (iii) the right to an administrator's teleconference which shall be convened to provide the school employee with the opportunity to present documentary evidence or other information that supports the school employee's his or her position and to provide information before a final finding is entered.

(2) If a report of neglect or abuse of a child by a teacher or administrator does not involve allegations of sexual abuse or extreme physical abuse, the Child Protective Service Unit shall make reasonable efforts to conduct the initial investigation in coordination with the employee's supervisor.

If the Unit determines that the report is a good faith indication of potential child abuse or neglect, it shall then commence a formal investigation under paragraph (3) of subsection (b) of this Section.

(3) If a report of neglect or abuse of a child by a teacher or administrator involves an allegation of sexual abuse or extreme physical abuse, the Child Protective Unit shall commence an investigation under paragraph (2) of subsection (b) of this Section.

(c-5) In any instance in which a report is made or caused to made by a school district employee involving the conduct of a person employed by the school district, at the time the report was made, as required under Section 4 of this Act, the Child Protective Service Unit shall send a copy of its final finding report to the general superintendent of that school district.

(c-10) The Department may recommend that a school district remove a school employee who is the subject of an investigation from the school employee's his or her employment position pending the outcome of the investigation; however, all employment decisions regarding school personnel shall be the sole responsibility of the school district or employer. The Department may not require a school district to remove a school employee from the school employee's his or her employment position or limit the school employee's duties pending the outcome of an investigation.

(d) If the Department has contact with an employer, or with a religious institution or religious official having supervisory or hierarchical authority over a member of the clergy accused of the abuse of a child, in the course of its investigation, the Department shall notify the employer or the religious institution or religious official, in writing, when a report is unfounded so that any record of the investigation can be expunged from the employee's or member of the clergy's personnel or other records. The Department shall also notify the employee or the member of the clergy, in writing, that notification has been sent to the employer or to the appropriate religious institution or religious official informing the employer or religious institution or religious official that the Department's investigation has resulted in an unfounded report.

(d-1) Whenever a report alleges that a child was abused or neglected while receiving care in a hospital, including a freestanding psychiatric hospital licensed by the Department of Public Health, the Department shall send a copy of its final finding to the Director of Public Health and the Director of Healthcare and Family Services.

(e) Upon request by the Department, the Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies are authorized to provide criminal history record information as defined in the Illinois Uniform Conviction Information Act and information maintained in the adjudicatory and dispositional record system as defined in Section 2605-355 of the Illinois State Police Law to properly designated employees of the Department of Children and Family Services if the Department determines the information is necessary to perform its duties under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, the Child Care Act of 1969, and the Children and Family Services Act. The request shall be in the form and manner required by the Illinois State Police. Any information obtained by the Department of Children and Family Services under this Section is confidential and may not be transmitted outside the Department of Children and Family Services other than to a court of competent jurisdiction or unless otherwise authorized by law. Any employee of the Department of Children and Family Services who transmits confidential information in violation of this Section or causes the information to be transmitted in violation of this Section is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor unless the transmittal of the information is authorized by this Section or otherwise authorized by law.

(f) For purposes of this Section, "child abuse or neglect" includes abuse or neglect of an adult resident as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-43, eff. 1-1-20; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.9) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.9)

Sec. 7.9. The Department shall prepare, print, and distribute initial, preliminary, and final reporting forms to each Child Protective Service Unit. Initial written reports from the reporting source shall contain the following information to the extent known at the time the report is made: (1) the names and addresses of the child and the child's his parents or other persons responsible for the child's his welfare; (1.5) the name and address of the school that the child attends (or the school that the child last attended, if the report is written during the summer when school is not in session), and the name of the school district in which the school is located, if applicable; (2) the child's age, sex, and race; (3) the nature and extent of the child's abuse or neglect, including any evidence of prior injuries, abuse, or neglect of the child or the child's his siblings; (4) the names of the persons apparently responsible for the abuse or neglect; (5) family composition, including names, ages, sexes, and races of other children in the home; (6) the name of the person making the report, the reporter's his occupation, and where the reporter he can be reached; (7) the actions taken by the reporting source, including the taking of photographs and x-rays, placing the child in temporary protective custody, or notifying the medical examiner or coroner; and (8) any other information the person making the report believes might be helpful in the furtherance of the purposes of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 92-295, eff. 1-1-02; 92-651, eff. 7-11-02.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.14) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.14)

Sec. 7.14. All reports in the central register shall be classified in one of three categories: "indicated", "unfounded" or "undetermined", as the case may be. Prior to classifying the report, the Department shall determine whether the report is subject to Department review under Section 7.22a. If the report is subject to Department review, the report shall not be classified as unfounded until the review is completed. Prior to classifying the report, the person making the classification shall determine whether the child named in the report is the subject of an action under Article V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 who is in the custody or guardianship of the Department or who has an open intact family services case with the Department or is the subject of an action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. If the child either is the subject of an action under Article V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and is in the custody or guardianship of the Department or has an open intact family services case with the Department or is the subject of an action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the Department intends to classify the report as indicated, the Department shall, within 45 days of classification of the report, transmit a copy of the report to the attorney or guardian ad litem appointed for the child under Section 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 or to a guardian ad litem appointed under Section 5-610 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. If the child either is the subject of an action under Article V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and is in the custody or guardianship of the Department or has an open intact family services case with the Department or is the subject of an action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and the Department intends to classify the report as unfounded, the Department shall, within 45 days of deciding its intent to classify the report as unfounded, transmit a copy of the report and written notice of the Department's intent to the attorney or guardian ad litem appointed for the child under Section 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, or to a guardian ad litem appointed under Section 5-610 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The Department's obligation under this Section to provide reports to a guardian ad litem appointed under Section 5-610 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 for a minor with an open intact family services case applies only if the guardian ad litem notified the Department in writing of the representation. All information identifying the subjects of an unfounded report shall be expunged from the register forthwith, except as provided in Section 7.7. Unfounded reports may only be made available to the Child Protective Service Unit when investigating a subsequent report of suspected abuse or maltreatment involving a child named in the unfounded report; and to the subject of the report, provided the Department has not expunged the file in accordance with Section 7.7. The Child Protective Service Unit shall not indicate the subsequent report solely based upon the existence of the prior unfounded report or reports. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, an unfounded report shall not be admissible in any judicial or administrative proceeding or action except for proceedings under Sections 2-10 and 2-21 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 involving a petition filed under Section 2-13 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 alleging abuse or neglect to the same child, a sibling of the child, the same perpetrator, or a member of the child's household. Identifying information on all other records shall be removed from the register no later than 5 years after the report is indicated. However, if another report is received involving the same child, the child's his sibling or offspring, or a child in the care of the persons responsible for the child's welfare, or involving the same alleged offender, the identifying information may be maintained in the register until 5 years after the subsequent case or report is closed.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, identifying information in indicated reports involving serious physical injury to a child as defined by the Department in rules, may be retained longer than 5 years after the report is indicated or after the subsequent case or report is closed, and may not be removed from the register except as provided by the Department in rules. Identifying information in indicated reports involving sexual penetration of a child, sexual molestation of a child, sexual exploitation of a child, torture of a child, or the death of a child, as defined by the Department in rules, shall be retained for a period of not less than 50 years after the report is indicated or after the subsequent case or report is closed.

For purposes of this Section, "child" includes an adult resident as defined in this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-528, eff. 8-23-19; 102-532, eff. 8-20-21.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.16) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.16)

Sec. 7.16. For any investigation or appeal initiated on or after, or pending on July 1, 1998, the following time frames shall apply. Within 60 days after the notification of the completion of the Child Protective Service Unit investigation, determined by the date of the notification sent by the Department, the perpetrator named in the notification may request the Department to amend the record or remove the record of the report from the register, except that the 60-day deadline for filing a request to amend the record or remove the record of the report from the State Central Register shall be tolled until after the conclusion of any criminal court action in the circuit court or after adjudication in any juvenile court action concerning the circumstances that give rise to an indicated report. Such request shall be in writing and directed to such person as the Department designates in the notification letter notifying the perpetrator of the indicated finding. The perpetrator shall have the right to a timely hearing within the Department to determine whether the record of the report should be amended or removed on the grounds that it is inaccurate or it is being maintained in a manner inconsistent with this Act, except that there shall be no such right to a hearing on the ground of the report's inaccuracy if there has been a court finding of child abuse or neglect or a criminal finding of guilt as to the perpetrator. Such hearing shall be held within a reasonable time after the perpetrator's request and at a reasonable place and hour. The appropriate Child Protective Service Unit shall be given notice of the hearing. If the minor, who is the victim named in the report sought to be amended or removed from the State Central Register, is the subject of a pending action under Article V of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and is in the custody or guardianship of the Department or has an open intact family services case with the Department or is the subject of a pending action under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, and the report was made while a guardian ad litem was appointed for the minor under Section 5-610 or 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, then the minor shall, through the minor's attorney or guardian ad litem appointed under Section 5-610 or 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, have the right to participate and be heard in such hearing as defined under the Department's rules. The Department's obligation under this Section to provide a minor with a guardian ad litem appointed under Section 5-610 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and an open intact family services case with the right to participate and be heard applies only if the guardian ad litem notified the Department in writing of the representation. In such hearings, the burden of proving the accuracy and consistency of the record shall be on the Department and the appropriate Child Protective Service Unit. The hearing shall be conducted by the Director or the Director's his designee, who is hereby authorized and empowered to order the amendment or removal of the record to make it accurate and consistent with this Act. The decision shall be made, in writing, at the close of the hearing, or within 60 days thereof, and shall state the reasons upon which it is based. Decisions of the Department under this Section are administrative decisions subject to judicial review under the Administrative Review Law.

Should the Department grant the request of the perpetrator pursuant to this Section either on administrative review or after an administrative hearing to amend an indicated report to an unfounded report, the report shall be released and expunged in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 7.14 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-158, eff. 1-1-18.)

(325 ILCS 5/7.19) (from Ch. 23, par. 2057.19)

Sec. 7.19. Upon request, a subject of a report shall be entitled to receive a copy of all information contained in the central register pertaining to the subject's his case. However, the Department may prohibit the release of data that would identify or locate a person who, in good faith, made a report or cooperated in a subsequent investigation. In addition, the Department may seek a court order from the circuit court prohibiting the release of any information which the court finds is likely to be harmful to the subject of the report.

(Source: P.A. 81-1077.)

(325 ILCS 5/11.1) (from Ch. 23, par. 2061.1)

Sec. 11.1. Access to records.

(a) A person shall have access to the records described in Section 11 only in furtherance of purposes directly connected with the administration of this Act or the Intergovernmental Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984. Those persons and purposes for access include:

(1) Department staff in the furtherance of their responsibilities under this Act, or for the purpose of completing background investigations on persons or agencies licensed by the Department or with whom the Department contracts for the provision of child welfare services.

(2) A law enforcement agency investigating known or suspected child abuse or neglect, known or suspected involvement with child pornography, known or suspected criminal sexual assault, known or suspected criminal sexual abuse, or any other sexual offense when a child is alleged to be involved.

(3) The Illinois State Police when administering the provisions of the Intergovernmental Missing Child Recovery Act of 1984.

(4) A physician who has before the physician him a child whom the physician he reasonably suspects may be abused or neglected.

(5) A person authorized under Section 5 of this Act to place a child in temporary protective custody when such person requires the information in the report or record to determine whether to place the child in temporary protective custody.

(6) A person having the legal responsibility or authorization to care for, treat, or supervise a child, or a parent, prospective adoptive parent, foster parent, guardian, or other person responsible for the child's welfare, who is the subject of a report.

(7) Except in regard to harmful or detrimental information as provided in Section 7.19, any subject of the report, and if the subject of the report is a minor, the minor's his guardian or guardian ad litem.

(8) A court, upon its finding that access to such records may be necessary for the determination of an issue before such court; however, such access shall be limited to in camera inspection, unless the court determines that public disclosure of the information contained therein is necessary for the resolution of an issue then pending before it.

(8.1) A probation officer or other authorized representative of a probation or court services department conducting an investigation ordered by a court under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(9) A grand jury, upon its determination that access to such records is necessary in the conduct of its official business.

(10) Any person authorized by the Director, in writing, for audit or bona fide research purposes.

(11) Law enforcement agencies, coroners or medical examiners, physicians, courts, school superintendents and child welfare agencies in other states who are responsible for child abuse or neglect investigations or background investigations.

(12) The Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, the State Board of Education and school superintendents in Illinois, who may use or disclose information from the records as they deem necessary to conduct investigations or take disciplinary action, as provided by law.

(13) A coroner or medical examiner who has reason to believe that a child has died as the result of abuse or neglect.

(14) The Director of a State-operated facility when an employee of that facility is the perpetrator in an indicated report.

(15) The operator of a licensed child care facility or a facility licensed by the Department of Human Services (as successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse) in which children reside when a current or prospective employee of that facility is the perpetrator in an indicated child abuse or neglect report, pursuant to Section 4.3 of the Child Care Act of 1969.

(16) Members of a multidisciplinary team in the furtherance of its responsibilities under subsection (b) of Section 7.1. All reports concerning child abuse and neglect made available to members of such multidisciplinary teams and all records generated as a result of such reports shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except as specifically authorized by this Act or other applicable law. It is a Class A misdemeanor to permit, assist or encourage the unauthorized release of any information contained in such reports or records. Nothing contained in this Section prevents the sharing of reports or records relating or pertaining to the death of a minor under the care of or receiving services from the Department of Children and Family Services and under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court with the juvenile court, the State's Attorney, and the minor's attorney.

(17) The Department of Human Services, as provided in Section 17 of the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities Act.

(18) Any other agency or investigative body, including the Department of Public Health and a local board of health, authorized by State law to conduct an investigation into the quality of care provided to children in hospitals and other State regulated care facilities.

(19) The person appointed, under Section 2-17 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, as the guardian ad litem of a minor who is the subject of a report or records under this Act; or the person appointed, under Section 5-610 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, as the guardian ad litem of a minor who is in the custody or guardianship of the Department or who has an open intact family services case with the Department and who is the subject of a report or records made pursuant to this Act.

(20) The Department of Human Services, as provided in Section 10 of the Early Intervention Services System Act, and the operator of a facility providing early intervention services pursuant to that Act, for the purpose of determining whether a current or prospective employee who provides or may provide direct services under that Act is the perpetrator in an indicated report of child abuse or neglect filed under this Act.

(b) Nothing contained in this Act prevents the sharing or disclosure of information or records relating or pertaining to juveniles subject to the provisions of the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program when that information is used to assist in the early identification and treatment of habitual juvenile offenders.

(c) To the extent that persons or agencies are given access to information pursuant to this Section, those persons or agencies may give this information to and receive this information from each other in order to facilitate an investigation conducted by those persons or agencies.

(Source: P.A. 101-43, eff. 1-1-20; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(325 ILCS 5/11.1a)

Sec. 11.1a. Disclosure of information.

(a) The Director or a person designated in writing by the Director for this purpose may disclose information regarding the abuse or neglect of a child as set forth in this Section, the investigation thereof, and any services related thereto, if the Director or a person designated in writing by the Director he or she determines that such disclosure is not contrary to the best interests of the child, the child's siblings, or other children in the household, and one of the following factors are present:

(1) The subject of the report has been criminally charged with committing a crime related to the child abuse or neglect report; or

(2) A law enforcement agency or official, a State's Attorney, or a judge of the State court system has publicly disclosed in a report as part of the law enforcement agency's or official's, the State's Attorney's, or the judge's his or her official duty, information regarding the investigation of a report or the provision of services by the Department; or

(3) An adult subject of the report has knowingly and voluntarily made a public disclosure concerning a Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System report; or

(4) The child named in the report has been critically injured or died.

(b) Information may be disclosed pursuant to this Section as follows:

(1) The name of the alleged abused or neglected child.

(2) The current status of the investigation, including whether a determination of credible evidence has been made.

(3) Identification of child protective or other services provided or actions taken regarding the child named in the report and the child's his or her family as a result of this report.

(4) Whether there have been past reports of child abuse or neglect involving this child or family, or both. Any such reports shall be clearly identified as being "Indicated", "Unfounded", or "Pending".

(5) Whether the Department has a current or past open service case with the family, and a history of what types of services have been, or are being, provided.

(6) Any extraordinary or pertinent information concerning the circumstances of the report, if the Director determines such disclosure is consistent with the public interest.

(c) Any disclosure of information pursuant to this Section shall not identify the name of or provide identifying information regarding the source of the report.

(d) In determining pursuant to subsection (a) of this Section, whether disclosure will be contrary to the best interests of the child, the child's siblings, or other children in the household, the Director shall consider the interest in privacy of the child and the child's family and the effects which disclosure may have on efforts to reunite and provide services to the family.

(e) Except as it applies directly to the cause of the abuse or neglect of the child, nothing in this Section shall be deemed to authorize the release or disclosure of the substance or content of any psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic, clinical, or medical reports, evaluations, or like materials pertaining to the child or the child's family. Prior to the release or disclosure of any psychological, psychiatric, or therapeutic reports pursuant to this subsection, the Deputy Director of Clinical Services shall review such materials and make recommendations regarding its release. Any disclosure of information pursuant to this Section shall not identify the health care provider, health care facility or other maker of the report or source of any psychological, psychiatric, therapeutic, clinical, or medical reports, evaluations, or like materials.

(f) Regarding child abuse or neglect reports which occur at a facility licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services, only the following information may be disclosed or released:

(1) The name of the facility.

(2) The nature of the allegations of abuse or neglect.

(3) The number and ages of child victims involved, and their relationship to the perpetrator.

(4) Actions the Department has taken to ensure the safety of the children during and subsequent to the investigation.

(5) The final finding status of the investigation.

(Source: P.A. 90-75, eff. 1-1-98.)

(325 ILCS 5/11.3) (from Ch. 23, par. 2061.3)

Sec. 11.3. A person given access to the names or other information identifying the subjects of the report, except the subject of the report, shall not make public such identifying information unless the person he is a State's attorney or other law enforcement official and the purpose is to initiate court action. Violation of this Section is a Class A misdemeanor.

(Source: P.A. 81-1077.)

(325 ILCS 5/11.5) (from Ch. 23, par. 2061.5)

Sec. 11.5. Public awareness program.

(a) No later than 6 months after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly, the Department of Children and Family Services shall develop culturally sensitive materials on child abuse and child neglect, the statewide toll-free telephone number established under Section 7.6, and the process for reporting any reasonable suspicion of child abuse or child neglect.

The Department shall reach out to businesses and organizations to seek assistance in raising awareness about child abuse and child neglect and the statewide toll-free telephone number established under Section 7.6, including posting notices. The Department shall make a model notice available for download on the Department's website. The model notice shall:

(1) be available in English, Spanish, and the 2 other languages most widely spoken in the State;

(2) be at least 8 1/2 inches by 11 inches in size and written in a 16-point font;

(3) include the following statement:

"Protecting children is a responsibility we all share. It is important for every person to take child abuse and child neglect seriously, to be able to recognize when it happens, and to know what to do next. If you have reason to believe a child you know is being abused or neglected, call the State's child abuse hotline"; and

(4) include the statewide toll-free telephone number established under Section 7.6, and the Department's website address where more information about child abuse and child neglect is available.

(b) Within the appropriation available, the Department shall conduct a continuing education and training program for State and local staff, persons and officials required to report, the general public, and other persons engaged in or intending to engage in the prevention, identification, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. The program shall be designed to encourage the fullest degree of reporting of known and suspected child abuse and neglect, and to improve communication, cooperation, and coordination among all agencies in the identification, prevention, and treatment of child abuse and neglect. The program shall inform the general public and professionals of the nature and extent of child abuse and neglect and their responsibilities, obligations, powers and immunity from liability under this Act. It may include information on the diagnosis of child abuse and neglect and the roles and procedures of the Child Protective Service Unit, the Department and central register, the courts and of the protective, treatment, and ameliorative services available to children and their families. Such information may also include special needs of persons mothers at risk of delivering a child whose life or development may be threatened by a disabling condition, to ensure informed consent to treatment of the condition and understanding of the unique child care responsibilities required for such a child. The program may also encourage parents and other persons having responsibility for the welfare of children to seek assistance on their own in meeting their child care responsibilities and encourage the voluntary acceptance of available services when they are needed. It may also include publicity and dissemination of information on the existence and number of the 24 hour, State-wide, toll-free telephone service to assist persons seeking assistance and to receive reports of known and suspected abuse and neglect.

(c) Within the appropriation available, the Department also shall conduct a continuing education and training program for State and local staff involved in investigating reports of child abuse or neglect made under this Act. The program shall be designed to train such staff in the necessary and appropriate procedures to be followed in investigating cases which it appears may result in civil or criminal charges being filed against a person. Program subjects shall include but not be limited to the gathering of evidence with a view toward presenting such evidence in court and the involvement of State or local law enforcement agencies in the investigation. The program shall be conducted in cooperation with State or local law enforcement agencies, State's Attorneys and other components of the criminal justice system as the Department deems appropriate.

(Source: P.A. 101-564, eff. 1-1-20.)

(325 ILCS 5/11.8)

Sec. 11.8. Cross-reporting.

(a) Investigation Specialists, Intact Family Specialists, and Placement Specialists employed by the Department of Children and Family Services who reasonably believe that an animal observed by them when in their professional or official capacity is being abused or neglected in violation of the Humane Care for Animals Act must immediately make a written or oral report to the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Health and Welfare. However, the Department of Children and Family Services may not discipline an Investigation Specialist, an Intact Family Specialist, or a Placement Specialist for failing to make such a report if the Specialist determines that making the report would interfere with the performance of the specialist's his or her child welfare protection duties.

(b) A home rule unit may not regulate the reporting of child abuse or neglect in a manner inconsistent with the provisions of this Section. This Section is a limitation under subsection (i) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution on the concurrent exercise by home rule units of powers and functions exercised by the State.

(Source: P.A. 96-494, eff. 8-14-09.)

Section 60. The Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Act is amended by changing Sections 4 and 7 as follows:

(325 ILCS 15/4) (from Ch. 23, par. 2084)

Sec. 4. The Department of Children and Family Services shall support through a grant program a child sexual abuse crisis intervention demonstration center in Cook County and in other parts of the State as funding permits. The functions and goals of such crisis intervention centers shall be:

(a) To respond within 24 hours or as soon thereafter as possible to a report of child sexual abuse or exploitation by professional contact with the child and the child's his family, and with those persons in the courts and police department involved in the case.

(b) The agents of such crisis intervention centers shall:

(1) refer the child, and the child's his family if appropriate, to counseling services, including those provided by the treatment centers;

(2) accompany the victim through all stages of police investigation, case development and trial where necessary;

(3) provide advice to involved police, assistant district attorneys, and judges in the proper handling of a child subjected to sexual abuse and exploitation whenever possible. This advice will be made with consideration to the following priorities:

(i) the welfare of the child; and

(ii) improved chances for a successful prosecution;

(4) make every effort to develop an approach which meets the needs of developing a sound case by assisting the child to understand and cope with the child's his role in the prosecution process.

(c) The crisis intervention demonstration centers shall develop and implement written procedures for case planning and case monitoring in relation to the processes of treatment and of investigation and prosecution.

(d) Crisis intervention agents should demonstrate evidence of professional knowledge of child development and a record of positive interaction with the police and courts.

(e) The centers shall develop training materials for city and county and State personnel through the State to enable emulation and adaptation of the program by other communities and to develop awareness of the problems faced by a child sexual abuse victim as the victim he confronts the criminal justice system.

(f) The centers shall report to the director improvements in the criminal justice system and the interrelation of the criminal justice system and child support systems that would serve to meet the goals of this Act.

(g) Reports of child sexual abuse referred for investigation to a local law enforcement agency in Cook County by the State Central Registry of the Department of Children and Family Services must also be referred to the crisis intervention center. Reports of child sexual abuse made directly to a local law enforcement agency in Cook County may be referred by that agency to the crisis intervention center. All centers shall make local law enforcement agencies aware of their purposes and encourage their utilization.

(Source: P.A. 84-564.)

(325 ILCS 15/7) (from Ch. 23, par. 2087)

Sec. 7. The Director of the Department of Children and Family Services shall submit annual reports to the General Assembly concerning the Department's his findings regarding the degree of achievement of the goals of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 84-564.)

Section 65. The Juvenile Court Act of 1987 is amended by changing Sections 1-2, 1-3, 1-5, 1-7, 1-8, 1-9, 2-1, 2-3, 2-4, 2-4b, 2-5, 2-6, 2-7, 2-8, 2-9, 2-10, 2-10.3, 2-11, 2-13, 2-13.1, 2-15, 2-16, 2-17, 2-17.1, 2-20, 2-22, 2-23, 2-24, 2-25, 2-26, 2-27, 2-27.1, 2-28, 2-29, 2-31, 2-34, 3-1, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, 3-8, 3-9, 3-10, 3-11, 3-12, 3-14, 3-15, 3-16, 3-17, 3-18, 3-19, 3-21, 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 3-25, 3-26, 3-27, 3-28, 3-29, 3-30, 3-32, 3-33.5, 4-1, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6, 4-7, 4-8, 4-9, 4-11, 4-12, 4-13, 4-14, 4-15, 4-16, 4-18, 4-20, 4-21, 4-22, 4-23, 4-24, 4-25, 4-26, 4-27, 4-29, 5-101, 5-105, 5-110, 5-120, 5-130, 5-145, 5-150, 5-155, 5-160, 5-170, 5-301, 5-305, 5-310, 5-401, 5-401.5, 5-401.6, 5-405, 5-407, 5-410, 5-415, 5-501, 5-505, 5-520, 5-525, 5-530, 5-601, 5-605, 5-610, 5-615, 5-620, 5-625, 5-705, 5-710, 5-711, 5-715, 5-720, 5-725, 5-730, 5-735, 5-740, 5-745, 5-750, 5-755, 5-7A-105, 5-7A-115, 5-810, 5-815, 5-820, 5-901, 5-905, 5-910, 5-915, 5-920, 6-1, 6-3, 6-4, 6-7, 6-8, 6-9, and 6-10 as follows:

(705 ILCS 405/1-2) (from Ch. 37, par. 801-2)

Sec. 1-2. Purpose and policy.

(1) The purpose of this Act is to secure for each minor subject hereto such care and guidance, preferably in the minor's his or her own home, as will serve the safety and moral, emotional, mental, and physical welfare of the minor and the best interests of the community; to preserve and strengthen the minor's family ties whenever possible, removing the minor him or her from the custody of the minor's his or her parents only when the minor's his or her safety or welfare or the protection of the public cannot be adequately safeguarded without removal; if the child is removed from the custody of the minor's his or her parent, the Department of Children and Family Services immediately shall consider concurrent planning, as described in Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act so that permanency may occur at the earliest opportunity; consideration should be given so that if reunification fails or is delayed, the placement made is the best available placement to provide permanency for the child; and, when the minor is removed from the minor's his or her own family, to secure for the minor him or her custody, care and discipline as nearly as possible equivalent to that which should be given by the minor's his or her parents, and in cases where it should and can properly be done to place the minor in a family home so that the minor he or she may become a member of the family by legal adoption or otherwise. Provided that a ground for unfitness under the Adoption Act can be met, it may be appropriate to expedite termination of parental rights:

(a) when reasonable efforts are inappropriate, or have been provided and were unsuccessful, and there are aggravating circumstances including, but not limited to, those cases in which (i) the child or another child of that child's parent was (A) abandoned, (B) tortured, or (C) chronically abused or (ii) the parent is criminally convicted of (A) first degree murder or second degree murder of any child, (B) attempt or conspiracy to commit first degree murder or second degree murder of any child, (C) solicitation to commit murder, solicitation to commit murder for hire, solicitation to commit second degree murder of any child, or aggravated assault in violation of subdivision (a)(13) of Section 12-2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or (D) aggravated criminal sexual assault in violation of Section 11-1.40(a)(1) or 12-14.1(a)(1) of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012; or

(b) when the parental rights of a parent with respect to another child of the parent have been involuntarily terminated; or

(c) in those extreme cases in which the parent's incapacity to care for the child, combined with an extremely poor prognosis for treatment or rehabilitation, justifies expedited termination of parental rights.

(2) In all proceedings under this Act the court may direct the course thereof so as promptly to ascertain the jurisdictional facts and fully to gather information bearing upon the current condition and future welfare of persons subject to this Act. This Act shall be administered in a spirit of humane concern, not only for the rights of the parties, but also for the fears and the limits of understanding of all who appear before the court.

(3) In all procedures under this Act, the following shall apply:

(a) The procedural rights assured to the minor shall be the rights of adults unless specifically precluded by laws which enhance the protection of such minors.

(b) Every child has a right to services necessary to the child's his or her safety and proper development, including health, education and social services.

(c) The parents' right to the custody of their child shall not prevail when the court determines that it is contrary to the health, safety, and best interests of the child.

(4) This Act shall be liberally construed to carry out the foregoing purpose and policy.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/1-3) (from Ch. 37, par. 801-3)

Sec. 1-3. Definitions. Terms used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires, have the following meanings ascribed to them:

(1) "Adjudicatory hearing" means a hearing to determine whether the allegations of a petition under Section 2-13, 3-15 or 4-12 that a minor under 18 years of age is abused, neglected or dependent, or requires authoritative intervention, or addicted, respectively, are supported by a preponderance of the evidence or whether the allegations of a petition under Section 5-520 that a minor is delinquent are proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

(2) "Adult" means a person 21 years of age or older.

(3) "Agency" means a public or private child care facility legally authorized or licensed by this State for placement or institutional care or for both placement and institutional care.

(4) "Association" means any organization, public or private, engaged in welfare functions which include services to or on behalf of children but does not include "agency" as herein defined.

(4.05) Whenever a "best interest" determination is required, the following factors shall be considered in the context of the child's age and developmental needs:

(a) the physical safety and welfare of the child, including food, shelter, health, and clothing;

(b) the development of the child's identity;

(c) the child's background and ties, including familial, cultural, and religious;

(d) the child's sense of attachments, including:

(i) where the child actually feels love, attachment, and a sense of being valued (as opposed to where adults believe the child should feel such love, attachment, and a sense of being valued);

(ii) the child's sense of security;

(iii) the child's sense of familiarity;

(iv) continuity of affection for the child;

(v) the least disruptive placement alternative for the child;

(e) the child's wishes and long-term goals;

(f) the child's community ties, including church, school, and friends;

(g) the child's need for permanence which includes the child's need for stability and continuity of relationships with parent figures and with siblings and other relatives;

(h) the uniqueness of every family and child;

(i) the risks attendant to entering and being in substitute care; and

(j) the preferences of the persons available to care for the child.

(4.1) "Chronic truant" shall have the definition ascribed to it in Section 26-2a of the School Code.

(5) "Court" means the circuit court in a session or division assigned to hear proceedings under this Act.

(6) "Dispositional hearing" means a hearing to determine whether a minor should be adjudged to be a ward of the court, and to determine what order of disposition should be made in respect to a minor adjudged to be a ward of the court.

(6.5) "Dissemination" or "disseminate" means to publish, produce, print, manufacture, distribute, sell, lease, exhibit, broadcast, display, transmit, or otherwise share information in any format so as to make the information accessible to others.

(7) "Emancipated minor" means any minor 16 years of age or over who has been completely or partially emancipated under the Emancipation of Minors Act or under this Act.

(7.03) "Expunge" means to physically destroy the records and to obliterate the minor's name from any official index, public record, or electronic database.

(7.05) "Foster parent" includes a relative caregiver selected by the Department of Children and Family Services to provide care for the minor.

(8) "Guardianship of the person" of a minor means the duty and authority to act in the best interests of the minor, subject to residual parental rights and responsibilities, to make important decisions in matters having a permanent effect on the life and development of the minor and to be concerned with the minor's his or her general welfare. It includes but is not necessarily limited to:

(a) the authority to consent to marriage, to enlistment in the armed forces of the United States, or to a major medical, psychiatric, and surgical treatment; to represent the minor in legal actions; and to make other decisions of substantial legal significance concerning the minor;

(b) the authority and duty of reasonable visitation, except to the extent that these have been limited in the best interests of the minor by court order;

(c) the rights and responsibilities of legal custody except where legal custody has been vested in another person or agency; and

(d) the power to consent to the adoption of the minor, but only if expressly conferred on the guardian in accordance with Section 2-29, 3-30, or 4-27.

(8.1) "Juvenile court record" includes, but is not limited to:

(a) all documents filed in or maintained by the juvenile court pertaining to a specific incident, proceeding, or individual;

(b) all documents relating to a specific incident, proceeding, or individual made available to or maintained by probation officers;

(c) all documents, video or audio tapes, photographs, and exhibits admitted into evidence at juvenile court hearings; or

(d) all documents, transcripts, records, reports, or other evidence prepared by, maintained by, or released by any municipal, county, or State agency or department, in any format, if indicating involvement with the juvenile court relating to a specific incident, proceeding, or individual.

(8.2) "Juvenile law enforcement record" includes records of arrest, station adjustments, fingerprints, probation adjustments, the issuance of a notice to appear, or any other records or documents maintained by any law enforcement agency relating to a minor suspected of committing an offense, and records maintained by a law enforcement agency that identifies a juvenile as a suspect in committing an offense, but does not include records identifying a juvenile as a victim, witness, or missing juvenile and any records created, maintained, or used for purposes of referral to programs relating to diversion as defined in subsection (6) of Section 5-105.

(9) "Legal custody" means the relationship created by an order of court in the best interests of the minor which imposes on the custodian the responsibility of physical possession of a minor and the duty to protect, train and discipline the minor him and to provide the minor him with food, shelter, education and ordinary medical care, except as these are limited by residual parental rights and responsibilities and the rights and responsibilities of the guardian of the person, if any.

(9.1) "Mentally capable adult relative" means a person 21 years of age or older who is not suffering from a mental illness that prevents the person him or her from providing the care necessary to safeguard the physical safety and welfare of a minor who is left in that person's care by the parent or parents or other person responsible for the minor's welfare.

(10) "Minor" means a person under the age of 21 years subject to this Act.

(11) "Parent" means a father or mother of a child and includes any adoptive parent. It also includes a person (i) whose parentage is presumed or has been established under the law of this or another jurisdiction or (ii) who has registered with the Putative Father Registry in accordance with Section 12.1 of the Adoption Act and whose paternity has not been ruled out under the law of this or another jurisdiction. It does not include a parent whose rights in respect to the minor have been terminated in any manner provided by law. It does not include a person who has been or could be determined to be a parent under the Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 or the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015, or similar parentage law in any other state, if that person has been convicted of or pled nolo contendere to a crime that resulted in the conception of the child under Section 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-11, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, subsection (a) or (b) (but not subsection (c)) of Section 11-1.50 or 12-15, or subsection (a), (b), (c), (e), or (f) (but not subsection (d)) of Section 11-1.60 or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or similar statute in another jurisdiction unless upon motion of any party, other than the offender, to the juvenile court proceedings the court finds it is in the child's best interest to deem the offender a parent for purposes of the juvenile court proceedings.

(11.1) "Permanency goal" means a goal set by the court as defined in subdivision (2) of Section 2-28.

(11.2) "Permanency hearing" means a hearing to set the permanency goal and to review and determine (i) the appropriateness of the services contained in the plan and whether those services have been provided, (ii) whether reasonable efforts have been made by all the parties to the service plan to achieve the goal, and (iii) whether the plan and goal have been achieved.

(12) "Petition" means the petition provided for in Section 2-13, 3-15, 4-12 or 5-520, including any supplemental petitions thereunder in Section 3-15, 4-12 or 5-520.

(12.1) "Physically capable adult relative" means a person 21 years of age or older who does not have a severe physical disability or medical condition, or is not suffering from alcoholism or drug addiction, that prevents the person him or her from providing the care necessary to safeguard the physical safety and welfare of a minor who is left in that person's care by the parent or parents or other person responsible for the minor's welfare.

(12.2) "Post Permanency Sibling Contact Agreement" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(12.3) "Residential treatment center" means a licensed setting that provides 24-hour care to children in a group home or institution, including a facility licensed as a child care institution under Section 2.06 of the Child Care Act of 1969, a licensed group home under Section 2.16 of the Child Care Act of 1969, a secure child care facility as defined in paragraph (18) of this Section, or any similar facility in another state. "Residential treatment center" does not include a relative foster home or a licensed foster family home.

(13) "Residual parental rights and responsibilities" means those rights and responsibilities remaining with the parent after the transfer of legal custody or guardianship of the person, including, but not necessarily limited to, the right to reasonable visitation (which may be limited by the court in the best interests of the minor as provided in subsection (8)(b) of this Section), the right to consent to adoption, the right to determine the minor's religious affiliation, and the responsibility for the minor's his support.

(14) "Shelter" means the temporary care of a minor in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of court order for placement.

(14.05) "Shelter placement" means a temporary or emergency placement for a minor, including an emergency foster home placement.

(14.1) "Sibling Contact Support Plan" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(14.2) "Significant event report" means a written document describing an occurrence or event beyond the customary operations, routines, or relationships in the Department of Children of Family Services, a child care facility, or other entity that is licensed or regulated by the Department of Children of Family Services or that provides services for the Department of Children of Family Services under a grant, contract, or purchase of service agreement; involving children or youth, employees, foster parents, or relative caregivers; allegations of abuse or neglect or any other incident raising a concern about the well-being of a minor under the jurisdiction of the court under Article II of the Juvenile Court Act; incidents involving damage to property, allegations of criminal activity, misconduct, or other occurrences affecting the operations of the Department of Children of Family Services or a child care facility; any incident that could have media impact; and unusual incidents as defined by Department of Children and Family Services rule.

(15) "Station adjustment" means the informal handling of an alleged offender by a juvenile police officer.

(16) "Ward of the court" means a minor who is so adjudged under Section 2-22, 3-23, 4-20 or 5-705, after a finding of the requisite jurisdictional facts, and thus is subject to the dispositional powers of the court under this Act.

(17) "Juvenile police officer" means a sworn police officer who has completed a Basic Recruit Training Course, has been assigned to the position of juvenile police officer by the officer's his or her chief law enforcement officer and has completed the necessary juvenile officers training as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, or in the case of a State police officer, juvenile officer training approved by the Director of the Illinois State Police.

(18) "Secure child care facility" means any child care facility licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services to provide secure living arrangements for children under 18 years of age who are subject to placement in facilities under the Children and Family Services Act and who are not subject to placement in facilities for whom standards are established by the Department of Corrections under Section 3-15-2 of the Unified Code of Corrections. "Secure child care facility" also means a facility that is designed and operated to ensure that all entrances and exits from the facility, a building, or a distinct part of the building are under the exclusive control of the staff of the facility, whether or not the child has the freedom of movement within the perimeter of the facility, building, or distinct part of the building.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/1-5) (from Ch. 37, par. 801-5)

Sec. 1-5. Rights of parties to proceedings.

(1) Except as provided in this Section and paragraph (2) of Sections 2-22, 3-23, 4-20, 5-610 or 5-705, the minor who is the subject of the proceeding and the minor's his or her parents, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative who are parties respondent 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. At the request of any party financially unable to employ counsel, with the exception of a foster parent permitted to intervene under this Section, the court shall appoint the Public Defender or such other counsel as the case may require. Counsel appointed for the minor and any indigent party shall appear at all stages of the trial court proceeding, and such appointment shall continue through the permanency hearings and termination of parental rights proceedings subject to withdrawal, vacating of appointment, or substitution pursuant to Supreme Court Rules or the Code of Civil Procedure. Following the dispositional hearing, the court may require appointed counsel, other than counsel for the minor or counsel for the guardian ad litem, to withdraw the counsel's his or her appearance upon failure of the party for whom counsel was appointed under this Section to attend any subsequent proceedings.

No hearing on any petition or motion filed under this Act may be commenced unless the minor who is the subject of the proceeding is represented by counsel. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, if a guardian ad litem has been appointed for the minor under Section 2-17 of this Act and the guardian ad litem is a licensed attorney at law of this State, or in the event that a court appointed special advocate has been appointed as guardian ad litem and counsel has been appointed to represent the court appointed special advocate, the court may not require the appointment of counsel to represent the minor unless the court finds that the minor's interests are in conflict with what the guardian ad litem determines to be in the best interest of the minor. Each adult respondent shall be furnished a written "Notice of Rights" at or before the first hearing at which the adult respondent he or she appears.

(1.5) The Department shall maintain a system of response to inquiry made by parents or putative parents as to whether their child is under the custody or guardianship of the Department; and if so, the Department shall direct the parents or putative parents to the appropriate court of jurisdiction, including where inquiry may be made of the clerk of the court regarding the case number and the next scheduled court date of the minor's case. Effective notice and the means of accessing information shall be given to the public on a continuing basis by the Department.

(2) (a) Though not appointed guardian or legal custodian or otherwise made a party to the proceeding, any current or previously appointed foster parent or relative caregiver, or representative of an agency or association interested in the minor has the right to be heard by the court, but does not thereby become a party to the proceeding.

In addition to the foregoing right to be heard by the court, any current foster parent or relative caregiver of a minor and the agency designated by the court or the Department of Children and Family Services as custodian of the minor who is alleged to be or has been adjudicated an abused or neglected minor under Section 2-3 or a dependent minor under Section 2-4 of this Act has the right to and shall be given adequate notice at all stages of any hearing or proceeding under this Act.

Any foster parent or relative caregiver who is denied the his or her right to be heard under this Section may bring a mandamus action under Article XIV of the Code of Civil Procedure against the court or any public agency to enforce that right. The mandamus action may be brought immediately upon the denial of those rights but in no event later than 30 days after the foster parent has been denied the right to be heard.

(b) If after an adjudication that a minor is abused or neglected as provided under Section 2-21 of this Act and a motion has been made to restore the minor to any parent, guardian, or legal custodian found by the court to have caused the neglect or to have inflicted the abuse on the minor, a foster parent may file a motion to intervene in the proceeding for the sole purpose of requesting that the minor be placed with the foster parent, provided that the foster parent (i) is the current foster parent of the minor or (ii) has previously been a foster parent for the minor for one year or more, has a foster care license or is eligible for a license or is not required to have a license, and is not the subject of any findings of abuse or neglect of any child. The juvenile court may only enter orders placing a minor with a specific foster parent under this subsection (2)(b) and nothing in this Section shall be construed to confer any jurisdiction or authority on the juvenile court to issue any other orders requiring the appointed guardian or custodian of a minor to place the minor in a designated foster home or facility. This Section is not intended to encompass any matters that are within the scope or determinable under the administrative and appeal process established by rules of the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5(o) of the Children and Family Services Act. Nothing in this Section shall relieve the court of its responsibility, under Section 2-14(a) of this Act to act in a just and speedy manner to reunify families where it is the best interests of the minor and the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health or safety and, if reunification is not in the best interests of the minor, to find another permanent home for the minor. Nothing in this Section, or in any order issued by the court with respect to the placement of a minor with a foster parent, shall impair the ability of the Department of Children and Family Services, or anyone else authorized under Section 5 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, to remove a minor from the home of a foster parent if the Department of Children and Family Services or the person removing the minor has reason to believe that the circumstances or conditions of the minor are such that continuing in the residence or care of the foster parent will jeopardize the child's health and safety or present an imminent risk of harm to that minor's life.

(c) If a foster parent has had the minor who is the subject of the proceeding under Article II in the foster parent's his or her home for more than one year on or after July 3, 1994 and if the minor's placement is being terminated from that foster parent's home, that foster parent shall have standing and intervenor status except in those circumstances where the Department of Children and Family Services or anyone else authorized under Section 5 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act has removed the minor from the foster parent because of a reasonable belief that the circumstances or conditions of the minor are such that continuing in the residence or care of the foster parent will jeopardize the child's health or safety or presents an imminent risk of harm to the minor's life.

(d) The court may grant standing to any foster parent if the court finds that it is in the best interest of the child for the foster parent to have standing and intervenor status.

(3) Parties respondent are entitled to notice in compliance with Sections 2-15 and 2-16, 3-17 and 3-18, 4-14 and 4-15 or 5-525 and 5-530, as appropriate. At the first appearance before the court by the minor, the minor's his parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative, the court shall explain the nature of the proceedings and inform the parties of their rights under the first 2 paragraphs of this Section.

If the child is alleged to be abused, neglected or dependent, the court shall admonish the parents that if the court declares the child to be a ward of the court and awards custody or guardianship to the Department of Children and Family Services, the parents must cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions that require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights.

Upon an adjudication of wardship of the court under Sections 2-22, 3-23, 4-20 or 5-705, the court shall inform the parties of their right to appeal therefrom as well as from any other final judgment of the court.

When the court finds that a child is an abused, neglected, or dependent minor under Section 2-21, the court shall admonish the parents that the parents must cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions that require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights.

When the court declares a child to be a ward of the court and awards guardianship to the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 2-22, the court shall admonish the parents, guardian, custodian, or responsible relative that the parents must cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions that require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights.

(4) No sanction may be applied against the minor who is the subject of the proceedings by reason of the minor's his refusal or failure to testify in the course of any hearing held prior to final adjudication under Section 2-22, 3-23, 4-20 or 5-705.

(5) In the discretion of the court, the minor may be excluded from any part or parts of a dispositional hearing and, with the consent of the parent or parents, guardian, counsel or a guardian ad litem, from any part or parts of an adjudicatory hearing.

(6) The general public except for the news media and the crime victim, as defined in Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, shall be excluded from any hearing and, except for the persons specified in this Section only persons, including representatives of agencies and associations, who in the opinion of the court have a direct interest in the case or in the work of the court shall be admitted to the hearing. However, the court may, for the minor's safety and protection and for good cause shown, prohibit any person or agency present in court from further disclosing the minor's identity. Nothing in this subsection (6) prevents the court from allowing other juveniles to be present or to participate in a court session being held under the Juvenile Drug Court Treatment Act.

(7) A party shall not be entitled to exercise the right to a substitution of a judge without cause under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 2-1001 of the Code of Civil Procedure in a proceeding under this Act if the judge is currently assigned to a proceeding involving the alleged abuse, neglect, or dependency of the minor's sibling or half sibling and that judge has made a substantive ruling in the proceeding involving the minor's sibling or half sibling.

(Source: P.A. 101-147, eff. 1-1-20.)

(705 ILCS 405/1-7)

Sec. 1-7. Confidentiality of juvenile law enforcement and municipal ordinance violation records.

(A) All juvenile law enforcement records which have not been expunged are confidential and may never be disclosed to the general public or otherwise made widely available. Juvenile law enforcement records may be obtained only under this Section and Section 1-8 and Part 9 of Article V of this Act, when their use is needed for good cause and with an order from the juvenile court, as required by those not authorized to retain them. Inspection, copying, and disclosure of juvenile law enforcement records maintained by law enforcement agencies or records of municipal ordinance violations maintained by any State, local, or municipal agency that relate to a minor who has been investigated, arrested, or taken into custody before the minor's his or her 18th birthday shall be restricted to the following:

(0.05) The minor who is the subject of the juvenile law enforcement record, the minor's his or her parents, guardian, and counsel.

(0.10) Judges of the circuit court and members of the staff of the court designated by the judge.

(0.15) An administrative adjudication hearing officer or members of the staff designated to assist in the administrative adjudication process.

(1) Any local, State, or federal law enforcement officers or designated law enforcement staff of any jurisdiction or agency when necessary for the discharge of their official duties during the investigation or prosecution of a crime or relating to a minor who has been adjudicated delinquent and there has been a previous finding that the act which constitutes the previous offense was committed in furtherance of criminal activities by a criminal street gang, or, when necessary for the discharge of its official duties in connection with a particular investigation of the conduct of a law enforcement officer, an independent agency or its staff created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers. For purposes of this Section, "criminal street gang" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

(2) Prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, social workers, or other individuals assigned by the court to conduct a pre-adjudication or pre-disposition investigation, and individuals responsible for supervising or providing temporary or permanent care and custody for minors under the order of the juvenile court, when essential to performing their responsibilities.

(3) Federal, State, or local prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, and designated staff:

(a) in the course of a trial when institution of criminal proceedings has been permitted or required under Section 5-805;

(b) when institution of criminal proceedings has been permitted or required under Section 5-805 and the minor is the subject of a proceeding to determine the conditions of pretrial release;

(c) when criminal proceedings have been permitted or required under Section 5-805 and the minor is the subject of a pre-trial investigation, pre-sentence investigation, fitness hearing, or proceedings on an application for probation; or

(d) in the course of prosecution or administrative adjudication of a violation of a traffic, boating, or fish and game law, or a county or municipal ordinance.

(4) Adult and Juvenile Prisoner Review Board.

(5) Authorized military personnel.

(5.5) Employees of the federal government authorized by law.

(6) Persons engaged in bona fide research, with the permission of the Presiding Judge and the chief executive of the respective law enforcement agency; provided that publication of such research results in no disclosure of a minor's identity and protects the confidentiality of the minor's record.

(7) Department of Children and Family Services child protection investigators acting in their official capacity.

(8) The appropriate school official only if the agency or officer believes that there is an imminent threat of physical harm to students, school personnel, or others.

(A) Inspection and copying shall be limited to juvenile law enforcement records transmitted to the appropriate school official or officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest by a local law enforcement agency under a reciprocal reporting system established and maintained between the school district and the local law enforcement agency under Section 10-20.14 of the School Code concerning a minor enrolled in a school within the school district who has been arrested or taken into custody for any of the following offenses:

(i) any violation of Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(ii) a violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act;

(iii) a violation of the Cannabis Control Act;

(iv) a forcible felony as defined in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(v) a violation of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act;

(vi) a violation of Section 1-2 of the Harassing and Obscene Communications Act;

(vii) a violation of the Hazing Act; or

(viii) a violation of Section 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-3.05, 12-3.1, 12-3.2, 12-3.4, 12-3.5, 12-5, 12-7.3, 12-7.4, 12-7.5, 25-1, or 25-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

The information derived from the juvenile law enforcement records shall be kept separate from and shall not become a part of the official school record of that child and shall not be a public record. The information shall be used solely by the appropriate school official or officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest to aid in the proper rehabilitation of the child and to protect the safety of students and employees in the school. If the designated law enforcement and school officials deem it to be in the best interest of the minor, the student may be referred to in-school or community-based social services if those services are available. "Rehabilitation services" may include interventions by school support personnel, evaluation for eligibility for special education, referrals to community-based agencies such as youth services, behavioral healthcare service providers, drug and alcohol prevention or treatment programs, and other interventions as deemed appropriate for the student.

(B) Any information provided to appropriate school officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest by local law enforcement officials about a minor who is the subject of a current police investigation that is directly related to school safety shall consist of oral information only, and not written juvenile law enforcement records, and shall be used solely by the appropriate school official or officials to protect the safety of students and employees in the school and aid in the proper rehabilitation of the child. The information derived orally from the local law enforcement officials shall be kept separate from and shall not become a part of the official school record of the child and shall not be a public record. This limitation on the use of information about a minor who is the subject of a current police investigation shall in no way limit the use of this information by prosecutors in pursuing criminal charges arising out of the information disclosed during a police investigation of the minor. For purposes of this paragraph, "investigation" means an official systematic inquiry by a law enforcement agency into actual or suspected criminal activity.

(9) Mental health professionals on behalf of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Human Services or prosecutors who are evaluating, prosecuting, or investigating a potential or actual petition brought under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act relating to a person who is the subject of juvenile law enforcement records or the respondent to a petition brought under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act who is the subject of the juvenile law enforcement records sought. Any juvenile law enforcement records and any information obtained from those juvenile law enforcement records under this paragraph (9) may be used only in sexually violent persons commitment proceedings.

(10) The president of a park district. Inspection and copying shall be limited to juvenile law enforcement records transmitted to the president of the park district by the Illinois State Police under Section 8-23 of the Park District Code or Section 16a-5 of the Chicago Park District Act concerning a person who is seeking employment with that park district and who has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for any of the offenses listed in subsection (c) of Section 8-23 of the Park District Code or subsection (c) of Section 16a-5 of the Chicago Park District Act.

(11) Persons managing and designated to participate in a court diversion program as designated in subsection (6) of Section 5-105.

(12) The Public Access Counselor of the Office of the Attorney General, when reviewing juvenile law enforcement records under its powers and duties under the Freedom of Information Act.

(13) Collection agencies, contracted or otherwise engaged by a governmental entity, to collect any debts due and owing to the governmental entity.

(B)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), no law enforcement officer or other person or agency may knowingly transmit to the Department of Corrections, the Illinois State Police, or the Federal Bureau of Investigation any fingerprint or photograph relating to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody before the minor's his or her 18th birthday, unless the court in proceedings under this Act authorizes the transmission or enters an order under Section 5-805 permitting or requiring the institution of criminal proceedings.

(2) Law enforcement officers or other persons or agencies shall transmit to the Illinois State Police copies of fingerprints and descriptions of all minors who have been arrested or taken into custody before their 18th birthday for the offense of unlawful use of weapons under Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, a Class X or Class 1 felony, a forcible felony as defined in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or a Class 2 or greater felony under the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, or Chapter 4 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, pursuant to Section 5 of the Criminal Identification Act. Information reported to the Department pursuant to this Section may be maintained with records that the Department files pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Criminal Identification Act. Nothing in this Act prohibits a law enforcement agency from fingerprinting a minor taken into custody or arrested before the minor's his or her 18th birthday for an offense other than those listed in this paragraph (2).

(C) The records of law enforcement officers, or of an independent agency created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers, concerning all minors under 18 years of age must be maintained separate from the records of arrests and may not be open to public inspection or their contents disclosed to the public. For purposes of obtaining documents under this Section, a civil subpoena is not an order of the court.

(1) In cases where the law enforcement, or independent agency, records concern a pending juvenile court case, the party seeking to inspect the records shall provide actual notice to the attorney or guardian ad litem of the minor whose records are sought.

(2) In cases where the records concern a juvenile court case that is no longer pending, the party seeking to inspect the records shall provide actual notice to the minor or the minor's parent or legal guardian, and the matter shall be referred to the chief judge presiding over matters pursuant to this Act.

(3) In determining whether the records should be available for inspection, the court shall consider the minor's interest in confidentiality and rehabilitation over the moving party's interest in obtaining the information. Any records obtained in violation of this subsection (C) shall not be admissible in any criminal or civil proceeding, or operate to disqualify a minor from subsequently holding public office or securing employment, or operate as a forfeiture of any public benefit, right, privilege, or right to receive any license granted by public authority.

(D) Nothing contained in subsection (C) of this Section shall prohibit the inspection or disclosure to victims and witnesses of photographs contained in the records of law enforcement agencies when the inspection and disclosure is conducted in the presence of a law enforcement officer for the purpose of the identification or apprehension of any person subject to the provisions of this Act or for the investigation or prosecution of any crime.

(E) Law enforcement officers, and personnel of an independent agency created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers, may not disclose the identity of any minor in releasing information to the general public as to the arrest, investigation or disposition of any case involving a minor.

(F) Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit law enforcement agencies from communicating with each other by letter, memorandum, teletype, or intelligence alert bulletin or other means the identity or other relevant information pertaining to a person under 18 years of age if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the person poses a real and present danger to the safety of the public or law enforcement officers. The information provided under this subsection (F) shall remain confidential and shall not be publicly disclosed, except as otherwise allowed by law.

(G) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the right of a Civil Service Commission or appointing authority of any federal government, state, county or municipality examining the character and fitness of an applicant for employment with a law enforcement agency, correctional institution, or fire department from obtaining and examining the records of any law enforcement agency relating to any record of the applicant having been arrested or taken into custody before the applicant's 18th birthday.

(G-5) Information identifying victims and alleged victims of sex offenses shall not be disclosed or open to the public under any circumstances. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the victim or alleged victim of any sex offense from voluntarily disclosing this his or her own identity.

(H) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to law enforcement records of a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(H-5) Nothing in this Section shall require any court or adjudicative proceeding for traffic, boating, fish and game law, or municipal and county ordinance violations to be closed to the public.

(I) Willful violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor and each violation is subject to a fine of $1,000. This subsection (I) shall not apply to the person who is the subject of the record.

(J) A person convicted of violating this Section is liable for damages in the amount of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater.

(Source: P.A. 101-652, eff. 1-1-23; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-752, eff. 1-1-23; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/1-8)

Sec. 1-8. Confidentiality and accessibility of juvenile court records.

(A) A juvenile adjudication shall never be considered a conviction nor shall an adjudicated individual be considered a criminal. Unless expressly allowed by law, a juvenile adjudication shall not operate to impose upon the individual any of the civil disabilities ordinarily imposed by or resulting from conviction. Unless expressly allowed by law, adjudications shall not prejudice or disqualify the individual in any civil service application or appointment, from holding public office, or from receiving any license granted by public authority. All juvenile court records which have not been expunged are sealed and may never be disclosed to the general public or otherwise made widely available. Sealed juvenile court records may be obtained only under this Section and Section 1-7 and Part 9 of Article V of this Act, when their use is needed for good cause and with an order from the juvenile court. Inspection and copying of juvenile court records relating to a minor who is the subject of a proceeding under this Act shall be restricted to the following:

(1) The minor who is the subject of record, the minor's his or her parents, guardian, and counsel.

(2) Law enforcement officers and law enforcement agencies when such information is essential to executing an arrest or search warrant or other compulsory process, or to conducting an ongoing investigation or relating to a minor who has been adjudicated delinquent and there has been a previous finding that the act which constitutes the previous offense was committed in furtherance of criminal activities by a criminal street gang.

Before July 1, 1994, for the purposes of this Section, "criminal street gang" means any ongoing organization, association, or group of 3 or more persons, whether formal or informal, having as one of its primary activities the commission of one or more criminal acts and that has a common name or common identifying sign, symbol or specific color apparel displayed, and whose members individually or collectively engage in or have engaged in a pattern of criminal activity.

Beginning July 1, 1994, for purposes of this Section, "criminal street gang" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

(3) Judges, hearing officers, prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, social workers, or other individuals assigned by the court to conduct a pre-adjudication or pre-disposition investigation, and individuals responsible for supervising or providing temporary or permanent care and custody for minors under the order of the juvenile court when essential to performing their responsibilities.

(4) Judges, federal, State, and local prosecutors, public defenders, probation officers, and designated staff:

(a) in the course of a trial when institution of criminal proceedings has been permitted or required under Section 5-805;

(b) when criminal proceedings have been permitted or required under Section 5-805 and a minor is the subject of a proceeding to determine the conditions of pretrial release;

(c) when criminal proceedings have been permitted or required under Section 5-805 and a minor is the subject of a pre-trial investigation, pre-sentence investigation or fitness hearing, or proceedings on an application for probation; or

(d) when a minor becomes 18 years of age or older, and is the subject of criminal proceedings, including a hearing to determine the conditions of pretrial release, a pre-trial investigation, a pre-sentence investigation, a fitness hearing, or proceedings on an application for probation.

(5) Adult and Juvenile Prisoner Review Boards.

(6) Authorized military personnel.

(6.5) Employees of the federal government authorized by law.

(7) Victims, their subrogees and legal representatives; however, such persons shall have access only to the name and address of the minor and information pertaining to the disposition or alternative adjustment plan of the juvenile court.

(8) Persons engaged in bona fide research, with the permission of the presiding judge of the juvenile court and the chief executive of the agency that prepared the particular records; provided that publication of such research results in no disclosure of a minor's identity and protects the confidentiality of the record.

(9) The Secretary of State to whom the Clerk of the Court shall report the disposition of all cases, as required in Section 6-204 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. However, information reported relative to these offenses shall be privileged and available only to the Secretary of State, courts, and police officers.

(10) The administrator of a bonafide substance abuse student assistance program with the permission of the presiding judge of the juvenile court.

(11) Mental health professionals on behalf of the Department of Corrections or the Department of Human Services or prosecutors who are evaluating, prosecuting, or investigating a potential or actual petition brought under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act relating to a person who is the subject of juvenile court records or the respondent to a petition brought under the Sexually Violent Persons Commitment Act, who is the subject of juvenile court records sought. Any records and any information obtained from those records under this paragraph (11) may be used only in sexually violent persons commitment proceedings.

(12) Collection agencies, contracted or otherwise engaged by a governmental entity, to collect any debts due and owing to the governmental entity.

(A-1) Findings and exclusions of paternity entered in proceedings occurring under Article II of this Act shall be disclosed, in a manner and form approved by the Presiding Judge of the Juvenile Court, to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services when necessary to discharge the duties of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services under Article X of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

(B) A minor who is the victim in a juvenile proceeding shall be provided the same confidentiality regarding disclosure of identity as the minor who is the subject of record.

(C)(0.1) In cases where the records concern a pending juvenile court case, the requesting party seeking to inspect the juvenile court records shall provide actual notice to the attorney or guardian ad litem of the minor whose records are sought.

(0.2) In cases where the juvenile court records concern a juvenile court case that is no longer pending, the requesting party seeking to inspect the juvenile court records shall provide actual notice to the minor or the minor's parent or legal guardian, and the matter shall be referred to the chief judge presiding over matters pursuant to this Act.

(0.3) In determining whether juvenile court records should be made available for inspection and whether inspection should be limited to certain parts of the file, the court shall consider the minor's interest in confidentiality and rehabilitation over the requesting party's interest in obtaining the information. The State's Attorney, the minor, and the minor's parents, guardian, and counsel shall at all times have the right to examine court files and records.

(0.4) Any records obtained in violation of this Section shall not be admissible in any criminal or civil proceeding, or operate to disqualify a minor from subsequently holding public office, or operate as a forfeiture of any public benefit, right, privilege, or right to receive any license granted by public authority.

(D) Pending or following any adjudication of delinquency for any offense defined in Sections 11-1.20 through 11-1.60 or 12-13 through 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, the victim of any such offense shall receive the rights set out in Sections 4 and 6 of the Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses of Violent Crime Act; and the juvenile who is the subject of the adjudication, notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, shall be treated as an adult for the purpose of affording such rights to the victim.

(E) Nothing in this Section shall affect the right of a Civil Service Commission or appointing authority of the federal government, or any state, county, or municipality examining the character and fitness of an applicant for employment with a law enforcement agency, correctional institution, or fire department to ascertain whether that applicant was ever adjudicated to be a delinquent minor and, if so, to examine the records of disposition or evidence which were made in proceedings under this Act.

(F) Following any adjudication of delinquency for a crime which would be a felony if committed by an adult, or following any adjudication of delinquency for a violation of Section 24-1, 24-3, 24-3.1, or 24-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, the State's Attorney shall ascertain whether the minor respondent is enrolled in school and, if so, shall provide a copy of the dispositional order to the principal or chief administrative officer of the school. Access to the dispositional order shall be limited to the principal or chief administrative officer of the school and any school counselor designated by the principal or chief administrative officer him or her.

(G) Nothing contained in this Act prevents the sharing or disclosure of information or records relating or pertaining to juveniles subject to the provisions of the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program when that information is used to assist in the early identification and treatment of habitual juvenile offenders.

(H) When a court hearing a proceeding under Article II of this Act becomes aware that an earlier proceeding under Article II had been heard in a different county, that court shall request, and the court in which the earlier proceedings were initiated shall transmit, an authenticated copy of the juvenile court record, including all documents, petitions, and orders filed and the minute orders, transcript of proceedings, and docket entries of the court.

(I) The Clerk of the Circuit Court shall report to the Illinois State Police, in the form and manner required by the Illinois State Police, the final disposition of each minor who has been arrested or taken into custody before the minor's his or her 18th birthday for those offenses required to be reported under Section 5 of the Criminal Identification Act. Information reported to the Department under this Section may be maintained with records that the Department files under Section 2.1 of the Criminal Identification Act.

(J) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to juvenile law enforcement records of a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(K) Willful violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor and each violation is subject to a fine of $1,000. This subsection (K) shall not apply to the person who is the subject of the record.

(L) A person convicted of violating this Section is liable for damages in the amount of $1,000 or actual damages, whichever is greater.

(Source: P.A. 101-652, eff. 1-1-23; 102-197, eff. 7-30-21; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/1-9) (from Ch. 37, par. 801-9)

Sec. 1-9. Expungement of law enforcement and juvenile court records.

(1) Expungement of law enforcement and juvenile court delinquency records shall be governed by Part 9 of Article V of this Act.

(2) This subsection (2) applies to expungement of law enforcement and juvenile court records other than delinquency proceedings. Whenever any person has attained the age of 18 or whenever all juvenile court proceedings relating to that person have been terminated, whichever is later, the person may petition the court to expunge law enforcement records relating to incidents occurring before the minor's his 18th birthday or the minor's his juvenile court records, or both, if the minor was placed under supervision pursuant to Sections 2-20, 3-21, or 4-18, and such order of supervision has since been successfully terminated.

(3) The chief judge of the circuit in which an arrest was made or a charge was brought or any judge of that circuit designated by the chief judge may, upon verified petition of a person who is the subject of an arrest or a juvenile court proceeding pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section, order the law enforcement records or juvenile court records, or both, to be expunged from the official records of the arresting authority and the clerk of the circuit court. Notice of the petition shall be served upon the State's Attorney and upon the arresting authority which is the subject of the petition for expungement.

(4) The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly apply to law enforcement and juvenile court records of a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-1162, eff. 12-20-18.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-1) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-1)

Sec. 2-1. Jurisdictional facts. Proceedings may be instituted under the provisions of this Article concerning minors boys and girls who are abused, neglected or dependent, as defined in Sections 2-3 or 2-4.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-3) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-3)

Sec. 2-3. Neglected or abused minor.

(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 the minor's his or her well-being, including adequate food, clothing and shelter, or who is abandoned by the minor's his or her 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 the minor's his or her welfare; or

(c) any newborn infant whose blood, urine, or meconium contains any amount of a controlled substance as defined in subsection (f) of Section 102 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, as now or hereafter amended, or a metabolite of a controlled substance, with the exception of controlled substances or metabolites of such substances, the presence of which in the newborn infant is the result of medical treatment administered to the person who gave birth mother or the newborn infant; or

(d) any minor under the age of 14 years whose parent or other person responsible for the minor's welfare leaves the minor without supervision for an unreasonable period of time without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor; or

(e) any minor who has been provided with interim crisis intervention services under Section 3-5 of this Act and whose parent, guardian, or custodian refuses to permit the minor to return home unless the minor is an immediate physical danger to the minor himself, herself, or others living in the home.

Whether the minor was left without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that minor or the period of time was unreasonable shall be determined by considering the following factors, including but not limited to:

(1) the age of the minor;

(2) the number of minors left at the location;

(3) special needs of the minor, including whether the minor is a person with a physical or mental disability, or otherwise in need of ongoing prescribed medical treatment such as periodic doses of insulin or other medications;

(4) the duration of time in which the minor was left without supervision;

(5) the condition and location of the place where the minor was left without supervision;

(6) the time of day or night when the minor was left without supervision;

(7) the weather conditions, including whether the minor was left in a location with adequate protection from the natural elements such as adequate heat or light;

(8) the location of the parent or guardian at the time the minor was left without supervision, the physical distance the minor was from the parent or guardian at the time the minor was without supervision;

(9) whether the minor's movement was restricted, or the minor was otherwise locked within a room or other structure;

(10) whether the minor was given a phone number of a person or location to call in the event of an emergency and whether the minor was capable of making an emergency call;

(11) whether there was food and other provision left for the minor;

(12) whether any of the conduct is attributable to economic hardship or illness and the parent, guardian or other person having physical custody or control of the child made a good faith effort to provide for the health and safety of the minor;

(13) the age and physical and mental capabilities of the person or persons who provided supervision for the minor;

(14) whether the minor was left under the supervision of another person;

(15) any other factor that would endanger the health and safety of that particular minor.

A minor shall not be considered neglected for the sole reason that the minor has been relinquished in accordance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.

(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:

(i) inflicts, causes to be inflicted, or allows to be inflicted upon such minor physical injury, by other than accidental means, which causes death, disfigurement, impairment of physical or emotional health, or loss or impairment of any bodily function;

(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;

(iii) commits or allows to be committed any sex offense against such minor, as such sex offenses are defined in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or in the Wrongs to Children Act, and extending those definitions of sex offenses to include minors under 18 years of age;

(iv) commits or allows to be committed an act or acts of torture upon such minor;

(v) inflicts excessive corporal punishment;

(vi) commits or allows to be committed the offense of involuntary servitude, involuntary sexual servitude of a minor, or trafficking in persons as defined in Section 10-9 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, upon such minor; or

(vii) allows, encourages or requires a minor to commit any act of prostitution, as defined in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, and extending those definitions to include minors under 18 years of age.

A minor shall not be considered abused for the sole reason that the minor has been relinquished in accordance with the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act.

(3) This Section does not apply to a minor who would be included herein solely for the purpose of qualifying for financial assistance for the minor, the minor's himself, his parents, guardian or custodian.

(4) The changes made by this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly apply to a case that is pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 101-79, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-4) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-4)

Sec. 2-4. Dependent minor.

(1) Those who are dependent 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:

(a) who is without a parent, guardian or legal custodian;

(b) who is without proper care because of the physical or mental disability of the minor's his parent, guardian or custodian;

(c) who is without proper medical or other remedial care recognized under State law or other care necessary for the minor's his or her well being through no fault, neglect or lack of concern by the minor's his parents, guardian or custodian, provided that no order may be made terminating parental rights, nor may a minor be removed from the custody of the minor's his or her parents for longer than 6 months, pursuant to an adjudication as a dependent minor under this subdivision (c), unless it is found to be in the minor's his or her best interest by the court or the case automatically closes as provided under Section 2-31 of this Act; or

(d) who has a parent, guardian or legal custodian who with good cause wishes to be relieved of all residual parental rights and responsibilities, guardianship or custody, and who desires the appointment of a guardian of the person with power to consent to the adoption of the minor under Section 2-29.

(2) This Section does not apply to a minor who would be included herein solely for the purpose of qualifying for financial assistance for the minor, the minor's himself, his parent or parents, guardian or custodian or to a minor solely because the minor's his or her parent or parents or guardian has left the minor for any period of time in the care of an adult relative, who the parent or parents or guardian know is both a mentally capable adult relative and physically capable adult relative, as defined by this Act.

(3) The changes made by this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly apply to a case that is pending on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 101st General Assembly.

(Source: P.A. 101-79, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-4b)

Sec. 2-4b. Family Support Program services; hearing.

(a) Any minor who is placed in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services under Article II of this Act on the basis of a petition alleging that the minor is dependent because the minor was left at a psychiatric hospital beyond medical necessity, and for whom an application for the Family Support Program was pending with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or an active application was being reviewed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services at the time the petition was filed, shall continue to be considered eligible for services if all other eligibility criteria are met.

(b) The court shall conduct a hearing within 14 days upon notification to all parties that an application for the Family Support Program services has been approved and services are available. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether to vacate the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and return the minor to the custody of the respondent with Family Support Program services or whether the minor shall continue to be in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and decline the Family Support Program services. In making its determination, the court shall consider the minor's best interest, the involvement of the respondent in proceedings under this Act, the involvement of the respondent in the minor's treatment, the relationship between the minor and the respondent, and any other factor the court deems relevant. If the court vacates the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and returns the minor to the custody of the respondent with Family Support Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall become fiscally responsible for providing services to the minor. If the court determines that the minor shall continue in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Children and Family Services shall remain fiscally responsible for providing services to the minor, the Family Support Services shall be declined, and the minor shall no longer be eligible for Family Support Services.

(c) This Section does not apply to a minor:

(1) for whom a petition has been filed under this Act alleging that the minor he or she is an abused or neglected minor;

(2) for whom the court has made a finding that the minor he or she is an abused or neglected minor under this Act; or

(3) who is in the temporary custody of the Department of Children and Family Services and the minor has been the subject of an indicated allegation of abuse or neglect, other than for psychiatric lockout, where a respondent was the perpetrator within 5 years of the filing of the pending petition.

(Source: P.A. 100-978, eff. 8-19-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-5) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-5)

Sec. 2-5. Taking into custody.

(1) A law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, take into temporary custody a minor (a) whom the officer with reasonable cause believes to be a person described in Section 2-3 or 2-4; (b) who has been adjudged a ward of the court and has escaped from any commitment ordered by the court under this Act; or (c) who is found in any street or public place suffering from any sickness or injury which requires care, medical treatment or hospitalization.

(2) Whenever a petition has been filed under Section 2-13 and the court finds that the conduct and behavior of the minor may endanger the health, person, welfare, or property of the minor himself or others or that the circumstances of the minor's his home environment may endanger the minor's his health, person, welfare or property, a warrant may be issued immediately to take the minor into custody.

(3) The taking of a minor into temporary custody under this Section is not an arrest nor does it constitute a police record.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-6) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-6)

Sec. 2-6. Duty of officer. (1) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody under Section 2-5 shall immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been taken into custody and where the minor he or she is being held.

(a) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody with a warrant shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for such purposes in the county of venue.

(b) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody without a warrant shall place the minor in temporary protective custody and shall immediately notify the Department of Children and Family Services by contacting either the central register established under 7.7 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act or the nearest Department of Children and Family Services office. If there is reasonable cause to suspect that a minor has died as a result of abuse or neglect, the law enforcement officer shall immediately report such suspected abuse or neglect to the appropriate medical examiner or coroner.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-7) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-7)

Sec. 2-7. Temporary custody. "Temporary custody" means the temporary placement of the minor out of the custody of the minor's his or her guardian or parent, and includes the following:

(1) "Temporary protective custody" means custody within a hospital or other medical facility or a place previously designated for such custody by the Department of Children and Family Services, subject to review by the court, including a licensed foster home, group home, or other institution. However, such place shall not be a jail or other place for the detention of the criminal or juvenile offenders.

(2) "Shelter care" means a physically unrestrictive facility designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, or other suitable place designated by the court for a minor who requires care away from the minor's his or her home.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-8) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-8)

Sec. 2-8. Investigation; release. When a minor is delivered to the court, or to the place designated by the court under Section 2-7 of this Act, a probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court shall immediately investigate the circumstances of the minor and the facts surrounding the minor his or her being taken into custody. The minor shall be immediately released to the custody of the minor's his or her parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative, unless the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court finds that further temporary protective custody is necessary, as provided in Section 2-7.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-9) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-9)

Sec. 2-9. Setting of temporary custody hearing; notice; release.

(1) Unless sooner released, a minor as defined in Section 2-3 or 2-4 of this Act taken into temporary protective custody must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and court-designated holidays, for a temporary custody hearing to determine whether the minor he shall be further held in custody.

(2) If the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court determines that the minor should be retained in custody, the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court he shall cause a petition to be filed as provided in Section 2-13 of this Article, and the clerk of the court shall set the matter for hearing on the temporary custody hearing calendar. When a parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative is present and so requests, the temporary custody hearing shall be held immediately if the court is in session, otherwise at the earliest feasible time. The petitioner through counsel or such other public officer designated by the court shall insure notification to the minor's parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative of the time and place of the hearing by the best practicable notice, allowing for oral notice in place of written notice only if provision of written notice is unreasonable under the circumstances.

(3) The minor must be released from temporary protective custody at the expiration of the 48 hour period specified by this Section if not brought before a judicial officer within that period.

(Source: P.A. 87-759.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-10) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-10)

Sec. 2-10. Temporary custody hearing. At the appearance of the minor before the court at the temporary custody hearing, all witnesses present shall be examined before the court in relation to any matter connected with the allegations made in the petition.

(1) If the court finds that there is not probable cause to believe that the minor is abused, neglected or dependent it shall release the minor and dismiss the petition.

(2) If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the minor is abused, neglected or dependent, the court shall state in writing the factual basis supporting its finding and the minor, the minor's his or her parent, guardian, custodian and other persons able to give relevant testimony shall be examined before the court. The Department of Children and Family Services shall give testimony concerning indicated reports of abuse and neglect, of which they are aware through the central registry, involving the minor's parent, guardian or custodian. After such testimony, the court may, consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor, enter an order that the minor shall be released upon the request of parent, guardian or custodian if the parent, guardian or custodian appears to take custody. If it is determined that a parent's, guardian's, or custodian's compliance with critical services mitigates the necessity for removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, the court may enter an Order of Protection setting forth reasonable conditions of behavior that a parent, guardian, or custodian must observe for a specified period of time, not to exceed 12 months, without a violation; provided, however, that the 12-month period shall begin anew after any violation. "Custodian" includes the Department of Children and Family Services, if it has been given custody of the child, or any other agency of the State which has been given custody or wardship of the child. If it is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor, the court may also prescribe shelter care and order that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the court or in a shelter care facility designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency; however, on and after January 1, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 98-803) and before January 1, 2017, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services by any court, except a minor less than 16 years of age and committed to the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5-710 of this Act or a minor for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists; and on and after January 1, 2017, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services by any court, except a minor less than 15 years of age and committed to the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5-710 of this Act or a minor for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists. An independent basis exists when the allegations or adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency do not arise from the same facts, incident, or circumstances which give rise to a charge or adjudication of delinquency.

In placing the minor, the Department or other agency shall, to the extent compatible with the court's order, comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act. In determining the health, safety and best interests of the minor to prescribe shelter care, the court must find that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the safety and protection of the minor or of the person or property of another that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility or that the minor he or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, and must further find that reasonable efforts have been made or that, consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor, no efforts reasonably can be made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home. The court shall require documentation from the Department of Children and Family Services as to the reasonable efforts that were made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home or the reasons why no efforts reasonably could be made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal. When a minor is placed in the home of a relative, the Department of Children and Family Services shall complete a preliminary background review of the members of the minor's custodian's household in accordance with Section 4.3 of the Child Care Act of 1969 within 90 days of that placement. If the minor is ordered placed in a shelter care facility of the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, the court shall, upon request of the appropriate Department or other agency, appoint the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or other appropriate agency executive temporary custodian of the minor and the court may enter such other orders related to the temporary custody as it deems fit and proper, including the provision of services to the minor or the minor's his family to ameliorate the causes contributing to the finding of probable cause or to the finding of the existence of immediate and urgent necessity.

Where the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator is appointed as the executive temporary custodian, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file with the court and serve on the parties a parent-child visiting plan, within 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the appointment. The parent-child visiting plan shall set out the time and place of visits, the frequency of visits, the length of visits, who shall be present at the visits, and where appropriate, the minor's opportunities to have telephone and mail communication with the parents.

Where the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator is appointed as the executive temporary custodian, and when the child has siblings in care, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file with the court and serve on the parties a sibling placement and contact plan within 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, after the appointment. The sibling placement and contact plan shall set forth whether the siblings are placed together, and if they are not placed together, what, if any, efforts are being made to place them together. If the Department has determined that it is not in a child's best interest to be placed with a sibling, the Department shall document in the sibling placement and contact plan the basis for its determination. For siblings placed separately, the sibling placement and contact plan shall set the time and place for visits, the frequency of the visits, the length of visits, who shall be present for the visits, and where appropriate, the child's opportunities to have contact with their siblings in addition to in person contact. If the Department determines it is not in the best interest of a sibling to have contact with a sibling, the Department shall document in the sibling placement and contact plan the basis for its determination. The sibling placement and contact plan shall specify a date for development of the Sibling Contact Support Plan, under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act, and shall remain in effect until the Sibling Contact Support Plan is developed.

For good cause, the court may waive the requirement to file the parent-child visiting plan or the sibling placement and contact plan, or extend the time for filing either plan. Any party may, by motion, request the court to review the parent-child visiting plan to determine whether it is reasonably calculated to expeditiously facilitate the achievement of the permanency goal. A party may, by motion, request the court to review the parent-child visiting plan or the sibling placement and contact plan to determine whether it is consistent with the minor's best interest. The court may refer the parties to mediation where available. The frequency, duration, and locations of visitation shall be measured by the needs of the child and family, and not by the convenience of Department personnel. Child development principles shall be considered by the court in its analysis of how frequent visitation should be, how long it should last, where it should take place, and who should be present. If upon motion of the party to review either plan and after receiving evidence, the court determines that the parent-child visiting plan is not reasonably calculated to expeditiously facilitate the achievement of the permanency goal or that the restrictions placed on parent-child contact or sibling placement or contact are contrary to the child's best interests, the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting the determination and enter specific findings based on the evidence. The court shall enter an order for the Department to implement changes to the parent-child visiting plan or sibling placement or contact plan, consistent with the court's findings. At any stage of proceeding, any party may by motion request the court to enter any orders necessary to implement the parent-child visiting plan, sibling placement or contact plan or subsequently developed Sibling Contact Support Plan. Nothing under this subsection (2) shall restrict the court from granting discretionary authority to the Department to increase opportunities for additional parent-child contacts or sibling contacts, without further court orders. Nothing in this subsection (2) shall restrict the Department from immediately restricting or terminating parent-child contact or sibling contacts, without either amending the parent-child visiting plan or the sibling contact plan or obtaining a court order, where the Department or its assigns reasonably believe there is an immediate need to protect the child's health, safety, and welfare. Such restrictions or terminations must be based on available facts to the Department and its assigns when viewed in light of the surrounding circumstances and shall only occur on an individual case-by-case basis. The Department shall file with the court and serve on the parties any amendments to the plan within 10 days, excluding weekends and holidays, of the change of the visitation.

Acceptance of services shall not be considered an admission of any allegation in a petition made pursuant to this Act, nor may a referral of services be considered as evidence in any proceeding pursuant to this Act, except where the issue is whether the Department has made reasonable efforts to reunite the family. In making its findings that it is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor to prescribe shelter care, the court shall state in writing (i) the factual basis supporting its findings concerning the immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another and (ii) the factual basis supporting its findings that reasonable efforts were made to prevent or eliminate the removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home or that no efforts reasonably could be made to prevent or eliminate the removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home. The parents, guardian, custodian, temporary custodian and minor shall each be furnished a copy of such written findings. The temporary custodian shall maintain a copy of the court order and written findings in the case record for the child. The order together with the court's findings of fact in support thereof shall be entered of record in the court.

Once the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility, the minor shall not be returned to the parent, custodian or guardian until the court finds that such placement is no longer necessary for the protection of the minor.

If the child is placed in the temporary custody of the Department of Children and Family Services for the minor's his or her protection, the court shall admonish the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative that the parents must cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions which require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights. The court shall ensure, by inquiring in open court of each parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative, that the parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative has had the opportunity to provide the Department with all known names, addresses, and telephone numbers of each of the minor's living maternal and paternal adult relatives, including, but not limited to, grandparents, siblings of the minor's parents aunts, uncles, and siblings. The court shall advise the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative to inform the Department if additional information regarding the minor's adult relatives becomes available.

(3) If prior to the shelter care hearing for a minor described in Sections 2-3, 2-4, 3-3 and 4-3 the moving party is unable to serve notice on the party respondent, the shelter care hearing may proceed ex parte. A shelter care order from an ex parte hearing shall be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance and shall be filed with the clerk's office and entered of record. The order shall expire after 10 days from the time it is issued unless before its expiration it is renewed, at a hearing upon appearance of the party respondent, or upon an affidavit of the moving party as to all diligent efforts to notify the party respondent by notice as herein prescribed. The notice prescribed shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered to the minor or the minor's attorney and to the last known address of the other person or persons entitled to notice. The notice shall also state the nature of the allegations, the nature of the order sought by the State, including whether temporary custody is sought, and the consequences of failure to appear and shall contain a notice that the parties will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights, except as required by Supreme Court Rule 11; and shall explain the right of the parties and the procedures to vacate or modify a shelter care order as provided in this Section. The notice for a shelter care hearing shall be substantially as follows:

NOTICE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN

OF SHELTER CARE HEARING

On ................ at ........., before the Honorable ................, (address:) ................., the State of Illinois will present evidence (1) that (name of child or children) ....................... are abused, neglected or dependent for the following reasons:

.............................................. and (2) whether there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to remove the child or children from the responsible relative.

YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN PLACEMENT of the child or children in foster care until a trial can be held. A trial may not be held for up to 90 days. You will not be entitled to further notices of proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.

At the shelter care hearing, parents have the following rights:

1. To ask the court to appoint a lawyer if they cannot afford one.

2. To ask the court to continue the hearing to allow them time to prepare.

3. To present evidence concerning:

a. Whether or not the child or children were abused, neglected or dependent.

b. Whether or not there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to remove the child from home (including: their ability to care for the child, conditions in the home, alternative means of protecting the child other than removal).

c. The best interests of the child.

4. To cross examine the State's witnesses.

The Notice for rehearings shall be substantially as follows:

NOTICE OF PARENT'S AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

TO REHEARING ON TEMPORARY CUSTODY

If you were not present at and did not have adequate notice of the Shelter Care Hearing at which temporary custody of ............... was awarded to ................, you have the right to request a full rehearing on whether the State should have temporary custody of ................. To request this rehearing, you must file with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court (address): ........................, in person or by mailing a statement (affidavit) setting forth the following:

1. That you were not present at the shelter care hearing.

2. That you did not get adequate notice (explaining how the notice was inadequate).

3. Your signature.

4. Signature must be notarized.

The rehearing should be scheduled within 48 hours of your filing this affidavit.

At the rehearing, your rights are the same as at the initial shelter care hearing. The enclosed notice explains those rights.

At the Shelter Care Hearing, children have the following rights:

1. To have a guardian ad litem appointed.

2. To be declared competent as a witness and to present testimony concerning:

a. Whether they are abused, neglected or dependent.

b. Whether there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to be removed from home.

c. Their best interests.

3. To cross examine witnesses for other parties.

4. To obtain an explanation of any proceedings and orders of the court.

(4) If the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative, minor age 8 or over, or counsel of the minor did not have actual notice of or was not present at the shelter care hearing, the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative, minor age 8 or over, or counsel of the minor he or she may file an affidavit setting forth these facts, and the clerk shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 48 hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after the filing of the affidavit. At the rehearing, the court shall proceed in the same manner as upon the original hearing.

(5) Only when there is reasonable cause to believe that the minor taken into custody is a person described in subsection (3) of Section 5-105 may the minor be kept or detained in a detention home or county or municipal jail. This Section shall in no way be construed to limit subsection (6).

(6) No minor under 16 years of age may be confined in a jail or place ordinarily used for the confinement of prisoners in a police station. Minors under 18 years of age must be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room, or yard with adults confined pursuant to the criminal law.

(7) If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer within the time period as specified in Section 2-9, the minor must immediately be released from custody.

(8) If neither the parent, guardian or custodian appears within 24 hours to take custody of a minor released upon request pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section, then the clerk of the court shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 7 days after the original order and shall issue a summons directed to the parent, guardian or custodian to appear. At the same time the probation department shall prepare a report on the minor. If a parent, guardian or custodian does not appear at such rehearing, the judge may enter an order prescribing that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency.

(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section any interested party, including the State, the temporary custodian, an agency providing services to the minor or family under a service plan pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, foster parent, or any of their representatives, on notice to all parties entitled to notice, may file a motion that it is in the best interests of the minor to modify or vacate a temporary custody order on any of the following grounds:

(a) It is no longer a matter of immediate and urgent necessity that the minor remain in shelter care; or

(b) There is a material change in the circumstances of the natural family from which the minor was removed and the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health or safety; or

(c) A person not a party to the alleged abuse, neglect or dependency, including a parent, relative or legal guardian, is capable of assuming temporary custody of the minor; or

(d) Services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services or a child welfare agency or other service provider have been successful in eliminating the need for temporary custody and the child can be cared for at home without endangering the child's health or safety.

In ruling on the motion, the court shall determine whether it is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor to modify or vacate a temporary custody order. If the minor is being restored to the custody of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian who lives outside of Illinois, and an Interstate Compact has been requested and refused, the court may order the Department of Children and Family Services to arrange for an assessment of the minor's proposed living arrangement and for ongoing monitoring of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and compliance with any order of protective supervision entered in accordance with Section 2-20 or 2-25.

The clerk shall set the matter for hearing not later than 14 days after such motion is filed. In the event that the court modifies or vacates a temporary custody order but does not vacate its finding of probable cause, the court may order that appropriate services be continued or initiated in behalf of the minor and the minor's his or her family.

(10) When the court finds or has found that there is probable cause to believe a minor is an abused minor as described in subsection (2) of Section 2-3 and that there is an immediate and urgent necessity for the abused minor to be placed in shelter care, immediate and urgent necessity shall be presumed for any other minor residing in the same household as the abused minor provided:

(a) Such other minor is the subject of an abuse or neglect petition pending before the court; and

(b) A party to the petition is seeking shelter care for such other minor.

Once the presumption of immediate and urgent necessity has been raised, the burden of demonstrating the lack of immediate and urgent necessity shall be on any party that is opposing shelter care for the other minor.

(11) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(12) After the court has placed a minor in the care of a temporary custodian pursuant to this Section, any party may file a motion requesting the court to grant the temporary custodian the authority to serve as a surrogate decision maker for the minor under the Health Care Surrogate Act for purposes of making decisions pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Section 20 of the Health Care Surrogate Act. The court may grant the motion if it determines by clear and convincing evidence that it is in the best interests of the minor to grant the temporary custodian such authority. In making its determination, the court shall weigh the following factors in addition to considering the best interests factors listed in subsection (4.05) of Section 1-3 of this Act:

(a) the efforts to identify and locate the respondents and adult family members of the minor and the results of those efforts;

(b) the efforts to engage the respondents and adult family members of the minor in decision making on behalf of the minor;

(c) the length of time the efforts in paragraphs (a) and (b) have been ongoing;

(d) the relationship between the respondents and adult family members and the minor;

(e) medical testimony regarding the extent to which the minor is suffering and the impact of a delay in decision-making on the minor; and

(f) any other factor the court deems relevant.

If the Department of Children and Family Services is the temporary custodian of the minor, in addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of subsection (b) of Section 20 of the Health Care Surrogate Act, the Department shall follow its rules and procedures in exercising authority granted under this subsection.

(Source: P.A. 102-489, eff. 8-20-21; 102-502, eff. 1-1-22; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-10.3)

Sec. 2-10.3. Access to news media.

(a) All youth in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services are entitled to the freedom of speech guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States and Section 4 of Article I of the Illinois Constitution. The Department of Children and Family Services and its agents and assigns shall not interfere with the right of any youth in its custody or guardianship to communicate with the news media if the youth chooses to do so.

(b) Provisions related to minors under 18. Any time the news media requests to speak with a specific, identified minor under 18 years of age, the Department of Children and Family Services shall immediately provide notice of the news media's request to the minor's attorney and guardian ad litem. The notice shall include at a minimum the minor's name, the news media name, and the date of the inquiry from the news media. Within one business day of the news media's request, the Department shall determine whether the minor wants to speak with the news media, whether the minor has sufficient maturity to make the minor's his or her own decision to communicate with the news media and whether contact with the news media will more likely than not cause the minor serious physical, emotional, or mental harm. The Department shall provide notice of its determination to the minor's attorney and guardian ad litem within one business day of its determination.

(c) Provisions related to minors over 18. The Department shall not take any action to interfere with the right of a minor over 18 to speak with the news media.

(d) Court Review.

(1) Any party may file a motion seeking to enforce rights under this Section.

(2) If the minor does not have an attorney, the court shall appoint one for purposes of the motion.

(3) The Department shall facilitate the minor's presence in court for hearings on the motion if the minor wants to be present.

(4) The party filing the motion shall provide prior notice of the hearing to the involved news media.

(5) Minors over 18. If the court finds that the Department has interfered with the minor's right to communicate with the media, the court shall enjoin any further interference by the Department with the minor's contacts with the news media.

(6) Minors under 18. The Department shall have the burden of establishing by clear and convincing evidence: (i) that the minor does not have sufficient maturity to make the minor's his or her own decision to communicate with the news media and that contact with the news media will, more likely than not, cause the minor serious physical, emotional, or mental harm; and (ii) that less restrictive means are insufficient to address the minor's lack of maturity or the risk of serious physical, emotional, or mental harm. If the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that a minor under 18 years of age lacks sufficient maturity to make the minor's his or her own decision to communicate with the media and that the contact with the news media will, more likely than not, cause the minor serious physical, emotional, or mental harm, the court may issue an order identifying the specific limits that the Department may impose on the minor's communication with the news media. The order shall not permit the Department to prevent the minor from communicating with the news media unless it determines that no less restrictive means are available to address the likelihood of harm to the minor.

(7) The court shall not impose any limitations on the speech of a minor based on viewpoints the minor may express or information the minor may divulge, unless it is confidential information regarding third parties.

(8) All orders resolving motions brought under this subsection shall contain written findings in support of the court's ruling.

(e) As used in this Section, "interfere" includes, but is not limited to: withholding information from a minor about a news media outlet's request to speak with the minor, including any contact information necessary to respond to the request; preventing a minor from communicating with the news media; threatening or coercing the minor in any manner; or punishing or taking adverse action because of a minor's contact with the news media. "Interfere" does not include:

(1) providing information and advice about communicating with news media that is consistent with the minor's age, developmental capacity and circumstances, including information about the minor's right to refuse particular questions, the right to condition the participation upon a promise of anonymity or other privacy measures, the right to refuse to speak to the news media, and similar advice designed to enhance the minor's right to autonomy in communicating with the news media; and

(2) conducting an inquiry into (i) whether a minor under 18 is sufficiently mature to decide for themselves whether to communicate with the news media and (ii) whether communicating with the news media will more likely than not cause serious physical, emotional, or mental harm to the minor under 18. The inquiry in this subsection must be concluded within one business day of the request from the news media.

(f) As used in this Section, "less restrictive means" are conditions on the minor's ability to communicate with the news media that mitigate the likelihood that physical, emotional, or mental harm will result, and include, but are not limited to:

(1) the news media outlet's willingness to take steps to protect the minor's privacy, such as using a pseudonym or limiting the use of the voice or image of a minor;

(2) the presence of the minor's guardian ad litem or attorney or another adult of the minor's choosing, during the communication with the news media; and

(3) providing the minor with age-appropriate media literacy materials or other relevant educational material.

(Source: P.A. 102-615, eff. 8-27-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-11) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-11)

Sec. 2-11. Medical and dental treatment and care. At all times during temporary custody or shelter care, the court may authorize a physician, a hospital or any other appropriate health care provider to provide medical, dental or surgical procedures if such procedures are necessary to safeguard the minor's life or health.

With respect to any minor for whom the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator is appointed the temporary custodian, the Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee shall be deemed the minor's legally authorized representative for purposes of consenting to an HIV test and obtaining and disclosing information concerning such test pursuant to the AIDS Confidentiality Act and for purposes of consenting to the release of information pursuant to the Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act.

Any person who administers an HIV test upon the consent of the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee, or who discloses the results of such tests to the Department's Guardianship Administrator or the Guardianship Administrator's his designee, shall have immunity from any liability, civil, criminal or otherwise, that might result by reason of such actions. For the purpose of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of any persons required to administer or disclose the results of tests, or permitted to take such actions, shall be presumed.

(Source: P.A. 86-904.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-13) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-13)

Sec. 2-13. Petition.

(1) Any adult person, any agency or association by its representative may file, or the court on its own motion, consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor may direct the filing through the State's Attorney of a petition in respect of a minor under this Act. The petition and all subsequent court documents shall be entitled "In the interest of ...., a minor".

(2) The petition shall be verified but the statements may be made upon information and belief. It shall allege that the minor is abused, neglected, or dependent, with citations to the appropriate provisions of this Act, and set forth (a) facts sufficient to bring the minor under Section 2-3 or 2-4 and to inform respondents of the cause of action, including, but not limited to, a plain and concise statement of the factual allegations that form the basis for the filing of the petition; (b) the name, age and residence of the minor; (c) the names and residences of the minor's his parents; (d) the name and residence of the minor's his legal guardian or the person or persons having custody or control of the minor, or of the nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found; and (e) if the minor upon whose behalf the petition is brought is sheltered in custody, the date on which such temporary custody was ordered by the court or the date set for a temporary custody hearing. If any of the facts herein required are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.

(3) The petition must allege that it is in the best interests of the minor and of the public that the minor he be adjudged a ward of the court and may pray generally for relief available under this Act. The petition need not specify any proposed disposition following adjudication of wardship. The petition may request that the minor remain in the custody of the parent, guardian, or custodian under an Order of Protection.

(4) If termination of parental rights and appointment of a guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the minor under Section 2-29 is sought, the petition shall so state. If the petition includes this request, the prayer for relief shall clearly and obviously state that the parents could permanently lose their rights as a parent at this hearing.

In addition to the foregoing, the petitioner, by motion, may request the termination of parental rights and appointment of a guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the minor under Section 2-29 at any time after the entry of a dispositional order under Section 2-22.

(4.5) (a) Unless good cause exists that filing a petition to terminate parental rights is contrary to the child's best interests, with respect to any minors committed to its care pursuant to this Act, the Department of Children and Family Services shall request the State's Attorney to file a petition or motion for termination of parental rights and appointment of guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the minor under Section 2-29 if:

(i) a minor has been in foster care, as described in subsection (b), for 15 months of the most recent 22 months; or

(ii) a minor under the age of 2 years has been previously determined to be abandoned at an adjudicatory hearing; or

(iii) the parent is criminally convicted of:

(A) first degree murder or second degree murder of any child;

(B) attempt or conspiracy to commit first degree murder or second degree murder of any child;

(C) solicitation to commit murder of any child, solicitation to commit murder for hire of any child, or solicitation to commit second degree murder of any child;

(D) aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a child, or felony domestic battery, any of which has resulted in serious injury to the minor or a sibling of the minor;

(E) predatory criminal sexual assault of a child;

(E-5) aggravated criminal sexual assault;

(E-10) criminal sexual abuse in violation of subsection (a) of Section 11-1.50 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(E-15) sexual exploitation of a child;

(E-20) permitting sexual abuse of a child;

(E-25) criminal sexual assault; or

(F) an offense in any other state the elements of which are similar and bear a substantial relationship to any of the foregoing offenses.

(a-1) For purposes of this subsection (4.5), good cause exists in the following circumstances:

(i) the child is being cared for by a relative,

(ii) the Department has documented in the case plan a compelling reason for determining that filing such petition would not be in the best interests of the child,

(iii) the court has found within the preceding 12 months that the Department has failed to make reasonable efforts to reunify the child and family, or

(iv) the parent is incarcerated, or the parent's prior incarceration is a significant factor in why the child has been in foster care for 15 months out of any 22-month period, the parent maintains a meaningful role in the child's life, and the Department has not documented another reason why it would otherwise be appropriate to file a petition to terminate parental rights pursuant to this Section and the Adoption Act. The assessment of whether an incarcerated parent maintains a meaningful role in the child's life may include consideration of the following:

(A) the child's best interest;

(B) the parent's expressions or acts of manifesting concern for the child, such as letters, telephone calls, visits, and other forms of communication with the child and the impact of the communication on the child;

(C) the parent's efforts to communicate with and work with the Department for the purpose of complying with the service plan and repairing, maintaining, or building the parent-child relationship; or

(D) limitations in the parent's access to family support programs, therapeutic services, visiting opportunities, telephone and mail services, and meaningful participation in court proceedings.

(b) For purposes of this subsection, the date of entering foster care is defined as the earlier of:

(1) The date of a judicial finding at an adjudicatory hearing that the child is an abused, neglected, or dependent minor; or

(2) 60 days after the date on which the child is removed from the child's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

(c) (Blank).

(d) (Blank).

(5) 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.

(6) At any time before dismissal of the petition or before final closing and discharge under Section 2-31, one or more motions in the best interests of the minor may be filed. The motion shall specify sufficient facts in support of the relief requested.

(Source: P.A. 101-529, eff. 1-1-20.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-13.1)

Sec. 2-13.1. Early termination of reasonable efforts.

(1) (a) In conjunction with, or at any time subsequent to, the filing of a petition on behalf of a minor in accordance with Section 2-13 of this Act, the State's Attorney, the guardian ad litem, or the Department of Children and Family Services may file a motion requesting a finding that reasonable efforts to reunify that minor with the minor's his or her parent or parents are no longer required and are to cease.

(b) The court shall grant this motion with respect to a parent of the minor if the court finds after a hearing that the parent has:

(i) had his or her parental rights to another child of the parent involuntarily terminated; or

(ii) been convicted of:

(A) first degree or second degree murder of another child of the parent;

(B) attempt or conspiracy to commit first degree or second degree murder of another child of the parent;

(C) solicitation to commit murder of another child of the parent, solicitation to commit murder for hire of another child of the parent, or solicitation to commit second degree murder of another child of the parent;

(D) aggravated battery, aggravated battery of a child, or felony domestic battery, any of which has resulted in serious bodily injury to the minor or another child of the parent; or

(E) an offense in any other state the elements of which are similar and bear substantial relationship to any of the foregoing offenses

unless the court sets forth in writing a compelling reason why terminating reasonable efforts to reunify the minor with the parent would not be in the best interests of that minor.

(c) The court shall also grant this motion with respect to a parent of the minor if:

(i) after a hearing it determines that further reunification services would no longer be appropriate, and

(ii) a dispositional hearing has already taken place.

(2) (a) The court shall hold a permanency hearing within 30 days of granting a motion pursuant to this subsection. If an adjudicatory or a dispositional hearing, or both, has not taken place when the court grants a motion pursuant to this Section, then either or both hearings shall be held as needed so that both take place on or before the date a permanency hearing is held pursuant to this subsection.

(b) Following a permanency hearing held pursuant to paragraph (a) of this subsection, the appointed custodian or guardian of the minor shall make reasonable efforts to place the child in accordance with the permanency plan and goal set by the court, and to complete the necessary steps to locate and finalize a permanent placement.

(Source: P.A. 90-608, eff. 6-30-98.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-15) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-15)

Sec. 2-15. Summons.

(1) When a petition is filed, the clerk of the court shall issue a summons with a copy of the petition attached. The summons shall be directed to the minor's legal guardian or custodian and to each person named as a respondent in the petition, except that summons need not be directed to a minor respondent under 8 years of age for whom the court appoints a guardian ad litem if the guardian ad litem appears on behalf of the minor in any proceeding under this Act.

(2) The summons must contain a statement that the minor or any of the respondents is entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition, and that the clerk of the court should be notified promptly if the minor or any other respondent desires to be represented by an attorney but is financially unable to employ counsel.

(3) The summons shall be issued under the seal of the court, attested in and signed with the name of the clerk of the court, dated on the day it is issued, and shall require each respondent to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the adjudicatory hearing. The summons shall contain a notice that the parties will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights, except as required by Supreme Court Rule 11.

(4) The summons may be served by any county sheriff, coroner or probation officer, even though the officer is the petitioner. The return of the summons with endorsement of service by the officer is sufficient proof thereof.

(5) Service of a summons and petition shall be made by: (a) leaving a copy thereof with the person summoned at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; (b) leaving a copy at the summoned person's his or her usual place of abode with some person of the family or a person residing there, of the age of 10 years or upwards, and informing that person of the contents thereof, provided the officer or other person making service shall also send a copy of the summons in a sealed envelope with postage fully prepaid, addressed to the person summoned at the person's his usual place of abode, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; or (c) leaving a copy thereof with the guardian or custodian of a minor, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance. If the guardian or custodian is an agency of the State of Illinois, proper service may be made by leaving a copy of the summons and petition with any administrative employee of such agency designated by such agency to accept service of summons and petitions. The certificate of the officer or affidavit of the person that the officer or person he has sent the copy pursuant to this Section is sufficient proof of service.

(6) When a parent or other person, who has signed a written promise to appear and bring the minor to court or who has waived or acknowledged service, fails to appear with the minor on the date set by the court, a bench warrant may be issued for the parent or other person, the minor, or both.

(7) The appearance of the minor's legal guardian or custodian, or a person named as a respondent in a petition, in any proceeding under this Act shall constitute a waiver of service of summons and submission to the jurisdiction of the court, except that the filing of a motion authorized under Section 2-301 of the Code of Civil Procedure does not constitute an appearance under this subsection. A copy of the summons and petition shall be provided to the person at the time of the person's his appearance.

(8) Notice to a parent who has appeared or been served with summons personally or by certified mail, and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 11. Notice to a parent who was served by publication and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with this Section and Section 2-16.

(Source: P.A. 101-146, eff. 1-1-20.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-16) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-16)

Sec. 2-16. Notice by certified mail or publication.

(1) If service on individuals as provided in Section 2-15 is not made on any respondent within a reasonable time or if it appears that any respondent resides outside the State, service may be made by certified mail. In such case the clerk shall mail the summons and a copy of the petition to that respondent by certified mail marked for delivery to addressee only. The court shall not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 5 days after such mailing. The regular return receipt for certified mail is sufficient proof of service.

(2) Where a respondent's usual place of abode is not known, a diligent inquiry shall be made to ascertain the respondent's current and last known address. The Department of Children and Family Services shall adopt rules defining the requirements for conducting a diligent search to locate parents of minors in the custody of the Department. If, after diligent inquiry made at any time within the preceding 12 months, the usual place of abode cannot be reasonably ascertained, or if the respondent is concealing the respondent's his or her whereabouts to avoid service of process, petitioner's attorney shall file an affidavit at the office of the clerk of court in which the action is pending showing that the respondent on due inquiry cannot be found or is concealing the respondent's his or her whereabouts so that process cannot be served. The affidavit shall state the last known address of the respondent. The affidavit shall also state what efforts were made to effectuate service. Within 3 days of receipt of the affidavit, the clerk shall issue publication service as provided below. The clerk shall also send a copy thereof by mail addressed to each respondent listed in the affidavit at the respondent's his or her last known address. The clerk of the court as soon as possible shall cause publication to be made once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the action is pending. Notice by publication is not required in any case when the person alleged to have legal custody of the minor has been served with summons personally or by certified mail, but the court may not enter any order or judgment against any person who cannot be served with process other than by publication unless notice by publication is given or unless that person appears. When a minor has been sheltered under Section 2-10 of this Act and summons has not been served personally or by certified mail within 20 days from the date of the order of court directing such shelter care, the clerk of the court shall cause publication. Notice by publication shall be substantially as follows:

"A, B, C, D, (here giving the names of the named respondents, if any) and to All Whom It May Concern (if there is any respondent under that designation):

Take notice that on (insert date) a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by .... in the circuit court of .... county entitled 'In the interest of ...., a minor', and that in .... courtroom at .... on (insert date) at the hour of ...., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court under that Act. THE COURT HAS AUTHORITY IN THIS PROCEEDING TO TAKE FROM YOU THE CUSTODY AND GUARDIANSHIP OF THE MINOR, TO TERMINATE YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS, AND TO APPOINT A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION. YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO YOUR CHILD. IF THE PETITION REQUESTS THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A GUARDIAN WITH POWER TO CONSENT TO ADOPTION, YOU MAY LOSE ALL PARENTAL RIGHTS TO THE CHILD. Unless you appear you will not be entitled to further written notices or publication notices of the proceedings in this case, including the filing of an amended petition or a motion to terminate parental rights.

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered.

......................

Clerk

Dated (insert the date of publication)"

(3) The clerk shall also at the time of the publication of the notice send a copy thereof by mail to each of the respondents on account of whom publication is made at each of the respondents' his or her last known address. The certificate of the clerk that the clerk he or she has mailed the notice is evidence thereof. No other publication notice is required. Every respondent notified by publication under this Section must appear and answer in open court at the hearing. The court may not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 10 days after service by publication on any parent, guardian or legal custodian in the case of a minor described in Section 2-3 or 2-4.

(4) If it becomes necessary to change the date set for the hearing in order to comply with Section 2-14 or with this Section, notice of the resetting of the date must be given, by certified mail or other reasonable means, to each respondent who has been served with summons personally or by certified mail.

(5) Notice to a parent who has appeared or been served with summons personally or by certified mail, and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 11. Notice to a parent who was served by publication and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with this Section and Section 2-15.

(Source: P.A. 90-27, eff. 1-1-98; 90-28, eff. 1-1-98; 90-608, eff. 6-30-98; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-17) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-17)

Sec. 2-17. Guardian ad litem.

(1) Immediately upon the filing of a petition alleging that the minor is a person described in Sections 2-3 or 2-4 of this Article, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if:

(a) such petition alleges that the minor is an abused or neglected child; or

(b) such petition alleges that charges alleging the commission of any of the sex offenses defined in Article 11 or in Sections 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15 or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, have been filed against a defendant in any court and that such minor is the alleged victim of the acts of the defendant in the commission of such offense.

Unless the guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this paragraph (1) is an attorney at law, the guardian ad litem he or she shall be represented in the performance of the guardian ad litem's his or her duties by counsel. The guardian ad litem shall represent the best interests of the minor and shall present recommendations to the court consistent with that duty.

(2) Before proceeding with the hearing, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if:

(a) no parent, guardian, custodian or relative of the minor appears at the first or any subsequent hearing of the case;

(b) the petition prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption; or

(c) the petition for which the minor is before the court resulted from a report made pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(3) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor whenever it finds that there may be a conflict of interest between the minor and the minor's his parents or other custodian or that it is otherwise in the minor's best interest to do so.

(4) Unless the guardian ad litem is an attorney, the guardian ad litem he or she shall be represented by counsel.

(4.5) Pursuant to Section 6b-1 of the Children and Family Services Act, the Department of Children and Family Services must maintain the name, electronic mail address, and telephone number for each minor's court-appointed guardian ad litem and, if applicable, the guardian ad litem's supervisor. The Department of Children and Family Services must update this contact information within 5 days of receiving notice of a change. The Advocacy Office for Children and Families, established pursuant to Section 5e of the Children and Family Services Act, must make this contact information available to the minor, current foster parent or caregiver, or caseworker, if requested.

(5) The reasonable fees of a guardian ad litem appointed under this Section shall be fixed by the court and charged to the parents of the minor, to the extent they are able to pay. If the parents are unable to pay those fees, they shall be paid from the general fund of the county.

(6) A guardian ad litem appointed under this Section, shall receive copies of any and all classified reports of child abuse and neglect made under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act in which the minor who is the subject of a report under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, is also the minor for whom the guardian ad litem is appointed under this Section.

(6.5) A guardian ad litem appointed under this Section or attorney appointed under this Act shall receive a copy of each significant event report that involves the minor no later than 3 days after the Department learns of an event requiring a significant event report to be written, or earlier as required by Department rule.

(7) The appointed guardian ad litem shall remain the minor's guardian ad litem throughout the entire juvenile trial court proceedings, including permanency hearings and termination of parental rights proceedings, unless there is a substitution entered by order of the court.

(8) The guardian ad litem or an agent of the guardian ad litem shall have a minimum of one in-person contact with the minor and one contact with one of the current foster parents or caregivers prior to the adjudicatory hearing, and at least one additional in-person contact with the child and one contact with one of the current foster parents or caregivers after the adjudicatory hearing but prior to the first permanency hearing and one additional in-person contact with the child and one contact with one of the current foster parents or caregivers each subsequent year. For good cause shown, the judge may excuse face-to-face interviews required in this subsection.

(9) In counties with a population of 100,000 or more but less than 3,000,000, each guardian ad litem must successfully complete a training program approved by the Department of Children and Family Services. The Department of Children and Family Services shall provide training materials and documents to guardians ad litem who are not mandated to attend the training program. The Department of Children and Family Services shall develop and distribute to all guardians ad litem a bibliography containing information including but not limited to the juvenile court process, termination of parental rights, child development, medical aspects of child abuse, and the child's need for safety and permanence.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19; 102-208, eff. 7-30-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-17.1)

Sec. 2-17.1. Court appointed special advocate.

(1) The court shall appoint a special advocate upon the filing of a petition under this Article or at any time during the pendency of a proceeding under this Article if special advocates are available. The court appointed special advocate may also serve as guardian ad litem by appointment of the court under Section 2-17 of this Act.

(1.2) In counties of populations over 3,000,000 the court may appoint a special advocate upon the filing of a petition under this Article or at any time during the pendency of a proceeding under this Article. No special advocate shall act as guardian ad litem in counties of populations over 3,000,000.

(1.5) "Court appointed special advocate" means a community volunteer who:

(a) is 21 or older;

(b) shall receive training with State and nationally developed standards, has been screened and trained regarding child abuse and neglect, child development, and juvenile court proceedings according to the standards of the National CASA Association;

(c) is being actively supervised by a court appointed special advocate program in good standing with the Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates; and

(d) has been sworn in by a circuit court judge assigned to juvenile cases in the circuit court in which the court appointed special advocate he or she wishes to serve.

Court appointed special advocate programs shall promote policies, practices, and procedures that are culturally competent. As used in this Section, "cultural competency" means the capacity to function in more than one culture, requiring the ability to appreciate, understand, and interact with members of diverse populations within the local community.

(2) The court appointed special advocate shall:

(a) conduct an independent assessment to monitor the facts and circumstances surrounding the case by monitoring the court order;

(b) maintain regular and sufficient in-person contact with the minor;

(c) submit written reports to the court regarding the minor's best interests;

(d) advocate for timely court hearings to obtain permanency for the minor;

(e) be notified of all administrative case reviews pertaining to the minor and work with the parties' attorneys, the guardian ad litem, and others assigned to the minor's case to protect the minor's health, safety, and best interests and insure the proper delivery of child welfare services;

(f) attend all court hearings and other proceedings to advocate for the minor's best interests;

(g) monitor compliance with the case plan and all court orders; and

(h) review all court documents that relate to the minor child.

(2.1) The court may consider, at its discretion, testimony of the court appointed special advocate pertaining to the well-being of the minor.

(2.2) Upon presentation of an order of appointment, a court appointed special advocate shall have access to all records and information relevant to the minor's case with regard to the minor child.

(2.2-1) All records and information acquired, reviewed, or produced by a court appointed special advocate during the course of the court appointed special advocate's his or her appointment shall be deemed confidential and shall not be disclosed except as ordered by the court.

(3) Court appointed special advocates shall serve as volunteers without compensation and shall receive training consistent with nationally developed standards.

(4) No person convicted of a criminal offense as specified in Section 4.2 of the Child Care Act of 1969 and no person identified as a perpetrator of an act of child abuse or neglect as reflected in the Department of Children and Family Services State Central Register shall serve as a court appointed special advocate.

(5) All costs associated with the appointment and duties of the court appointed special advocate shall be paid by the court appointed special advocate or an organization of court appointed special advocates. In no event shall the court appointed special advocate be liable for any costs of services provided to the child.

(6) The court may remove the court appointed special advocate or the guardian ad litem from a case upon finding that the court appointed special advocate or the guardian ad litem has acted in a manner contrary to the child's best interest or if the court otherwise deems continued service is unwanted or unnecessary.

(7) In any county in which a program of court appointed special advocates is in operation, the provisions of this Section shall apply.

(8) Any court appointed special advocate acting in good faith within the scope of the court appointed special advocate's his or her appointment shall have immunity from any civil or criminal liability that otherwise might result by reason of the court appointed special advocate's his or her actions, except in cases of willful and wanton misconduct. For the purpose of any civil or criminal proceedings, the good faith of any court appointed special advocate shall be presumed.

(Source: P.A. 102-607, eff. 1-1-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-20) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-20)

Sec. 2-20. Continuance under supervision.

(1) The court may enter an order of continuance under supervision (a) upon an admission or stipulation by the appropriate respondent or minor respondent of the facts supporting the petition and before proceeding to findings and adjudication, or after hearing the evidence at the adjudicatory hearing but before noting in the minutes of proceeding a finding of whether or not the minor is abused, neglected or dependent; and (b) in the absence of objection made in open court by the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or the State's Attorney.

(2) If the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or the State's Attorney, objects in open court to any such continuance and insists upon proceeding to findings and adjudication, the court shall so proceed.

(3) Nothing in this Section limits the power of the court to order a continuance of the hearing for the production of additional evidence or for any other proper reason.

(4) When a hearing where a minor is alleged to be abused, neglected or dependent is continued pursuant to this Section, the court may permit the minor to remain in the minor's his home if the court determines and makes written factual findings that the minor can be cared for at home when consistent with the minor's health, safety, and best interests, subject to such conditions concerning the minor's his conduct and supervision as the court may require by order.

(5) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision, the court shall conduct a hearing. If the court finds that such condition of supervision has not been fulfilled the court may proceed to findings and adjudication and disposition. The filing of a petition for violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision shall toll the period of continuance under supervision until the final determination of the charge, and the term of the continuance under supervision shall not run until the hearing and disposition of the petition for violation; provided where the petition alleges conduct that does not constitute a criminal offense, the hearing must be held within 15 days of the filing of the petition unless a delay in such hearing has been occasioned by the minor, in which case the delay shall continue the tolling of the period of continuance under supervision for the period of such delay.

(Source: P.A. 90-27, eff. 1-1-98; 90-28, eff. 1-1-98.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-22) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-22)

Sec. 2-22. Dispositional hearing; evidence; continuance.

(1) At the dispositional hearing, the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor he be made a ward of the court, and, if the minor he is to be made a ward of the court, the court shall determine the proper disposition best serving the health, safety and interests of the minor and the public. The court also shall consider the permanency goal set for the minor, the nature of the service plan for the minor and the services delivered and to be delivered under the plan. All evidence helpful in determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent for the purposes of the adjudicatory hearing.

(2) Once all parties respondent have been served in compliance with Sections 2-15 and 2-16, no further service or notice must be given to a party prior to proceeding to a dispositional hearing. Before making an order of disposition the court shall advise the State's Attorney, the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative or their counsel of the factual contents and the conclusions of the reports prepared for the use of the court and considered by it, and afford fair opportunity, if requested, to controvert them. The court may order, however, that the documents containing such reports need not be submitted to inspection, or that sources of confidential information need not be disclosed except to the attorneys for the parties. Factual contents, conclusions, documents and sources disclosed by the court under this paragraph shall not be further disclosed without the express approval of the court pursuant to an in camera hearing.

(3) A record of a prior continuance under supervision under Section 2-20, whether successfully completed with regard to the child's health, safety and best interest, or not, is admissible at the dispositional hearing.

(4) On its own motion or that of the State's Attorney, a parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative or counsel, the court may adjourn the hearing for a reasonable period to receive reports or other evidence, if the adjournment is consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor, but in no event shall continuances be granted so that the dispositional hearing occurs more than 6 months after the initial removal of a minor from the minor's his or her home. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a minor has been removed from the minor's his or her home before an order of disposition has been made.

(5) Unless already set by the court, at the conclusion of the dispositional hearing, the court shall set the date for the first permanency hearing, to be conducted under subsection (2) of Section 2-28, which shall be held: (a) within 12 months from the date temporary custody was taken, (b) if the parental rights of both parents have been terminated in accordance with the procedure described in subsection (5) of Section 2-21, within 30 days of the termination of parental rights and appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, or (c) in accordance with subsection (2) of Section 2-13.1.

(6) When the court declares a child to be a ward of the court and awards guardianship to the Department of Children and Family Services, (a) the court shall admonish the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative that the parents must cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions which require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights; and (b) the court shall inquire of the parties of any intent to proceed with termination of parental rights of a parent:

(A) whose identity still remains unknown;

(B) whose whereabouts remain unknown; or

(C) who was found in default at the adjudicatory hearing and has not obtained an order setting aside the default in accordance with Section 2-1301 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(Source: P.A. 92-822, eff. 8-21-02.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-23) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-23)

Sec. 2-23. Kinds of dispositional orders.

(1) The following kinds of orders of disposition may be made in respect of wards of the court:

(a) A minor found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent under Section 2-4 may be (1) continued in the custody of the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian; (2) placed in accordance with Section 2-27; (3) restored to the custody of the parent, parents, guardian, or legal custodian, provided the court shall order the parent, parents, guardian, or legal custodian to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services and comply with the terms of an after-care plan or risk the loss of custody of the child and the possible termination of their parental rights; or (4) ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act.

If the minor is being restored to the custody of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian who lives outside of Illinois, and an Interstate Compact has been requested and refused, the court may order the Department of Children and Family Services to arrange for an assessment of the minor's proposed living arrangement and for ongoing monitoring of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and compliance with any order of protective supervision entered in accordance with Section 2-24.

However, in any case in which a minor is found by the court to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 of this Act, custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent, guardian or legal custodian whose acts or omissions or both have been identified, pursuant to subsection (1) of Section 2-21, as forming the basis for the court's finding of abuse or neglect, until such time as a hearing is held on the issue of the best interests of the minor and the fitness of such parent, guardian or legal custodian to care for the minor without endangering the minor's health or safety, and the court enters an order that such parent, guardian or legal custodian is fit to care for the minor.

(b) A minor found to be dependent under Section 2-4 may be (1) placed in accordance with Section 2-27 or (2) ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act.

However, in any case in which a minor is found by the court to be dependent under Section 2-4 of this Act, custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent, guardian or legal custodian whose acts or omissions or both have been identified, pursuant to subsection (1) of Section 2-21, as forming the basis for the court's finding of dependency, until such time as a hearing is held on the issue of the fitness of such parent, guardian or legal custodian to care for the minor without endangering the minor's health or safety, and the court enters an order that such parent, guardian or legal custodian is fit to care for the minor.

(b-1) A minor between the ages of 18 and 21 may be placed pursuant to Section 2-27 of this Act if (1) the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship of the minor pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33, (2) the court has adjudicated the minor a ward of the court, permitted the minor to return home under an order of protection, and subsequently made a finding that it is in the minor's best interest to vacate the order of protection and commit the minor to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service, or (3) the court returned the minor to the custody of the respondent under Section 2-4b of this Act without terminating the proceedings under Section 2-31 of this Act, and subsequently made a finding that it is in the minor's best interest to commit the minor to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and services.

(c) When the court awards guardianship to the Department of Children and Family Services, the court shall order the parents to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services, comply with the terms of the service plans, and correct the conditions that require the child to be in care, or risk termination of their parental rights.

(2) Any order of disposition may provide for protective supervision under Section 2-24 and may include an order of protection under Section 2-25.

Unless the order of disposition expressly so provides, it does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition, but is subject to modification, not inconsistent with Section 2-28, until final closing and discharge of the proceedings under Section 2-31.

(3) The court also shall enter any other orders necessary to fulfill the service plan, including, but not limited to, (i) orders requiring parties to cooperate with services, (ii) restraining orders controlling the conduct of any party likely to frustrate the achievement of the goal, and (iii) visiting orders. When the child is placed separately from a sibling, the court shall review the Sibling Contact Support Plan developed under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act, if applicable. If the Department has not convened a meeting to develop a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or if the court finds that the existing Plan is not in the child's best interest, the court may enter an order requiring the Department to develop and implement a Sibling Contact Support Plan under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act or order mediation. Unless otherwise specifically authorized by law, the court is not empowered under this subsection (3) to order specific placements, specific services, or specific service providers to be included in the plan. If, after receiving evidence, the court determines that the services contained in the plan are not reasonably calculated to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting the determination and enter specific findings based on the evidence. The court also shall enter an order for the Department to develop and implement a new service plan or to implement changes to the current service plan consistent with the court's findings. The new service plan shall be filed with the court and served on all parties within 45 days after the date of the order. The court shall continue the matter until the new service plan is filed. Except as authorized by subsection (3.5) of this Section or authorized by law, the court is not empowered under this Section to order specific placements, specific services, or specific service providers to be included in the service plan.

(3.5) If, after reviewing the evidence, including evidence from the Department, the court determines that the minor's current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting its determination and enter specific findings based on the evidence. If the court finds that the minor's current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate, the court may enter an order directing the Department to implement a recommendation by the minor's treating clinician or a clinician contracted by the Department to evaluate the minor or a recommendation made by the Department. If the Department places a minor in a placement under an order entered under this subsection (3.5), the Department has the authority to remove the minor from that placement when a change in circumstances necessitates the removal to protect the minor's health, safety, and best interest. If the Department determines removal is necessary, the Department shall notify the parties of the planned placement change in writing no later than 10 days prior to the implementation of its determination unless remaining in the placement poses an imminent risk of harm to the minor, in which case the Department shall notify the parties of the placement change in writing immediately following the implementation of its decision. The Department shall notify others of the decision to change the minor's placement as required by Department rule.

(4) In addition to any other order of disposition, the court may order any minor adjudicated neglected with respect to the minor's his or her own injurious behavior to make restitution, in monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except that the "presentence hearing" referred to therein shall be the dispositional hearing for purposes of this Section. The parent, guardian or legal custodian of the minor may pay some or all of such restitution on the minor's behalf.

(5) Any order for disposition where the minor is committed or placed in accordance with Section 2-27 shall provide for the parents or guardian of the estate of such minor to pay to the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. Such payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(6) Whenever the order of disposition requires the minor to attend school or participate in a program of training, the truant officer or designated school official shall regularly report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code.

(7) The court may terminate the parental rights of a parent at the initial dispositional hearing if all of the conditions in subsection (5) of Section 2-21 are met.

(Source: P.A. 101-79, eff. 7-12-19; 102-489, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-24) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-24)

Sec. 2-24. Protective supervision.

(1) If the order of disposition, following a determination of the best interests of the minor, releases the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents, guardian or legal custodian, or continues the minor him in such custody, the court may, if the health, safety and best interests of the minor require, place the person having custody of the minor, except for representatives of private or public agencies or governmental departments, under supervision of the probation office.

(2) An order of protective supervision may require the parent to present the child for periodic medical examinations, which shall include an opportunity for medical personnel to speak with and examine the child outside the presence of the parent. The results of the medical examinations conducted in accordance with this Section shall be made available to the Department, the guardian ad litem, and the court.

(3) Rules or orders of court shall define the terms and conditions of protective supervision, which may be modified or terminated when the court finds that the health, safety and best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(Source: P.A. 90-28, eff. 1-1-98.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-25) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-25)

Sec. 2-25. Order of protection.

(1) The court may make an order of protection in assistance of or as a condition of any other order authorized by this Act. The order of protection shall be based on the health, safety and best interests of the minor and may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified period. Such an order may require a person:

(a) to stay away from the home or the minor;

(b) to permit a parent to visit the minor at stated periods;

(c) to abstain from offensive conduct against the minor, the minor's his parent or any person to whom custody of the minor is awarded;

(d) to give proper attention to the care of the home;

(e) to cooperate in good faith with an agency to which custody of a minor is entrusted by the court or with an agency or association to which the minor is referred by the court;

(f) to prohibit and prevent any contact whatsoever with the respondent minor by a specified individual or individuals who are alleged in either a criminal or juvenile proceeding to have caused injury to a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor;

(g) to refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make the home not a proper place for the minor;

(h) to refrain from contacting the minor and the foster parents in any manner that is not specified in writing in the case plan.

(2) The court shall enter an order of protection to prohibit and prevent any contact between a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor and any person named in a petition seeking an order of protection who has been convicted of heinous battery or aggravated battery under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05, aggravated battery of a child or aggravated battery under subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse as described in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or has been convicted of an offense that resulted in the death of a child, or has violated a previous order of protection under this Section.

(3) When the court issues an order of protection against any person as provided by this Section, the court shall direct a copy of such order to the Sheriff of that county. The Sheriff shall furnish a copy of the order of protection to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of receipt, in the form and manner required by the Department. The Illinois State Police shall maintain a complete record and index of such orders of protection and make this data available to all local law enforcement agencies.

(4) After notice and opportunity for hearing afforded to a person subject to an order of protection, the order may be modified or extended for a further specified period or both or may be terminated if the court finds that the health, safety, and best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(5) An order of protection may be sought at any time during the course of any proceeding conducted pursuant to this Act if such an order is consistent with the health, safety, and best interests of the minor. Any person against whom an order of protection is sought may retain counsel to represent the person him at a hearing, and has rights to be present at the hearing, to be informed prior to the hearing in writing of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time of such hearing, and to cross examine witnesses called by the petitioner and to present witnesses and argument in opposition to the relief sought in the petition.

(6) Diligent efforts shall be made by the petitioner to serve any person or persons against whom any order of protection is sought with written notice of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time at which the hearing on the petition is to be held. When a protective order is being sought in conjunction with a temporary custody hearing, if the court finds that the person against whom the protective order is being sought has been notified of the hearing or that diligent efforts have been made to notify such person, the court may conduct a hearing. If a protective order is sought at any time other than in conjunction with a temporary custody hearing, the court may not conduct a hearing on the petition in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought unless the petitioner has notified such person by personal service at least 3 days before the hearing or has sent written notice by first class mail to such person's last known address at least 5 days before the hearing.

(7) A person against whom an order of protection is being sought who is neither a parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative as described in Section 1-5 is not a party or respondent as defined in that Section and shall not be entitled to the rights provided therein. Such person does not have a right to appointed counsel or to be present at any hearing other than the hearing in which the order of protection is being sought or a hearing directly pertaining to that order. Unless the court orders otherwise, such person does not have a right to inspect the court file.

(8) All protective orders entered under this Section shall be in writing. Unless the person against whom the order was obtained was present in court when the order was issued, the sheriff, other law enforcement official or special process server shall promptly serve that order upon that person and file proof of such service, in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings. The person against whom the protective order was obtained may seek a modification of the order by filing a written motion to modify the order within 7 days after actual receipt by the person of a copy of the order. Any modification of the order granted by the court must be determined to be consistent with the best interests of the minor.

(9) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition contained in the protective order and if the court determines that this violation is of a critical service necessary to the safety and welfare of the minor, the court may proceed to findings and an order for temporary custody.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-26) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-26)

Sec. 2-26. Enforcement of orders of protective supervision or of protection.

(1) Orders of protective supervision and orders of protection may be enforced by citation to show cause for contempt of court by reason of any violation thereof and, where protection of the welfare of the minor so requires, by the issuance of a warrant to take the alleged violator into custody and bring the minor him before the court.

(2) In any case where an order of protection has been entered, the clerk of the court may issue to the petitioner, to the minor or to any other person affected by the order a certificate stating that an order of protection has been made by the court concerning such persons and setting forth its terms and requirements. The presentation of the certificate to any peace officer authorizes the peace officer him to take into custody a person charged with violating the terms of the order of protection, to bring such person before the court and, within the limits of the peace officer's his legal authority as such peace officer, otherwise to aid in securing the protection the order is intended to afford.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-27) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-27)

Sec. 2-27. Placement; legal custody or guardianship.

(1) If the court determines and puts in writing the factual basis supporting the determination of whether the parents, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor adjudged a ward of the court are unfit or are unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor or are unwilling to do so, and that the health, safety, and best interest of the minor will be jeopardized if the minor remains in the custody of the minor's his or her parents, guardian or custodian, the court may at this hearing and at any later point:

(a) place the minor in the custody of a suitable relative or other person as legal custodian or guardian;

(a-5) with the approval of the Department of Children and Family Services, place the minor in the subsidized guardianship of a suitable relative or other person as legal guardian; "subsidized guardianship" means a private guardianship arrangement for children for whom the permanency goals of return home and adoption have been ruled out and who meet the qualifications for subsidized guardianship as defined by the Department of Children and Family Services in administrative rules;

(b) place the minor under the guardianship of a probation officer;

(c) commit the minor to an agency for care or placement, except an institution under the authority of the Department of Corrections or of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(d) on and after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly and before January 1, 2017, commit the minor to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service; however, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services by any court, except (i) a minor less than 16 years of age and committed to the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5-710 of this Act, (ii) a minor under the age of 18 for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists, or (iii) a minor for whom the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33 of this Act. On and after January 1, 2017, commit the minor to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service; however, a minor charged with a criminal offense under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 or adjudicated delinquent shall not be placed in the custody of or committed to the Department of Children and Family Services by any court, except (i) a minor less than 15 years of age and committed to the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5-710 of this Act, (ii) a minor under the age of 18 for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists, or (iii) a minor for whom the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33 of this Act. An independent basis exists when the allegations or adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency do not arise from the same facts, incident, or circumstances which give rise to a charge or adjudication of delinquency. The Department shall be given due notice of the pendency of the action and the Guardianship Administrator of the Department of Children and Family Services shall be appointed guardian of the person of the minor. Whenever the Department seeks to discharge a minor from its care and service, the Guardianship Administrator shall petition the court for an order terminating guardianship. The Guardianship Administrator may designate one or more other officers of the Department, appointed as Department officers by administrative order of the Department Director, authorized to affix the signature of the Guardianship Administrator to documents affecting the guardian-ward relationship of children for whom the Guardianship Administrator he or she has been appointed guardian at such times as the Guardianship Administrator he or she is unable to perform the duties of the Guardianship Administrator his or her office. The signature authorization shall include but not be limited to matters of consent of marriage, enlistment in the armed forces, legal proceedings, adoption, major medical and surgical treatment and application for driver's license. Signature authorizations made pursuant to the provisions of this paragraph shall be filed with the Secretary of State and the Secretary of State shall provide upon payment of the customary fee, certified copies of the authorization to any court or individual who requests a copy.

(1.5) In making a determination under this Section, the court shall also consider whether, based on health, safety, and the best interests of the minor,

(a) appropriate services aimed at family preservation and family reunification have been unsuccessful in rectifying the conditions that have led to a finding of unfitness or inability to care for, protect, train, or discipline the minor, or

(b) no family preservation or family reunification services would be appropriate,

and if the petition or amended petition contained an allegation that the parent is an unfit person as defined in subdivision (D) of Section 1 of the Adoption Act, and the order of adjudication recites that parental unfitness was established by clear and convincing evidence, the court shall, when appropriate and in the best interest of the minor, enter an order terminating parental rights and appointing a guardian with power to consent to adoption in accordance with Section 2-29.

When making a placement, the court, wherever possible, shall require the Department of Children and Family Services to select a person holding the same religious belief as that of the minor or a private agency controlled by persons of like religious faith of the minor and shall require the Department to otherwise comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act in placing the child. In addition, whenever alternative plans for placement are available, the court shall ascertain and consider, to the extent appropriate in the particular case, the views and preferences of the minor.

(2) When a minor is placed with a suitable relative or other person pursuant to item (a) of subsection (1), the court shall appoint the suitable relative or other person him or her the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. When a minor is committed to any agency, the court shall appoint the proper officer or representative thereof as legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. Legal custodians and guardians of the person of the minor have the respective rights and duties set forth in subsection (9) of Section 1-3 except as otherwise provided by order of court; but no guardian of the person may consent to adoption of the minor unless that authority is conferred upon the guardian him or her in accordance with Section 2-29. An agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of the minor may place the minor in any child care facility, but the facility must be licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 or have been approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as meeting the standards established for such licensing. No agency may place a minor adjudicated under Sections 2-3 or 2-4 in a child care facility unless the placement is in compliance with the rules and regulations for placement under this Section promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act. Like authority and restrictions shall be conferred by the court upon any probation officer who has been appointed guardian of the person of a minor.

(3) No placement by any probation officer or agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of a minor may be made in any out of State child care facility unless it complies with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children. Placement with a parent, however, is not subject to that Interstate Compact.

(4) The clerk of the court shall issue to the legal custodian or guardian of the person a certified copy of the order of court, as proof of the legal custodian's or guardian's his authority. No other process is necessary as authority for the keeping of the minor.

(5) Custody or guardianship granted under this Section continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 19 years except as set forth in Section 2-31, or if the minor was previously committed to the Department of Children and Family Services for care and service and the court has granted a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship pursuant to subsection (2) of Section 2-33.

(6) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 101-79, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-27.1)

Sec. 2-27.1. Placement; secure child care facility.

(1) A minor under 18 years of age and who is subject under Article II of this Act to a secure child care facility may be admitted to a secure child care facility for inpatient treatment upon application to the facility director if, prior to admission, the facility director and the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services or the Director's designate find that: the minor has a mental illness or emotional disturbance, including but not limited to a behavior disorder, of such severity that placement in a secure child care facility is necessary because in the absence of such a placement, the minor is likely to endanger self or others or not meet the minor's his or her basic needs and this placement is the least restrictive alternative. Prior to admission, a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist who has personally examined the minor shall state in writing that the minor meets the standards for admission. The statement must set forth in detail the reasons for that conclusion and shall indicate what alternatives to secure treatment have been explored. When the minor is placed in a child care facility which includes a secure child care facility in addition to a less restrictive setting, and the application for admission states that the minor will be permanently placed in the less restrictive setting of the child care facility as part of the minor's his or her permanency plan after the need for secure treatment has ended, the psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist shall state the reasons for the minor's need to be placed in secure treatment, the conditions under which the minor may be placed in the less restrictive setting of the facility, and the conditions under which the minor may need to be returned to secure treatment.

(2) The application for admission under this Section shall contain, in large bold-face type, a statement written in simple non-technical terms of the minor's right to object and the right to a hearing. A minor 12 years of age or older must be given a copy of the application and the statement should be explained to the minor him or her in an understandable manner. A copy of the application shall also be given to the person who executed it, the designate of the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services, the minor's parent, the minor's attorney, and, if the minor is 12 years of age or older, 2 other persons whom the minor may designate, excluding persons whose whereabouts cannot reasonably be ascertained.

(3) Thirty days after admission, the facility director shall review the minor's record and assess the need for continuing placement in a secure child care facility. When the minor has been placed in a child care facility which includes a secure child care facility in addition to a less restrictive setting, and the application for admission states that the minor will be permanently placed in the less restrictive setting of the child care facility as part of the minor's his or her permanency plan after the need for secure treatment has ended, the facility director shall review the stated reasons for the minor's need to be placed in secure treatment, the conditions under which the minor may be placed in the less restrictive setting of the facility, and the conditions under which the minor may need to be returned to secure treatment. The director of the facility shall consult with the designate of the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services and request authorization for continuing placement of the minor. Request and authorization should be noted in the minor's record. Every 60 days thereafter a review shall be conducted and new authorization shall be secured from the designate for as long as placement continues. Failure or refusal to authorize continued placement shall constitute a request for the minor's discharge.

(4) At any time during a minor's placement in a secure child care facility, an objection may be made to that placement by the minor, the minor's parents (except where parental rights have been terminated), the minor's guardian ad litem, or the minor's attorney. When an objection is made, the minor shall be discharged at the earliest appropriate time not to exceed 15 days, including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays unless the objection is withdrawn in writing or unless, within that time, the Director or the Director's his or her designate files with the Court a petition for review of the admission. The petition must be accompanied by a certificate signed by a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist. The certificate shall be based upon a personal examination and shall specify that the minor has a mental illness or an emotional disturbance of such severity that placement in a secure facility is necessary, that the minor can benefit from the placement, that a less restrictive alternative is not appropriate, and that the placement is in the minor's best interest.

(5) Upon receipt of a petition, the court shall set a hearing to be held within 5 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The court shall direct that notice of the time and place of the hearing shall be served upon the minor, the minor's his or her attorney and the minor's guardian ad litem, the Director of the Department of Children and Family Services or the Director's his or her designate, the State's Attorney, and the attorney for the parents.

(6) The court shall order the minor discharged from the secure child care facility if it determines that the minor does not have a mental illness or emotional disturbance of such severity that placement in a secure facility is necessary, or if it determines that a less restrictive alternative is appropriate.

(7) If however, the court finds that the minor does have a mental illness or an emotional disturbance for which the minor is likely to benefit from treatment but that a less restrictive alternative is appropriate, the court shall order that the Department of Children and Family Services prepare a case plan for the minor which permits alternative treatment which is capable of providing adequate and humane treatment in the least restrictive setting that is appropriate to the minor's condition and serves the minor's best interests, and shall authorize the continued placement of the minor in the secure child care facility. At each permanency hearing conducted thereafter, the court shall determine whether the minor does not have a mental illness or emotional disturbance of such severity that placement in a secure facility is necessary or, if a less restrictive alternative is appropriate. If either of these 2 conditions are not met, the court shall order the minor discharged from the secure child care facility.

(8) Unwillingness or inability of the Department of Children and Family Services to find a placement for the minor shall not be grounds for the court's refusing to order discharge of the minor.

(Source: P.A. 90-608, eff. 6-30-98.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-28) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-28)

Sec. 2-28. Court review.

(1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian of the person appointed under this Act to report periodically to the court or may cite the legal custodian or guardian him into court and require the legal custodian, guardian, him or the legal custodian's or guardian's his agency, to make a full and accurate report of the his or its doings of the legal custodian, guardian, or agency on in behalf of the minor. The custodian or guardian, within 10 days after such citation, or earlier if the court determines it to be necessary to protect the health, safety, or welfare of the minor, shall make the report, either in writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of the report the court may remove the custodian or guardian and appoint another in the custodian's or guardian's his stead or restore the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian. However, custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent, guardian, or legal custodian in any case in which the minor is found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent under Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can be cared for at home without endangering the minor's health or safety and it is in the best interests of the minor, and if such neglect, abuse, or dependency is found by the court under paragraph (1) of Section 2-21 of this Act to have come about due to the acts or omissions or both of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian, until such time as an investigation is made as provided in paragraph (5) and a hearing is held on the issue of the fitness of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian to care for the minor and the court enters an order that such parent, guardian, or legal custodian is fit to care for the minor.

(1.5) The public agency that is the custodian or guardian of the minor shall file a written report with the court no later than 15 days after a minor in the agency's care remains:

(1) in a shelter placement beyond 30 days;

(2) in a psychiatric hospital past the time when the minor is clinically ready for discharge or beyond medical necessity for the minor's health; or

(3) in a detention center or Department of Juvenile Justice facility solely because the public agency cannot find an appropriate placement for the minor.

The report shall explain the steps the agency is taking to ensure the minor is placed appropriately, how the minor's needs are being met in the minor's shelter placement, and if a future placement has been identified by the Department, why the anticipated placement is appropriate for the needs of the minor and the anticipated placement date.

(1.6) Within 35 days after placing a child in its care in a qualified residential treatment program, as defined by the federal Social Security Act, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file a written report with the court and send copies of the report to all parties. Within 20 days of the filing of the report, the court shall hold a hearing to consider the Department's report and determine whether placement of the child in a qualified residential treatment program provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive environment and if the placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term goals for the child, as specified in the permanency plan for the child. The court shall approve or disapprove the placement. If applicable, the requirements of Sections 2-27.1 and 2-27.2 must also be met. The Department's written report and the court's written determination shall be included in and made part of the case plan for the child. If the child remains placed in a qualified residential treatment program, the Department shall submit evidence at each status and permanency hearing:

(1) demonstrating that on-going assessment of the strengths and needs of the child continues to support the determination that the child's needs cannot be met through placement in a foster family home, that the placement provides the most effective and appropriate level of care for the child in the least restrictive, appropriate environment, and that the placement is consistent with the short-term and long-term permanency goal for the child, as specified in the permanency plan for the child;

(2) documenting the specific treatment or service needs that should be met for the child in the placement and the length of time the child is expected to need the treatment or services; and

(3) the efforts made by the agency to prepare the child to return home or to be placed with a fit and willing relative, a legal guardian, or an adoptive parent, or in a foster family home.

(2) The first permanency hearing shall be conducted by the judge. Subsequent permanency hearings may be heard by a judge or by hearing officers appointed or approved by the court in the manner set forth in Section 2-28.1 of this Act. The initial hearing shall be held (a) within 12 months from the date temporary custody was taken, regardless of whether an adjudication or dispositional hearing has been completed within that time frame, (b) if the parental rights of both parents have been terminated in accordance with the procedure described in subsection (5) of Section 2-21, within 30 days of the order for termination of parental rights and appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption, or (c) in accordance with subsection (2) of Section 2-13.1. Subsequent permanency hearings shall be held every 6 months or more frequently if necessary in the court's determination following the initial permanency hearing, in accordance with the standards set forth in this Section, until the court determines that the plan and goal have been achieved. Once the plan and goal have been achieved, if the minor remains in substitute care, the case shall be reviewed at least every 6 months thereafter, subject to the provisions of this Section, unless the minor is placed in the guardianship of a suitable relative or other person and the court determines that further monitoring by the court does not further the health, safety, or best interest of the child and that this is a stable permanent placement. The permanency hearings must occur within the time frames set forth in this subsection and may not be delayed in anticipation of a report from any source or due to the agency's failure to timely file its written report (this written report means the one required under the next paragraph and does not mean the service plan also referred to in that paragraph).

The public agency that is the custodian or guardian of the minor, or another agency responsible for the minor's care, shall ensure that all parties to the permanency hearings are provided a copy of the most recent service plan prepared within the prior 6 months at least 14 days in advance of the hearing. If not contained in the agency's service plan, the agency shall also include a report setting forth (i) any special physical, psychological, educational, medical, emotional, or other needs of the minor or the minor's his or her family that are relevant to a permanency or placement determination and (ii) for any minor age 16 or over, a written description of the programs and services that will enable the minor to prepare for independent living. If not contained in the agency's service plan, the agency's report shall specify if a minor is placed in a licensed child care facility under a corrective plan by the Department due to concerns impacting the minor's safety and well-being. The report shall explain the steps the Department is taking to ensure the safety and well-being of the minor and that the minor's needs are met in the facility. The agency's written report must detail what progress or lack of progress the parent has made in correcting the conditions requiring the child to be in care; whether the child can be returned home without jeopardizing the child's health, safety, and welfare, and if not, what permanency goal is recommended to be in the best interests of the child, and why the other permanency goals are not appropriate. The caseworker must appear and testify at the permanency hearing. If a permanency hearing has not previously been scheduled by the court, the moving party shall move for the setting of a permanency hearing and the entry of an order within the time frames set forth in this subsection.

At the permanency hearing, the court shall determine the future status of the child. The court shall set one of the following permanency goals:

(A) The minor will be returned home by a specific date within 5 months.

(B) The minor will be in short-term care with a continued goal to return home within a period not to exceed one year, where the progress of the parent or parents is substantial giving particular consideration to the age and individual needs of the minor.

(B-1) The minor will be in short-term care with a continued goal to return home pending a status hearing. When the court finds that a parent has not made reasonable efforts or reasonable progress to date, the court shall identify what actions the parent and the Department must take in order to justify a finding of reasonable efforts or reasonable progress and shall set a status hearing to be held not earlier than 9 months from the date of adjudication nor later than 11 months from the date of adjudication during which the parent's progress will again be reviewed.

(C) The minor will be in substitute care pending court determination on termination of parental rights.

(D) Adoption, provided that parental rights have been terminated or relinquished.

(E) The guardianship of the minor will be transferred to an individual or couple on a permanent basis provided that goals (A) through (D) have been deemed inappropriate and not in the child's best interests. The court shall confirm that the Department has discussed adoption, if appropriate, and guardianship with the caregiver prior to changing a goal to guardianship.

(F) The minor over age 15 will be in substitute care pending independence. In selecting this permanency goal, the Department of Children and Family Services may provide services to enable reunification and to strengthen the minor's connections with family, fictive kin, and other responsible adults, provided the services are in the minor's best interest. The services shall be documented in the service plan.

(G) The minor will be in substitute care because the minor he or she cannot be provided for in a home environment due to developmental disabilities or mental illness or because the minor he or she is a danger to self or others, provided that goals (A) through (D) have been deemed inappropriate and not in the child's best interests.

In selecting any permanency goal, the court shall indicate in writing the reasons the goal was selected and why the preceding goals were deemed inappropriate and not in the child's best interest. Where the court has selected a permanency goal other than (A), (B), or (B-1), the Department of Children and Family Services shall not provide further reunification services, except as provided in paragraph (F) of this subsection (2), but shall provide services consistent with the goal selected.

(H) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Section, the court may select the goal of continuing foster care as a permanency goal if:

(1) The Department of Children and Family Services has custody and guardianship of the minor;

(2) The court has deemed all other permanency goals inappropriate based on the child's best interest;

(3) The court has found compelling reasons, based on written documentation reviewed by the court, to place the minor in continuing foster care. Compelling reasons include:

(a) the child does not wish to be adopted or to be placed in the guardianship of the minor's his or her relative or foster care placement;

(b) the child exhibits an extreme level of need such that the removal of the child from the minor's his or her placement would be detrimental to the child; or

(c) the child who is the subject of the permanency hearing has existing close and strong bonds with a sibling, and achievement of another permanency goal would substantially interfere with the subject child's sibling relationship, taking into consideration the nature and extent of the relationship, and whether ongoing contact is in the subject child's best interest, including long-term emotional interest, as compared with the legal and emotional benefit of permanence;

(4) The child has lived with the relative or foster parent for at least one year; and

(5) The relative or foster parent currently caring for the child is willing and capable of providing the child with a stable and permanent environment.

The court shall set a permanency goal that is in the best interest of the child. In determining that goal, the court shall consult with the minor in an age-appropriate manner regarding the proposed permanency or transition plan for the minor. The court's determination shall include the following factors:

(1) Age of the child.

(2) Options available for permanence, including both out-of-state and in-state placement options.

(3) Current placement of the child and the intent of the family regarding adoption.

(4) Emotional, physical, and mental status or condition of the child.

(5) Types of services previously offered and whether or not the services were successful and, if not successful, the reasons the services failed.

(6) Availability of services currently needed and whether the services exist.

(7) Status of siblings of the minor.

The court shall consider (i) the permanency goal contained in the service plan, (ii) the appropriateness of the services contained in the plan and whether those services have been provided, (iii) whether reasonable efforts have been made by all the parties to the service plan to achieve the goal, and (iv) whether the plan and goal have been achieved. All evidence relevant to determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied on to the extent of their probative value.

The court shall make findings as to whether, in violation of Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, any portion of the service plan compels a child or parent to engage in any activity or refrain from any activity that is not reasonably related to remedying a condition or conditions that gave rise or which could give rise to any finding of child abuse or neglect. The services contained in the service plan shall include services reasonably related to remedy the conditions that gave rise to removal of the child from the home of the child's his or her parents, guardian, or legal custodian or that the court has found must be remedied prior to returning the child home. Any tasks the court requires of the parents, guardian, or legal custodian or child prior to returning the child home, must be reasonably related to remedying a condition or conditions that gave rise to or which could give rise to any finding of child abuse or neglect.

If the permanency goal is to return home, the court shall make findings that identify any problems that are causing continued placement of the children away from the home and identify what outcomes would be considered a resolution to these problems. The court shall explain to the parents that these findings are based on the information that the court has at that time and may be revised, should additional evidence be presented to the court.

The court shall review the Sibling Contact Support Plan developed or modified under subsection (f) of Section 7.4 of the Children and Family Services Act, if applicable. If the Department has not convened a meeting to develop or modify a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or if the court finds that the existing Plan is not in the child's best interest, the court may enter an order requiring the Department to develop, modify, or implement a Sibling Contact Support Plan, or order mediation.

If the goal has been achieved, the court shall enter orders that are necessary to conform the minor's legal custody and status to those findings.

If, after receiving evidence, the court determines that the services contained in the plan are not reasonably calculated to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting the determination and enter specific findings based on the evidence. The court also shall enter an order for the Department to develop and implement a new service plan or to implement changes to the current service plan consistent with the court's findings. The new service plan shall be filed with the court and served on all parties within 45 days of the date of the order. The court shall continue the matter until the new service plan is filed. Except as authorized by subsection (2.5) of this Section and as otherwise specifically authorized by law, the court is not empowered under this Section to order specific placements, specific services, or specific service providers to be included in the service plan.

A guardian or custodian appointed by the court pursuant to this Act shall file updated case plans with the court every 6 months.

Rights of wards of the court under this Act are enforceable against any public agency by complaints for relief by mandamus filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.

(2.5) If, after reviewing the evidence, including evidence from the Department, the court determines that the minor's current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate to facilitate achievement of the permanency goal, the court shall put in writing the factual basis supporting its determination and enter specific findings based on the evidence. If the court finds that the minor's current or planned placement is not necessary or appropriate, the court may enter an order directing the Department to implement a recommendation by the minor's treating clinician or a clinician contracted by the Department to evaluate the minor or a recommendation made by the Department. If the Department places a minor in a placement under an order entered under this subsection (2.5), the Department has the authority to remove the minor from that placement when a change in circumstances necessitates the removal to protect the minor's health, safety, and best interest. If the Department determines removal is necessary, the Department shall notify the parties of the planned placement change in writing no later than 10 days prior to the implementation of its determination unless remaining in the placement poses an imminent risk of harm to the minor, in which case the Department shall notify the parties of the placement change in writing immediately following the implementation of its decision. The Department shall notify others of the decision to change the minor's placement as required by Department rule.

(3) Following the permanency hearing, the court shall enter a written order that includes the determinations required under subsection (2) of this Section and sets forth the following:

(a) The future status of the minor, including the permanency goal, and any order necessary to conform the minor's legal custody and status to such determination; or

(b) If the permanency goal of the minor cannot be achieved immediately, the specific reasons for continuing the minor in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services or other agency for short-term short term placement, and the following determinations:

(i) (Blank).

(ii) Whether the services required by the court and by any service plan prepared within the prior 6 months have been provided and (A) if so, whether the services were reasonably calculated to facilitate the achievement of the permanency goal or (B) if not provided, why the services were not provided.

(iii) Whether the minor's current or planned placement is necessary, and appropriate to the plan and goal, recognizing the right of minors to the least restrictive (most family-like) setting available and in close proximity to the parents' home consistent with the health, safety, best interest, and special needs of the minor and, if the minor is placed out-of-state, whether the out-of-state placement continues to be appropriate and consistent with the health, safety, and best interest of the minor.

(iv) (Blank).

(v) (Blank).

(4) The minor or any person interested in the minor may apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for the restoration of the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian.

When return home is not selected as the permanency goal:

(a) The Department, the minor, or the current foster parent or relative caregiver seeking private guardianship may file a motion for private guardianship of the minor. Appointment of a guardian under this Section requires approval of the court.

(b) The State's Attorney may file a motion to terminate parental rights of any parent who has failed to make reasonable efforts to correct the conditions which led to the removal of the child or reasonable progress toward the return of the child, as defined in subdivision (D)(m) of Section 1 of the Adoption Act or for whom any other unfitness ground for terminating parental rights as defined in subdivision (D) of Section 1 of the Adoption Act exists.

When parental rights have been terminated for a minimum of 3 years and the child who is the subject of the permanency hearing is 13 years old or older and is not currently placed in a placement likely to achieve permanency, the Department of Children and Family Services shall make reasonable efforts to locate parents whose rights have been terminated, except when the Court determines that those efforts would be futile or inconsistent with the subject child's best interests. The Department of Children and Family Services shall assess the appropriateness of the parent whose rights have been terminated, and shall, as appropriate, foster and support connections between the parent whose rights have been terminated and the youth. The Department of Children and Family Services shall document its determinations and efforts to foster connections in the child's case plan.

Custody of the minor shall not be restored to any parent, guardian, or legal custodian in any case in which the minor is found to be neglected or abused under Section 2-3 or dependent under Section 2-4 of this Act, unless the minor can be cared for at home without endangering the minor's his or her health or safety and it is in the best interest of the minor, and if such neglect, abuse, or dependency is found by the court under paragraph (1) of Section 2-21 of this Act to have come about due to the acts or omissions or both of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian, until such time as an investigation is made as provided in paragraph (5) and a hearing is held on the issue of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and the fitness of such parent, guardian, or legal custodian to care for the minor and the court enters an order that such parent, guardian, or legal custodian is fit to care for the minor. If a motion is filed to modify or vacate a private guardianship order and return the child to a parent, guardian, or legal custodian, the court may order the Department of Children and Family Services to assess the minor's current and proposed living arrangements and to provide ongoing monitoring of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor during the pendency of the motion to assist the court in making that determination. In the event that the minor has attained 18 years of age and the guardian or custodian petitions the court for an order terminating the minor's his guardianship or custody, guardianship or custody shall terminate automatically 30 days after the receipt of the petition unless the court orders otherwise. No legal custodian or guardian of the person may be removed without the legal custodian's or guardian's his consent until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by the court.

When the court orders a child restored to the custody of the parent or parents, the court shall order the parent or parents to cooperate with the Department of Children and Family Services and comply with the terms of an after-care plan, or risk the loss of custody of the child and possible termination of their parental rights. The court may also enter an order of protective supervision in accordance with Section 2-24.

If the minor is being restored to the custody of a parent, legal custodian, or guardian who lives outside of Illinois, and an Interstate Compact has been requested and refused, the court may order the Department of Children and Family Services to arrange for an assessment of the minor's proposed living arrangement and for ongoing monitoring of the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and compliance with any order of protective supervision entered in accordance with Section 2-24.

(5) Whenever a parent, guardian, or legal custodian files a motion for restoration of custody of the minor, and the minor was adjudicated neglected, abused, or dependent as a result of physical abuse, the court shall cause to be made an investigation as to whether the movant has ever been charged with or convicted of any criminal offense which would indicate the likelihood of any further physical abuse to the minor. Evidence of such criminal convictions shall be taken into account in determining whether the minor can be cared for at home without endangering the minor's his or her health or safety and fitness of the parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

(a) Any agency of this State or any subdivision thereof shall cooperate with the agent of the court in providing any information sought in the investigation.

(b) The information derived from the investigation and any conclusions or recommendations derived from the information shall be provided to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian seeking restoration of custody prior to the hearing on fitness and the movant shall have an opportunity at the hearing to refute the information or contest its significance.

(c) All information obtained from any investigation shall be confidential as provided in Section 5-150 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 101-63, eff. 10-1-19; 102-193, eff. 7-30-21; 102-489, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22; revised 8-23-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-29) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-29)

Sec. 2-29. Adoption; appointment of guardian with power to consent.

(1) With leave of the court, a minor who is the subject of an abuse, neglect, or dependency petition under this Act may be the subject of a petition for adoption under the Adoption Act.

(1.1) The parent or parents of a child in whose interest a petition under Section 2-13 of this Act is pending may, in the manner required by the Adoption Act, (a) surrender the child him or her for adoption to an agency legally authorized or licensed to place children for adoption, (b) consent to the child's his or her adoption, or (c) consent to the child's his or her adoption by a specified person or persons. Nothing in this Section requires that the parent or parents execute the surrender, consent, or consent to adoption by a specified person in open court.

(2) If a petition or motion alleges and the court finds that it is in the best interest of the minor that parental rights be terminated and the petition or motion requests that a guardian of the person be appointed and authorized to consent to the adoption of the minor, the court, with the consent of the parents, if living, or after finding, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that a parent is an unfit person as defined in Section 1 of the Adoption Act, may terminate parental rights and empower the guardian of the person of the minor, in the order appointing the guardian of the person of the minor him or her as such guardian, to appear in court where any proceedings for the adoption of the minor may at any time be pending and to consent to the adoption. Such consent is sufficient to authorize the court in the adoption proceedings to enter a proper order or judgment of adoption without further notice to, or consent by, the parents of the minor. An order so empowering the guardian to consent to adoption deprives the parents of the minor of all legal rights as respects the minor and relieves them of all parental responsibility for the minor him or her, and frees the minor from all obligations of maintenance and obedience to the minor's his or her natural parents.

If the minor is over 14 years of age, the court may, in its discretion, consider the wishes of the minor in determining whether the best interests of the minor would be promoted by the finding of the unfitness of a non-consenting parent.

(2.1) Notice to a parent who has appeared or been served with summons personally or by certified mail, and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with Supreme Court Rule 11. Notice to a parent who was served by publication and for whom an order of default has been entered on the petition for wardship and has not been set aside shall be provided in accordance with Sections 2-15 and 2-16.

(3) Parental consent to the order terminating parental rights and authorizing the guardian of the person to consent to adoption of the minor must be in writing and signed in the form provided in the Adoption Act, but no names of petitioners for adoption need be included.

(4) A finding of the unfitness of a parent must be made in compliance with the Adoption Act, without regard to the likelihood that the child will be placed for adoption, and be based upon clear and convincing evidence. Provisions of the Adoption Act relating to minor parents and to mentally ill or mentally deficient parents apply to proceedings under this Section and any findings with respect to such parents shall be based upon clear and convincing evidence.

(Source: P.A. 89-704, eff. 8-16-97 (changed from 1-1-98 by P.A. 90-443); 90-28, eff. 1-1-98; 90-443, eff. 8-16-97; 90-608, eff. 6-30-98.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-31) (from Ch. 37, par. 802-31)

Sec. 2-31. Duration of wardship and discharge of proceedings.

(1) All proceedings under Article II of this Act in respect of any minor automatically terminate upon the minor his or her attaining the age of 21 years.

(2) Whenever the court determines, and makes written factual findings, that health, safety, and the best interests of the minor and the public no longer require the wardship of the court, the court shall order the wardship terminated and all proceedings under this Act respecting that minor finally closed and discharged. The court may at the same time continue or terminate any custodianship or guardianship theretofore ordered but the termination must be made in compliance with Section 2-28. When terminating wardship under this Section, if the minor is over 18 or if wardship is terminated in conjunction with an order partially or completely emancipating the minor in accordance with the Emancipation of Minors Act, the court shall also consider the following factors, in addition to the health, safety, and best interest of the minor and the public: (A) the minor's wishes regarding case closure; (B) the manner in which the minor will maintain independence without services from the Department; (C) the minor's engagement in services including placement offered by the Department; (D) if the minor is not engaged, the Department's efforts to engage the minor; (E) the nature of communication between the minor and the Department; (F) the minor's involvement in other State systems or services; (G) the minor's connections with family and other community support; and (H) any other factor the court deems relevant. The minor's lack of cooperation with services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services shall not by itself be considered sufficient evidence that the minor is prepared to live independently and that it is in the best interest of the minor to terminate wardship. It shall not be in the minor's best interest to terminate wardship of a minor over the age of 18 who is in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services if the Department has not made reasonable efforts to ensure that the minor has documents necessary for adult living as provided in Section 35.10 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(3) The wardship of the minor and any custodianship or guardianship respecting the minor for whom a petition was filed after July 24, 1991 (the effective date of Public Act 87-14) automatically terminates when the minor he attains the age of 19 years, except as set forth in subsection (1) of this Section. The clerk of the court shall at that time record all proceedings under this Act as finally closed and discharged for that reason. The provisions of this subsection (3) become inoperative on and after July 12, 2019 (the effective date of Public Act 101-78).

(4) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the changes made by Public Act 101-78 apply to all cases that are pending on or after July 12, 2019 (the effective date of Public Act 101-78).

(Source: P.A. 101-78, eff. 7-12-19; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/2-34)

Sec. 2-34. Motion to reinstate parental rights.

(1) For purposes of this subsection (1), the term "parent" refers to the person or persons whose rights were terminated as described in paragraph (a) of this subsection; and the term "minor" means a person under the age of 21 years subject to this Act for whom the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator is appointed the temporary custodian or guardian.

A motion to reinstate parental rights may be filed only by the Department of Children and Family Services or the minor regarding any minor who is presently a ward of the court under Article II of this Act when all the conditions set out in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), and (g) of this subsection (1) are met:

(a) while the minor was under the jurisdiction of the court under Article II of this Act, the minor's parent or parents surrendered the minor for adoption to an agency legally authorized to place children for adoption, or the minor's parent or parents consented to the minor's his or her adoption, or the minor's parent or parents consented to the minor's his or her adoption by a specified person or persons, or the parent or parents' rights were terminated pursuant to a finding of unfitness pursuant to Section 2-29 of this Act and a guardian was appointed with the power to consent to adoption pursuant to Section 2-29 of this Act; and

(b) (i) since the signing of the surrender, the signing of the consent, or the unfitness finding, the minor has remained a ward of the Court under Article II of this Act; or

(ii) the minor was made a ward of the Court, the minor was placed in the private guardianship of an individual or individuals, and after the appointment of a private guardian and a new petition alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency pursuant to Section 2-3 or 2-4 is filed, and the minor is again found by the court to be abused, neglected or dependent; or a supplemental petition to reinstate wardship is filed pursuant to Section 2-33, and the court reinstates wardship; or

(iii) the minor was made a ward of the Court, wardship was terminated after the minor was adopted, after the adoption a new petition alleging abuse, neglect, or dependency pursuant to Section 2-3 or 2-4 is filed, and the minor is again found by the court to be abused, neglected, or dependent, and either (i) the adoptive parent or parents are deceased, (ii) the adoptive parent or parents signed a surrender of parental rights, or (iii) the parental rights of the adoptive parent or parents were terminated;

(c) the minor is not currently in a placement likely to achieve permanency;

(d) it is in the minor's best interest that parental rights be reinstated;

(e) the parent named in the motion wishes parental rights to be reinstated and is currently appropriate to have rights reinstated;

(f) more than 3 years have lapsed since the signing of the consent or surrender, or the entry of the order appointing a guardian with the power to consent to adoption;

(g) (i) the child is 13 years of age or older or (ii) the child is the younger sibling of such child, 13 years of age or older, for whom reinstatement of parental rights is being sought and the younger sibling independently meets the criteria set forth in paragraphs (a) through (h) of this subsection; and

(h) if the court has previously denied a motion to reinstate parental rights filed by the Department, there has been a substantial change in circumstances following the denial of the earlier motion.

(2) The motion may be filed only by the Department of Children and Family Services or by the minor. Unless excused by the court for good cause shown, the movant shall give notice of the time and place of the hearing on the motion, in person or by mail, to the parties to the juvenile court proceeding. Notice shall be provided at least 14 days in advance of the hearing date. The motion shall include the allegations required in subsection (1) of this Section.

(3) Any party may file a motion to dismiss the motion with prejudice on the basis that the parent has intentionally acted to prevent the child from being adopted, after parental rights were terminated or the parent intentionally acted to disrupt the child's adoption. If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the parent has intentionally acted to prevent the child from being adopted, after parental rights were terminated or that the parent intentionally acted to disrupt the child's adoption, the court shall dismiss the petition with prejudice.

(4) The court shall not grant a motion for reinstatement of parental rights unless the court finds that the motion is supported by clear and convincing evidence. In ruling on a motion to reinstate parental rights, the court shall make findings consistent with the requirements in subsection (1) of this Section. The court shall consider the reasons why the child was initially brought to the attention of the court, the history of the child's case as it relates to the parent seeking reinstatement, and the current circumstances of the parent for whom reinstatement of rights is sought. If reinstatement is being considered subsequent to a finding of unfitness pursuant to Section 2-29 of this Act having been entered with respect to the parent whose rights are being restored, the court in determining the minor's best interest shall consider, in addition to the factors set forth in paragraph (4.05) of Section 1-3 of this Act, the specific grounds upon which the unfitness findings were made. Upon the entry of an order granting a motion to reinstate parental rights, parental rights of the parent named in the order shall be reinstated, any previous order appointing a guardian with the power to consent to adoption shall be void and with respect to the parent named in the order, any consent shall be void.

(5) If the case is post-disposition, the court, upon the entry of an order granting a motion to reinstate parental rights, shall schedule the matter for a permanency hearing pursuant to Section 2-28 of this Act within 45 days.

(6) Custody of the minor shall not be restored to the parent, except by order of court pursuant to subsection (4) of Section 2-28 of this Act.

(7) In any case involving a child over the age of 13 who meets the criteria established in this Section for reinstatement of parental rights, the Department of Children and Family Services shall conduct an assessment of the child's circumstances to assist in future planning for the child, including, but not limited to a determination regarding the appropriateness of filing a motion to reinstate parental rights.

(8) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 98-477, eff. 8-16-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-1) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-1)

Sec. 3-1. Jurisdictional facts. Proceedings may be instituted under this Article concerning minors boys and girls who require authoritative intervention as defined in Section 3-3, who are truant minors in need of supervision as defined in Section 3-33.5, or who are minors involved in electronic dissemination of indecent visual depictions in need of supervision as defined in Section 3-40.

(Source: P.A. 96-1087, eff. 1-1-11.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-3) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-3)

Sec. 3-3. Minor requiring authoritative intervention. Those requiring authoritative intervention include any minor under 18 years of age (1) who is (a) absent from home without consent of parent, guardian or custodian, or (b) beyond the control of the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian, in circumstances which constitute a substantial or immediate danger to the minor's physical safety; and (2) who, after being taken into limited custody for the period provided for in this Section and offered interim crisis intervention services, where available, refuses to return home after the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian cannot agree to an arrangement for an alternative voluntary residential placement or to the continuation of such placement. Any minor taken into limited custody for the reasons specified in this Section may not be adjudicated a minor requiring authoritative intervention until the following number of days have elapsed from the minor his or her having been taken into limited custody: 21 days for the first instance of being taken into limited custody and 5 days for the second, third, or fourth instances of being taken into limited custody. For the fifth or any subsequent instance of being taken into limited custody for the reasons specified in this Section, the minor may be adjudicated as requiring authoritative intervention without any specified period of time expiring after the minor his or her being taken into limited custody, without the minor's being offered interim crisis intervention services, and without the minor's being afforded an opportunity to agree to an arrangement for an alternative voluntary residential placement. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, for the first instance in which a minor is taken into limited custody where one year has elapsed from the last instance of the minor's his having been taken into limited custody, the minor may not be adjudicated a minor requiring authoritative intervention until 21 days have passed since being taken into limited custody.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-4) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-4)

Sec. 3-4. Taking into limited custody.

(a) A law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, take into limited custody a minor who the law enforcement officer reasonably determines is (i) absent from home without consent of the minor's parent, guardian or custodian, or (ii) beyond the control of the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian, in circumstances which constitute a substantial or immediate danger to the minor's physical safety.

(b) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into limited custody shall (i) immediately inform the minor of the reasons for such limited custody, and (ii) make a prompt, reasonable effort to inform the minor's parents, guardian, or custodian that the minor has been taken into limited custody and where the minor is being kept.

(c) If the minor consents, the law enforcement officer shall make a reasonable effort to transport, arrange for the transportation of or otherwise release the minor to the parent, guardian or custodian. Upon release of a minor who is believed to need or would benefit from medical, psychological, psychiatric or social services, the law enforcement officer may inform the minor and the person to whom the minor is released of the nature and location of appropriate services and shall, if requested, assist in establishing contact between the family and an agency or association providing such services.

(d) If the law enforcement officer is unable by all reasonable efforts to contact a parent, custodian, relative or other responsible person; or if the person contacted lives an unreasonable distance away; or if the minor refuses to be taken to the minor's his or her home or other appropriate residence; or if the officer is otherwise unable despite all reasonable efforts to make arrangements for the safe release of the minor taken into limited custody, the law enforcement officer shall take or make reasonable arrangements for transporting the minor to an agency or association providing crisis intervention services, or, where appropriate, to a mental health or developmental disabilities facility for screening for voluntary or involuntary admission under Section 3-500 et seq. of the Illinois Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code; provided that where no crisis intervention services exist, the minor may be transported for services to court service departments or probation departments under the court's administration.

(e) No minor shall be involuntarily subject to limited custody for more than 6 hours from the time of the minor's initial contact with the law enforcement officer.

(f) No minor taken into limited custody shall be placed in a jail, municipal lockup, detention center or secure correctional facility.

(g) The taking of a minor into limited custody under this Section is not an arrest nor does it constitute a police record; and the records of law enforcement officers concerning all minors taken into limited custody under this Section shall be maintained separate from the records of arrest and may not be inspected by or disclosed to the public except by order of the court. However, such records may be disclosed to the agency or association providing interim crisis intervention services for the minor.

(h) Any law enforcement agency, juvenile officer or other law enforcement officer acting reasonably and in good faith in the care of a minor in limited custody shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability resulting from such custody.

(Source: P.A. 87-1154.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-5) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-5)

Sec. 3-5. Interim crisis intervention services.

(a) Any minor who is taken into limited custody, or who independently requests or is referred for assistance, may be provided crisis intervention services by an agency or association, as defined in this Act, provided the association or agency staff (i) immediately investigate the circumstances of the minor and the facts surrounding the minor being taken into custody and promptly explain these facts and circumstances to the minor, and (ii) make a reasonable effort to inform the minor's parent, guardian or custodian of the fact that the minor has been taken into limited custody and where the minor is being kept, and (iii) if the minor consents, make a reasonable effort to transport, arrange for the transportation of, or otherwise release the minor to the parent, guardian or custodian. Upon release of the child who is believed to need or benefit from medical, psychological, psychiatric or social services, the association or agency may inform the minor and the person to whom the minor is released of the nature and location of appropriate services and shall, if requested, assist in establishing contact between the family and other associations or agencies providing such services. If the agency or association is unable by all reasonable efforts to contact a parent, guardian or custodian, or if the person contacted lives an unreasonable distance away, or if the minor refuses to be taken to the minor's his or her home or other appropriate residence, or if the agency or association is otherwise unable despite all reasonable efforts to make arrangements for the safe return of the minor, the minor may be taken to a temporary living arrangement which is in compliance with the Child Care Act of 1969 or which is with persons agreed to by the parents and the agency or association.

(b) An agency or association is authorized to permit a minor to be sheltered in a temporary living arrangement provided the agency seeks to effect the minor's return home or alternative living arrangements agreeable to the minor and the parent, guardian or custodian as soon as practicable. No minor shall be sheltered in a temporary living arrangement for more than 48 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-designated holidays, when the agency has reported the minor as neglected or abused because the parent, guardian, or custodian refuses to permit the child to return home, provided that in all other instances the minor may be sheltered when the agency obtains the consent of the parent, guardian, or custodian or documents its unsuccessful efforts to obtain the consent or authority of the parent, guardian, or custodian, including recording the date and the staff involved in all telephone calls, telegrams, letters, and personal contacts to obtain the consent or authority, in which instances the minor may be so sheltered for not more than 21 days. If the parent, guardian or custodian refuses to permit the minor to return home, and no other living arrangement agreeable to the parent, guardian, or custodian can be made, and the parent, guardian, or custodian has not made any other appropriate living arrangement for the child, the agency may deem the minor to be neglected and report the neglect to the Department of Children and Family Services as provided in the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. The Child Protective Service Unit of the Department of Children and Family Services shall begin an investigation of the report within 24 hours after receiving the report and shall determine whether to file a petition alleging that the minor is neglected or abused as described in Section 2-3 of this Act. Subject to appropriation, the Department may take the minor into temporary protective custody at any time after receiving the report, provided that the Department shall take temporary protective custody within 48 hours of receiving the report if its investigation is not completed. If the Department of Children and Family Services determines that the minor is not a neglected minor because the minor is an immediate physical danger to the minor himself, herself, or others living in the home, then the Department shall take immediate steps to either secure the minor's immediate admission to a mental health facility, arrange for law enforcement authorities to take temporary custody of the minor as a delinquent minor, or take other appropriate action to assume protective custody in order to safeguard the minor or others living in the home from immediate physical danger.

(c) Any agency or association or employee thereof acting reasonably and in good faith in the care of a minor being provided interim crisis intervention services and shelter care shall be immune from any civil or criminal liability resulting from such care.

(Source: P.A. 95-443, eff. 1-1-08.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-6) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-6)

Sec. 3-6. Alternative voluntary residential placement.

(a) A minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian may agree to an arrangement for alternative voluntary residential placement, in compliance with the "Child Care Act of 1969", without court order. Such placement may continue as long as there is agreement.

(b) If the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian cannot agree to an arrangement for alternative voluntary residential placement in the first instance, or cannot agree to the continuation of such placement, and the minor refuses to return home, the minor or the minor's his or her parent, guardian or custodian, or a person properly acting at the minor's request, may file with the court a petition alleging that the minor requires authoritative intervention as described in Section 3-3.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-7) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-7)

Sec. 3-7. Taking into temporary custody.

(1) A law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, take into temporary custody a minor (a) whom the officer with reasonable cause believes to be a minor requiring authoritative intervention; (b) who has been adjudged a ward of the court and has escaped from any commitment ordered by the court under this Act; (c) who is found in any street or public place suffering from any sickness or injury which requires care, medical treatment or hospitalization; or (d) whom the officer with reasonable cause believes to be a minor in need of supervision under Section 3-40.

(2) Whenever a petition has been filed under Section 3-15 and the court finds that the conduct and behavior of the minor may endanger the health, person, welfare, or property of the minor himself or others or that the circumstances of the minor's his home environment may endanger the minor's his health, person, welfare or property, a warrant may be issued immediately to take the minor into custody.

(3) The taking of a minor into temporary custody under this Section is not an arrest nor does it constitute a police record.

(4) No minor taken into temporary custody shall be placed in a jail, municipal lockup, detention center, or secure correctional facility.

(Source: P.A. 96-1087, eff. 1-1-11; 97-333, eff. 8-12-11.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-8) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-8)

Sec. 3-8. Duty of officer; admissions by minor.

(1) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody with a warrant shall immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been taken into custody and where the minor he or she is being held; and the officer shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for such purposes in the county of venue or shall surrender the minor to a juvenile police officer in the city or village where the offense is alleged to have been committed.

The minor shall be delivered without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors. The court may not designate a place of detention for the reception of minors, unless the minor is alleged to be a person described in subsection (3) of Section 5-105.

(2) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody without a warrant under Section 3-7 shall, if the minor is not released, immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been taken into custody and where the minor is being held; and the law enforcement officer shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for such purposes in the county of venue or shall surrender the minor to a juvenile police officer in the city or village where the offense is alleged to have been committed, or upon determining the true identity of the minor, may release the minor to the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides, if the minor is taken into custody for an offense which would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult. If a minor is so released, the law enforcement officer shall promptly notify a juvenile police officer of the circumstances of the custody and release.

(3) The juvenile police officer may take one of the following actions:

(a) station adjustment with release of the minor;

(b) station adjustment with release of the minor to a parent;

(c) station adjustment, release of the minor to a parent, and referral of the case to community services;

(d) station adjustment, release of the minor to a parent, and referral of the case to community services with informal monitoring by a juvenile police officer;

(e) station adjustment and release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parents;

(f) station adjustment, release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parents, and referral of the case to community services;

(g) station adjustment, release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parent, and referral to community services with informal monitoring by a juvenile police officer;

(h) release of the minor to the minor's his or her parents and referral of the case to a county juvenile probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court;

(i) release of the minor to school officials of the minor's his school during regular school hours;

(j) if the juvenile police officer reasonably believes that there is an urgent and immediate necessity to keep the minor in custody, the juvenile police officer shall deliver the minor without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors; and

(k) any other appropriate action with consent of the minor and a parent.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-9) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-9)

Sec. 3-9. Temporary custody; shelter care. Any minor taken into temporary custody pursuant to this Act who requires care away from the minor's his or her home but who does not require physical restriction shall be given temporary care in a foster family home or other shelter facility designated by the court. In the case of a minor alleged to be a minor requiring authoritative intervention, the court may order, with the approval of the Department of Children and Family Services, that custody of the minor be with the Department of Children and Family Services for designation of temporary care as the Department determines. No such child shall be ordered to the Department without the approval of the Department.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-10) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-10)

Sec. 3-10. Investigation; release. When a minor is delivered to the court, or to the place designated by the court under Section 3-9 of this Act, a probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court shall immediately investigate the circumstances of the minor and the facts surrounding the minor his or her being taken into custody. The minor shall be immediately released to the custody of the minor's his or her parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative, unless the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court finds that further shelter care is necessary as provided in Section 3-7. This Section shall in no way be construed to limit Section 5-905.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-11) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-11)

Sec. 3-11. Setting of shelter care hearing; notice; release.

(1) Unless sooner released, a minor requiring authoritative intervention, taken into temporary custody, must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and court-designated holidays, for a shelter care hearing to determine whether the minor he shall be further held in custody.

(2) If the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court determines that the minor should be retained in custody, the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court he shall cause a petition to be filed as provided in Section 3-15 of this Act, and the clerk of the court shall set the matter for hearing on the shelter care hearing calendar. When a parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative is present and so requests, the shelter care hearing shall be held immediately if the court is in session, otherwise at the earliest feasible time. The petitioner through counsel or such other public officer designated by the court shall insure notification to the minor's parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative of the time and place of the hearing by the best practicable notice, allowing for oral notice in place of written notice only if provision of written notice is unreasonable under the circumstances.

(3) The minor must be released from custody at the expiration of the 48 hour period, if not brought before a judicial officer within that period.

(Source: P.A. 87-759.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-12) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-12)

Sec. 3-12. Shelter care hearing. At the appearance of the minor before the court at the shelter care hearing, all witnesses present shall be examined before the court in relation to any matter connected with the allegations made in the petition.

(1) If the court finds that there is not probable cause to believe that the minor is a person requiring authoritative intervention, it shall release the minor and dismiss the petition.

(2) If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a person requiring authoritative intervention, the minor, the minor's his or her parent, guardian, custodian and other persons able to give relevant testimony shall be examined before the court. After such testimony, the court may enter an order that the minor shall be released upon the request of a parent, guardian or custodian if the parent, guardian or custodian appears to take custody. "Custodian" includes the Department of Children and Family Services, if it has been given custody of the child, or any other agency of the State which has been given custody or wardship of the child. The Court shall require documentation by representatives of the Department of Children and Family Services or the probation department as to the reasonable efforts that were made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, and shall consider the testimony of any person as to those reasonable efforts. If the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility, or that the minor he or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, and further finds that reasonable efforts have been made or good cause has been shown why reasonable efforts cannot prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, the court may prescribe shelter care and order that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the court or in a shelter care facility designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency; otherwise it shall release the minor from custody. If the court prescribes shelter care, then in placing the minor, the Department or other agency shall, to the extent compatible with the court's order, comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act. If the minor is ordered placed in a shelter care facility of the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, the court shall, upon request of the Department or other agency, appoint the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or other appropriate agency executive temporary custodian of the minor and the court may enter such other orders related to the temporary custody as it deems fit and proper, including the provision of services to the minor or the minor's his family to ameliorate the causes contributing to the finding of probable cause or to the finding of the existence of immediate and urgent necessity. Acceptance of services shall not be considered an admission of any allegation in a petition made pursuant to this Act, nor may a referral of services be considered as evidence in any proceeding pursuant to this Act, except where the issue is whether the Department has made reasonable efforts to reunite the family. In making its findings that reasonable efforts have been made or that good cause has been shown why reasonable efforts cannot prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, the court shall state in writing its findings concerning the nature of the services that were offered or the efforts that were made to prevent removal of the child and the apparent reasons that such services or efforts could not prevent the need for removal. The parents, guardian, custodian, temporary custodian and minor shall each be furnished a copy of such written findings. The temporary custodian shall maintain a copy of the court order and written findings in the case record for the child.

The order together with the court's findings of fact and support thereof shall be entered of record in the court.

Once the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility, the minor shall not be returned to the parent, custodian or guardian until the court finds that such placement is no longer necessary for the protection of the minor.

(3) If prior to the shelter care hearing for a minor described in Sections 2-3, 2-4, 3-3, and 4-3 the petitioner is unable to serve notice on the party respondent, the shelter care hearing may proceed ex parte. A shelter care order from an ex parte hearing shall be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance and shall be filed with the clerk's office and entered of record. The order shall expire after 10 days from the time it is issued unless before its expiration it is renewed, at a hearing upon appearance of the party respondent, or upon an affidavit of the moving party as to all diligent efforts to notify the party respondent by notice as herein prescribed. The notice prescribed shall be in writing and shall be personally delivered to the minor or the minor's attorney and to the last known address of the other person or persons entitled to notice. The notice shall also state the nature of the allegations, the nature of the order sought by the State, including whether temporary custody is sought, and the consequences of failure to appear; and shall explain the right of the parties and the procedures to vacate or modify a shelter care order as provided in this Section. The notice for a shelter care hearing shall be substantially as follows:

NOTICE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN OF SHELTER CARE HEARING

On ................ at ........., before the Honorable ................, (address:) ................., the State of Illinois will present evidence (1) that (name of child or children) ....................... are abused, neglected or dependent for the following reasons:

............................................................. and (2) that there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to remove the child or children from the responsible relative.

YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AT THE HEARING MAY RESULT IN PLACEMENT of the child or children in foster care until a trial can be held. A trial may not be held for up to 90 days.

At the shelter care hearing, parents have the following rights:

1. To ask the court to appoint a lawyer if they cannot afford one.

2. To ask the court to continue the hearing to allow them time to prepare.

3. To present evidence concerning:

a. Whether or not the child or children were abused, neglected or dependent.

b. Whether or not there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to remove the child from home (including: their ability to care for the child, conditions in the home, alternative means of protecting the child other than removal).

c. The best interests of the child.

4. To cross examine the State's witnesses.

The Notice for rehearings shall be substantially as follows:

NOTICE OF PARENT'S AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

TO REHEARING ON TEMPORARY CUSTODY

If you were not present at and did not have adequate notice of the Shelter Care Hearing at which temporary custody of ............... was awarded to ................, you have the right to request a full rehearing on whether the State should have temporary custody of ................. To request this rehearing, you must file with the Clerk of the Juvenile Court (address): ........................, in person or by mailing a statement (affidavit) setting forth the following:

1. That you were not present at the shelter care hearing.

2. That you did not get adequate notice (explaining how the notice was inadequate).

3. Your signature.

4. Signature must be notarized.

The rehearing should be scheduled within one day of your filing this affidavit.

At the rehearing, your rights are the same as at the initial shelter care hearing. The enclosed notice explains those rights.

At the Shelter Care Hearing, children have the following rights:

1. To have a guardian ad litem appointed.

2. To be declared competent as a witness and to present testimony concerning:

a. Whether they are abused, neglected or dependent.

b. Whether there is "immediate and urgent necessity" to be removed from home.

c. Their best interests.

3. To cross examine witnesses for other parties.

4. To obtain an explanation of any proceedings and orders of the court.

(4) If the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative, or counsel of the minor did not have actual notice of or was not present at the shelter care hearing, the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative, or counsel of the minor he or she may file an affidavit setting forth these facts, and the clerk shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 48 hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after the filing of the affidavit. At the rehearing, the court shall proceed in the same manner as upon the original hearing.

(5) Only when there is reasonable cause to believe that the minor taken into custody is a person described in subsection (3) of Section 5-105 may the minor be kept or detained in a detention home or county or municipal jail. This Section shall in no way be construed to limit subsection (6).

(6) No minor under 16 years of age may be confined in a jail or place ordinarily used for the confinement of prisoners in a police station. Minors under 18 years of age must be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room, or yard with adults confined pursuant to the criminal law.

(7) If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer within the time period specified in Section 3-11, the minor must immediately be released from custody.

(8) If neither the parent, guardian or custodian appears within 24 hours to take custody of a minor released upon request pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section, then the clerk of the court shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 7 days after the original order and shall issue a summons directed to the parent, guardian or custodian to appear. At the same time the probation department shall prepare a report on the minor. If a parent, guardian or custodian does not appear at such rehearing, the judge may enter an order prescribing that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency.

(9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section, any interested party, including the State, the temporary custodian, an agency providing services to the minor or family under a service plan pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, foster parent, or any of their representatives, on notice to all parties entitled to notice, may file a motion to modify or vacate a temporary custody order on any of the following grounds:

(a) It is no longer a matter of immediate and urgent necessity that the minor remain in shelter care; or

(b) There is a material change in the circumstances of the natural family from which the minor was removed; or

(c) A person, including a parent, relative or legal guardian, is capable of assuming temporary custody of the minor; or

(d) Services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services or a child welfare agency or other service provider have been successful in eliminating the need for temporary custody.

The clerk shall set the matter for hearing not later than 14 days after such motion is filed. In the event that the court modifies or vacates a temporary custody order but does not vacate its finding of probable cause, the court may order that appropriate services be continued or initiated in behalf of the minor and the minor's his or her family.

(10) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 99-642, eff. 7-28-16; 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-14) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-14)

Sec. 3-14. Preliminary conferences.

(1) The court may authorize the probation officer to confer in a preliminary conference with any person seeking to file a petition under Section 3-15, the prospective respondents and other interested persons concerning the advisability of filing the petition, with a view to adjusting suitable cases without the filing of a petition.

The probation officer should schedule a conference promptly except where the State's Attorney insists on court action or where the minor has indicated that the minor he or she will demand a judicial hearing and will not comply with an informal adjustment.

(2) In any case of a minor who is in temporary custody, the holding of preliminary conferences does not operate to prolong temporary custody beyond the period permitted by Section 3-11.

(3) This Section does not authorize any probation officer to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place.

(4) No statement made during a preliminary conference may be admitted into evidence at an adjudicatory hearing or at any proceeding against the minor under the criminal laws of this State prior to the minor's his or her conviction thereunder.

(5) The probation officer shall promptly formulate a written, non-judicial adjustment plan following the initial conference.

(6) Non-judicial adjustment plans include but are not limited to the following:

(a) up to 6 months informal supervision within family;

(b) up to 6 months informal supervision with a probation officer involved;

(c) up to 6 months informal supervision with release to a person other than parent;

(d) referral to special educational, counseling or other rehabilitative social or educational programs;

(e) referral to residential treatment programs; and

(f) any other appropriate action with consent of the minor and a parent.

(7) The factors to be considered by the probation officer in formulating a written non-judicial adjustment plan shall be the same as those limited in subsection (4) of Section 5-405.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-15) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-15)

Sec. 3-15. Petition; supplemental petitions.

(1) Any adult person, any agency or association by its representative may file, or the court on its own motion may direct the filing through the State's Attorney of a petition in respect to a minor under this Act. The petition and all subsequent court documents shall be entitled "In the interest of ...., a minor".

(2) The petition shall be verified but the statements may be made upon information and belief. It shall allege that the minor requires authoritative intervention or supervision and set forth (a) facts sufficient to bring the minor under Section 3-3, 3-33.5, or 3-40; (b) the name, age and residence of the minor; (c) the names and residences of the minor's his parents; (d) the name and residence of the minor's his legal guardian or the person or persons having custody or control of the minor, or of the nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found; and (e) if the minor upon whose behalf the petition is brought is sheltered in custody, the date on which shelter care was ordered by the court or the date set for a shelter care hearing. If any of the facts herein required are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.

(3) The petition must allege that it is in the best interests of the minor and of the public that the minor he be adjudged a ward of the court and may pray generally for relief available under this Act. The petition need not specify any proposed disposition following adjudication of wardship.

(4) If appointment of a guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the minor under Section 3-30 is sought, the petition shall so state.

(5) At any time before dismissal of the petition or before final closing and discharge under Section 3-32, one or more supplemental petitions may be filed in respect to the same minor.

(Source: P.A. 96-1087, eff. 1-1-11.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-16) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-16)

Sec. 3-16. Date for adjudicatory hearing.

(a) (Blank). Until January 1, 1988:

(1) When a petition has been filed alleging that the minor requires authoritative intervention, an adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 120 days. The 120 day period in which an adjudicatory hearing shall be held is tolled by: (A) delay occasioned by the minor; (B) a continuance allowed pursuant to Section 114-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 after a court's determination of the minor's physical incapacity for trial; or (C) an interlocutory appeal. Any such delay shall temporarily suspend for the time of the delay the period within which the adjudicatory hearing must be held. On the day of expiration of the delay, the said period shall continue at the point at which it was suspended. Where no such adjudicatory hearing is held within 120 days, the court may, on written motion of a minor's guardian ad litem, dismiss the petition with respect to such minor. Such dismissal shall be without prejudice.

Where the court determines that the State exercised, without success, due diligence to obtain evidence material to the case, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such evidence may be obtained at a later date, the court may, upon written motion by the State, continue the matter for not more than 30 additional days.

(2) In the case of a minor ordered held in shelter care, the hearing on the petition must be held within 10 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care or the earliest possible date in compliance with the notice provisions of Sections 3-17 and 3-18 as to the custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian, but no later than 30 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care. Delay occasioned by the respondent shall temporarily suspend, for the time of the delay, the period within which a respondent must be tried pursuant to this Section.

Upon failure to comply with the time limits specified in this subsection (a)(2), the minor shall be immediately released. The time limits specified in subsection (a)(1) shall still apply.

(3) Nothing in this Section prevents the minor's exercise of his or her right to waive any time limits set forth in this Section.

(b) Beginning January 1, 1988: (1)(A) When a petition has been filed alleging that the minor requires authoritative intervention, an adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 120 days of a demand made by any party, except that when the court determines that the State, without success, has exercised due diligence to obtain evidence material to the case and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such evidence may be obtained at a later date, the court may, upon motion by the State, continue the adjudicatory hearing for not more than 30 additional days.

The 120 day period in which an adjudicatory hearing shall be held is tolled by: (i) delay occasioned by the minor; or (ii) a continuance allowed pursuant to Section 114-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 after a court's determination of the minor's physical incapacity for trial; or (iii) an interlocutory appeal. Any such delay shall temporarily suspend, for the time of the delay, the period within which the adjudicatory hearing must be held. On the day of expiration of the delay, the said period shall continue at the point at which it was suspended.

(B) When no such adjudicatory hearing is held within the time required by paragraph (b)(1)(A) of this Section, the court shall, upon motion by any party, dismiss the petition with prejudice.

(2) Without affecting the applicability of the tolling and multiple prosecution provisions of paragraph (b)(1) of this Section, when a petition has been filed alleging that the minor requires authoritative intervention and the minor is in shelter care, the adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 10 judicial days after the date of the order directing shelter care, or the earliest possible date in compliance with the notice provisions of Sections 3-17 and 3-18 as to the custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian, but no later than 30 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care.

(3) Any failure to comply with the time limits of paragraph (b)(2) of this Section shall require the immediate release of the minor from shelter care, and the time limits of paragraph (b)(1) shall apply.

(4) Nothing in this Section prevents the minor or the minor's parents or guardian from exercising their respective rights to waive the time limits set forth in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-17) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-17)

Sec. 3-17. Summons. (1) When a petition is filed, the clerk of the court shall issue a summons with a copy of the petition attached. The summons shall be directed to the minor's legal guardian or custodian and to each person named as a respondent in the petition, except that summons need not be directed to a minor respondent under 8 years of age for whom the court appoints a guardian ad litem if the guardian ad litem appears on behalf of the minor in any proceeding under this Act.

(2) The summons must contain a statement that the minor or any of the respondents is entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition, and that the clerk of the court should be notified promptly if the minor or any other respondent desires to be represented by an attorney but is financially unable to employ counsel.

(3) The summons shall be issued under the seal of the court, attested to and signed with the name of the clerk of the court, dated on the day it is issued, and shall require each respondent to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the adjudicatory hearing.

(4) The summons may be served by any county sheriff, coroner or probation officer, even though the officer is the petitioner. The return of the summons with endorsement of service by the officer is sufficient proof thereof.

(5) Service of a summons and petition shall be made by: (a) leaving a copy thereof with the person summoned at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; (b) leaving a copy at the summoned person's his usual place of abode with some person of the family, of the age of 10 years or upwards, and informing that person of the contents thereof, provided the officer or other person making service shall also send a copy of the summons in a sealed envelope with postage fully prepaid, addressed to the person summoned at the person's his usual place of abode, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; or (c) leaving a copy thereof with the guardian or custodian of a minor, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance. If the guardian or custodian is an agency of the State of Illinois, proper service may be made by leaving a copy of the summons and petition with any administrative employee of such agency designated by such agency to accept service of summons and petitions. The certificate of the officer or affidavit of the person that the officer or person he has sent the copy pursuant to this Section is sufficient proof of service.

(6) When a parent or other person, who has signed a written promise to appear and bring the minor to court or who has waived or acknowledged service, fails to appear with the minor on the date set by the court, a bench warrant may be issued for the parent or other person, the minor, or both.

(7) The appearance of the minor's legal guardian or custodian, or a person named as a respondent in a petition, in any proceeding under this Act shall constitute a waiver of service of summons and submission to the jurisdiction of the court. A copy of the summons and petition shall be provided to the person at the time of the person's his appearance.

(Source: P.A. 86-441.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-18) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-18)

Sec. 3-18. Notice by certified mail or publication.

(1) If service on individuals as provided in Section 3-17 is not made on any respondent within a reasonable time or if it appears that any respondent resides outside the State, service may be made by certified mail. In such case the clerk shall mail the summons and a copy of the petition to that respondent by certified mail marked for delivery to addressee only. The court shall not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 5 days after such mailing. The regular return receipt for certified mail is sufficient proof of service.

(2) If service upon individuals as provided in Section 3-17 is not made on any respondents within a reasonable time or if any person is made a respondent under the designation of "All whom it may Concern", or if service cannot be made because the whereabouts of a respondent are unknown, service may be made by publication. The clerk of the court as soon as possible shall cause publication to be made once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the action is pending. Notice by publication is not required in any case when the person alleged to have legal custody of the minor has been served with summons personally or by certified mail, but the court may not enter any order or judgment against any person who cannot be served with process other than by publication unless notice by publication is given or unless that person appears. When a minor has been sheltered under Section 3-12 of this Act and summons has not been served personally or by certified mail within 20 days from the date of the order of the court directing such shelter care, the clerk of the court shall cause publication. Notice by publication shall be substantially as follows:

"A, B, C, D, (here giving the names of the named respondents, if any) and to All Whom It May Concern (if there is any respondent under that designation):

Take notice that on (insert date) a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by .... in the circuit court of .... county entitled 'In the interest of ...., a minor', and that in .... courtroom at .... on (insert date) at the hour of ...., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court under that Act. The court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor, (and if the petition prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption) and to appoint a guardian with power to consent to adoption of the minor.

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered.

......................

Clerk

Dated (insert the date of publication)"

(3) The clerk shall also at the time of the publication of the notice send a copy thereof by mail to each of the respondents on account of whom publication is made at the his or her last known address of each respondent. The certificate of the clerk that the clerk he or she has mailed the notice is evidence thereof. No other publication notice is required. Every respondent notified by publication under this Section must appear and answer in open court at the hearing. The court may not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 10 days after service by publication on any custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian in the case of a minor requiring authoritative intervention.

(4) If it becomes necessary to change the date set for the hearing in order to comply with Section 3-17 or with this Section, notice of the resetting of the date must be given, by certified mail or other reasonable means, to each respondent who has been served with summons personally or by certified mail.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-19) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-19)

Sec. 3-19. Guardian ad litem.

(1) Immediately upon the filing of a petition alleging that the minor requires authoritative intervention, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if

(a) such petition alleges that the minor is the victim of sexual abuse or misconduct; or

(b) such petition alleges that charges alleging the commission of any of the sex offenses defined in Article 11 or in Sections 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15 or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, have been filed against a defendant in any court and that such minor is the alleged victim of the acts of the defendant in the commission of such offense.

(2) Unless the guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to paragraph (1) is an attorney at law, the guardian ad litem he shall be represented in the performance of the guardian ad litem's his duties by counsel.

(3) Before proceeding with the hearing, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if

(a) no parent, guardian, custodian or relative of the minor appears at the first or any subsequent hearing of the case;

(b) the petition prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption; or

(c) the petition for which the minor is before the court resulted from a report made pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(4) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor whenever it finds that there may be a conflict of interest between the minor and the minor's his parents or other custodian or that it is otherwise in the minor's interest to do so.

(5) The reasonable fees of a guardian ad litem appointed under this Section shall be fixed by the court and charged to the parents of the minor, to the extent they are able to pay. If the parents are unable to pay those fees, they shall be paid from the general fund of the county.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-21) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-21)

Sec. 3-21. Continuance under supervision.

(1) The court may enter an order of continuance under supervision (a) upon an admission or stipulation by the appropriate respondent or minor respondent of the facts supporting the petition and before proceeding to findings and adjudication, or after hearing the evidence at the adjudicatory hearing but before noting in the minutes of proceedings a finding of whether or not the minor is a person requiring authoritative intervention; and (b) in the absence of objection made in open court by the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or the State's Attorney.

(2) If the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or State's Attorney, objects in open court to any such continuance and insists upon proceeding to findings and adjudication, the court shall so proceed.

(3) Nothing in this Section limits the power of the court to order a continuance of the hearing for the production of additional evidence or for any other proper reason.

(4) When a hearing where a minor is alleged to be a minor requiring authoritative intervention is continued pursuant to this Section, the court may permit the minor to remain in the minor's his home subject to such conditions concerning the minor's his conduct and supervision as the court may require by order.

(5) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision, the court shall conduct a hearing. If the court finds that such condition of supervision has not been fulfilled the court may proceed to findings and adjudication and disposition. The filing of a petition for violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision shall toll the period of continuance under supervision until the final determination of the charge, and the term of the continuance under supervision shall not run until the hearing and disposition of the petition for violation; provided where the petition alleges conduct that does not constitute a criminal offense, the hearing must be held within 15 days of the filing of the petition unless a delay in such hearing has been occasioned by the minor, in which case the delay shall continue the tolling of the period of continuance under supervision for the period of such delay.

(6) The court must impose upon a minor under an order of continuance under supervision or an order of disposition under this Article III, as a condition of the order, a fee of $25 for each month or partial month of supervision with a probation officer. If the court determines the inability of the minor, or the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay the fee, the court may impose a lesser fee. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act. The fee may be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. The fee must be collected by the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk of the circuit court must pay all monies collected from this fee to the county treasurer for deposit into the probation and court services fund under Section 15.1 of the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-22) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-22)

Sec. 3-22. Findings and adjudication.

(1) After hearing the evidence the court shall make and note in the minutes of the proceeding a finding of whether or not the person is a minor requiring authoritative intervention. If it finds that the minor is not such a person, the court shall order the petition dismissed and the minor discharged from any restriction previously ordered in such proceeding.

(2) If the court finds that the person is a minor requiring authoritative intervention, the court shall note in its findings that the minor he or she does require authoritative intervention. The court shall then set a time for a dispositional hearing to be conducted under Section 3-23 at which hearing the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor he be made a ward of the court. To assist the court in making this and other determinations at the dispositional hearing, the court may order that an investigation be conducted and a dispositional report be prepared concerning the minor's physical and mental history and condition, family situation and background, economic status, education, occupation, history of delinquency or criminality, personal habits, and any other information that may be helpful to the court.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-23) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-23)

Sec. 3-23. Dispositional hearing; evidence; continuance. (1) At the dispositional hearing, the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor he be made a ward of the court, and, if the minor he is to be made a ward of the court, the court shall determine the proper disposition best serving the interests of the minor and the public. All evidence helpful in determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent for the purposes of the adjudicatory hearing.

(2) Notice in compliance with Sections 3-17 and 3-18 must be given to all parties-respondent prior to proceeding to a dispositional hearing. Before making an order of disposition the court shall advise the State's Attorney, the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative or their counsel of the factual contents and the conclusions of the reports prepared for the use of the court and considered by it, and afford fair opportunity, if requested, to controvert them. The court may order, however, that the documents containing such reports need not be submitted for inspection, or that sources of confidential information need not be disclosed except to the attorneys for the parties. Factual contents, conclusions, documents and sources disclosed by the court under this paragraph shall not be further disclosed without the express approval of the court pursuant to an in camera hearing.

(3) A record of a prior continuance under supervision under Section 3-21, whether successfully completed or not, is admissible at the dispositional hearing.

(4) On its own motion or that of the State's Attorney, a parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative or counsel, the court may adjourn the hearing for a reasonable period to receive reports or other evidence. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a minor has been removed from the minor's his or her home before an order of disposition has been made.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-24) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-24)

Sec. 3-24. Kinds of dispositional orders.

(1) The following kinds of orders of disposition may be made in respect to wards of the court: A minor found to be requiring authoritative intervention under Section 3-3 may be (a) committed to the Department of Children and Family Services, subject to Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act; (b) placed under supervision and released to the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian; (c) placed in accordance with Section 3-28 with or without also being placed under supervision. Conditions of supervision may be modified or terminated by the court if it deems that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby; (d) ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act; or (e) subject to having the minor's his or her driver's license or driving privilege suspended for such time as determined by the Court but only until the minor he or she attains 18 years of age.

(2) Any order of disposition may provide for protective supervision under Section 3-25 and may include an order of protection under Section 3-26.

(3) Unless the order of disposition expressly so provides, it does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition, but is subject to modification until final closing and discharge of the proceedings under Section 3-32.

(4) In addition to any other order of disposition, the court may order any person found to be a minor requiring authoritative intervention under Section 3-3 to make restitution, in monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except that the "presentence hearing" referred to therein shall be the dispositional hearing for purposes of this Section. The parent, guardian or legal custodian of the minor may pay some or all of such restitution on the minor's behalf.

(5) Any order for disposition where the minor is committed or placed in accordance with Section 3-28 shall provide for the parents or guardian of the estate of such minor to pay to the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. Such payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(6) Whenever the order of disposition requires the minor to attend school or participate in a program of training, the truant officer or designated school official shall regularly report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code.

(7) The court must impose upon a minor under an order of continuance under supervision or an order of disposition under this Article III, as a condition of the order, a fee of $25 for each month or partial month of supervision with a probation officer. If the court determines the inability of the minor, or the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay the fee, the court may impose a lesser fee. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act. The fee may be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. The fee must be collected by the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk of the circuit court must pay all monies collected from this fee to the county treasurer for deposit into the probation and court services fund under Section 15.1 of the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-25) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-25)

Sec. 3-25. Protective supervision. If the order of disposition releases the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents, guardian or legal custodian, or continues the minor him in such custody, the court may place the person having custody of the minor, except for representatives of private or public agencies or governmental departments, under supervision of the probation office. Rules or orders of court shall define the terms and conditions of protective supervision, which may be modified or terminated when the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-26) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-26)

Sec. 3-26. Order of protection.

(1) The court may make an order of protection in assistance of or as a condition of any other order authorized by this Act. The order of protection may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified period. Such an order may require a person:

(a) To stay away from the home or the minor;

(b) To permit a parent to visit the minor at stated periods;

(c) To abstain from offensive conduct against the minor, the minor's his parent or any person to whom custody of the minor is awarded;

(d) To give proper attention to the care of the home;

(e) To cooperate in good faith with an agency to which custody of a minor is entrusted by the court or with an agency or association to which the minor is referred by the court;

(f) To prohibit and prevent any contact whatsoever with the respondent minor by a specified individual or individuals who are alleged in either a criminal or juvenile proceeding to have caused injury to a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor;

(g) To refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make the home not a proper place for the minor.

(2) The court shall enter an order of protection to prohibit and prevent any contact between a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor and any person named in a petition seeking an order of protection who has been convicted of heinous battery or aggravated battery under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05, aggravated battery of a child or aggravated battery under subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse as described in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or has been convicted of an offense that resulted in the death of a child, or has violated a previous order of protection under this Section.

(3) When the court issues an order of protection against any person as provided by this Section, the court shall direct a copy of such order to the Sheriff of that county. The Sheriff shall furnish a copy of the order of protection to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of receipt, in the form and manner required by the Department. The Illinois State Police shall maintain a complete record and index of such orders of protection and make this data available to all local law enforcement agencies.

(4) After notice and opportunity for hearing afforded to a person subject to an order of protection, the order may be modified or extended for a further specified period or both or may be terminated if the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(5) An order of protection may be sought at any time during the course of any proceeding conducted pursuant to this Act. Any person against whom an order of protection is sought may retain counsel to represent the person him at a hearing, and has rights to be present at the hearing, to be informed prior to the hearing in writing of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time of such hearing, and to cross examine witnesses called by the petitioner and to present witnesses and argument in opposition to the relief sought in the petition.

(6) Diligent efforts shall be made by the petitioner to serve any person or persons against whom any order of protection is sought with written notice of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time at which the hearing on the petition is to be held. When a protective order is being sought in conjunction with a shelter care hearing, if the court finds that the person against whom the protective order is being sought has been notified of the hearing or that diligent efforts have been made to notify such person, the court may conduct a hearing. If a protective order is sought at any time other than in conjunction with a shelter care hearing, the court may not conduct a hearing on the petition in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought unless the petitioner has notified such person by personal service at least 3 days before the hearing or has sent written notice by first class mail to such person's last known address at least 5 days before the hearing.

(7) A person against whom an order of protection is being sought who is neither a parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative as described in Section 1-5 is not a party or respondent as defined in that Section and shall not be entitled to the rights provided therein. Such person does not have a right to appointed counsel or to be present at any hearing other than the hearing in which the order of protection is being sought or a hearing directly pertaining to that order. Unless the court orders otherwise, such person does not have a right to inspect the court file.

(8) All protective orders entered under this Section shall be in writing. Unless the person against whom the order was obtained was present in court when the order was issued, the sheriff, other law enforcement official or special process server shall promptly serve that order upon that person and file proof of such service, in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings. The person against whom the protective order was obtained may seek a modification of the order by filing a written motion to modify the order within 7 days after actual receipt by the person of a copy of the order.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-27) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-27)

Sec. 3-27. Enforcement of orders of protective supervision or of protection.

(1) Orders of protective supervision and orders of protection may be enforced by citation to show cause for contempt of court by reason of any violation thereof and, where protection of the welfare of the minor so requires, by the issuance of a warrant to take the alleged violator into custody and bring the minor him before the court.

(2) In any case where an order of protection has been entered, the clerk of the court may issue to the petitioner, to the minor or to any other person affected by the order a certificate stating that an order of protection has been made by the court concerning such persons and setting forth its terms and requirements. The presentation of the certificate to any peace officer authorizes the peace officer him to take into custody a person charged with violating the terms of the order of protection, to bring such person before the court and, within the limits of the peace officer's his legal authority as such peace officer, otherwise to aid in securing the protection the order is intended to afford.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-28) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-28)

Sec. 3-28. Placement; legal custody or guardianship.

(1) If the court finds that the parents, guardian or legal custodian of a minor adjudged a ward of the court are unfit or are unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor or are unwilling to do so, and that appropriate services aimed at family preservation and family reunification have been unsuccessful in rectifying the conditions which have led to such a finding of unfitness or inability to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor, and that it is in the best interest of the minor to take the minor him from the custody of the minor's his parents, guardian or custodian, the court may:

(a) place the minor him in the custody of a suitable relative or other person;

(b) place the minor him under the guardianship of a probation officer;

(c) commit the minor him to an agency for care or placement, except an institution under the authority of the Department of Juvenile Justice or of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(d) commit the minor him to some licensed training school or industrial school; or

(e) commit the minor him to any appropriate institution having among its purposes the care of delinquent children, including a child protective facility maintained by a Child Protection District serving the county from which commitment is made, but not including any institution under the authority of the Department of Juvenile Justice or of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(2) When making such placement, the court, wherever possible, shall select a person holding the same religious belief as that of the minor or a private agency controlled by persons of like religious faith of the minor and shall require the Department of Children and Family Services to otherwise comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act in placing the child. In addition, whenever alternative plans for placement are available, the court shall ascertain and consider, to the extent appropriate in the particular case, the views and preferences of the minor.

(3) When a minor is placed with a suitable relative or other person, the court shall appoint the suitable relative or other person as him the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. When a minor is committed to any agency, the court shall appoint the proper officer or representative thereof as legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. Legal custodians and guardians of the person of the minor have the respective rights and duties set forth in paragraph (9) of Section 1-3 except as otherwise provided by order of the court; but no guardian of the person may consent to adoption of the minor unless that authority is conferred upon the guardian him in accordance with Section 3-30. An agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of the minor may place the minor him in any child care facility, but such facility must be licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 or have been approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as meeting the standards established for such licensing. No agency may place such minor in a child care facility unless such placement is in compliance with the rules and regulations for placement under this Section promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act "An Act creating the Department of Children and Family Services, codifying its powers and duties, and repealing certain Acts and Sections herein named". Like authority and restrictions shall be conferred by the court upon any probation officer who has been appointed guardian of the person of a minor.

(4) No placement by any probation officer or agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of a minor may be made in any out of State child care facility unless it complies with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

(5) The clerk of the court shall issue to such legal custodian or guardian of the person a certified copy of the order of the court, as proof of the legal custodian's or guardian's his authority. No other process is necessary as authority for the keeping of the minor.

(6) Custody or guardianship granted hereunder continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 19 years except as set forth in Section 3-32.

(Source: P.A. 98-83, eff. 7-15-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-29) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-29)

Sec. 3-29. Court review. (1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian of the person appointed under this Act to report periodically to the court or may cite the legal custodian or guardian him into court and require the legal custodian, guardian, him or the legal custodian's or guardian's his agency, to make a full and accurate report of the his or its doings of the legal custodian, guardian, or agency on in behalf of the minor. The custodian or guardian, within 10 days after such citation, shall make the report, either in writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of the report the court may remove the custodian or guardian and appoint another in the custodian's or guardian's his stead or restore the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian.

(2) A guardian or custodian appointed by the court pursuant to this Act shall file updated case plans with the court every 6 months. Every agency which has guardianship of a child shall file a supplemental petition for court review, or review by an administrative body appointed or approved by the court and further order within 18 months of dispositional order and each 18 months thereafter. Such petition shall state facts relative to the child's present condition of physical, mental and emotional health as well as facts relative to the child's his present custodial or foster care. The petition shall be set for hearing and the clerk shall mail 10 days notice of the hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person or agency having the physical custody of the child, the minor and other interested parties unless a written waiver of notice is filed with the petition.

Rights of wards of the court under this Act are enforceable against any public agency by complaints for relief by mandamus filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.

(3) The minor or any person interested in the minor may apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for the restoration of the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian.

In the event that the minor has attained 18 years of age and the guardian or custodian petitions the court for an order terminating the minor's his guardianship or custody, guardianship or custody shall terminate automatically 30 days after the receipt of the petition unless the court orders otherwise. No legal custodian or guardian of the person may be removed without the legal custodian's or guardian's his consent until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by the court.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-30) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-30)

Sec. 3-30. Adoption; appointment of guardian with power to consent.

(1) A ward of the court under this Act, with the consent of the court, may be the subject of a petition for adoption under the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, or with like consent the minor's his or her parent or parents may, in the manner required by such Act, surrender the minor him or her for adoption to an agency legally authorized or licensed to place children for adoption.

(2) If the petition prays and the court finds that it is in the best interests of the minor that a guardian of the person be appointed and authorized to consent to the adoption of the minor, the court with the consent of the parents, if living, or after finding, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that a non-consenting parent is an unfit person as defined in Section 1 of the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, may empower the guardian of the person of the minor, in the order appointing the person him or her as such guardian, to appear in court where any proceedings for the adoption of the minor may at any time be pending and to consent to the adoption. Such consent is sufficient to authorize the court in the adoption proceedings to enter a proper order or judgment of adoption without further notice to, or consent by, the parents of the minor. An order so empowering the guardian to consent to adoption terminates parental rights, deprives the parents of the minor of all legal rights as respects the minor and relieves them of all parental responsibility for the minor him or her, and frees the minor from all obligations of maintenance and obedience to the minor's his or her natural parents.

If the minor is over 14 years of age, the court may, in its discretion, consider the wishes of the minor in determining whether the best interests of the minor would be promoted by the finding of the unfitness of a non-consenting parent.

(3) Parental consent to the order authorizing the guardian of the person to consent to adoption of the Minor shall be given in open court whenever possible and otherwise must be in writing and signed in the form provided in the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, but no names of petitioners for adoption need be included. A finding of the unfitness of a nonconsenting parent must be made in compliance with that Act and be based upon clear and convincing evidence. Provisions of that Act relating to minor parents and to mentally ill or mentally deficient parents apply to proceedings under this Section and shall be based upon clear and convincing evidence.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-32) (from Ch. 37, par. 803-32)

Sec. 3-32. Duration of wardship and discharge of proceedings.

(1) All proceedings under this Act in respect to any minor for whom a petition was filed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1991 automatically terminate upon the minor his attaining the age of 19 years, except that a court may continue the wardship of a minor until age 21 for good cause when there is satisfactory evidence presented to the court that the best interest of the minor and the public require the continuation of the wardship.

(2) Whenever the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public no longer require the wardship of the court, the court shall order the wardship terminated and all proceedings under this Act respecting that minor finally closed and discharged. The court may at the same time continue or terminate any custodianship or guardianship theretofore ordered but termination must be made in compliance with Section 3-29.

(3) The wardship of the minor and any custodianship or guardianship respecting the minor for whom a petition was filed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1991 automatically terminates when the minor he attains the age of 19 years except as set forth in subsection (1) of this Section. The clerk of the court shall at that time record all proceedings under this Act as finally closed and discharged for that reason.

(Source: P.A. 87-14.)

(705 ILCS 405/3-33.5)

Sec. 3-33.5. Truant minors in need of supervision.

(a) Definition. A minor who is reported by the office of the regional superintendent of schools as a chronic truant may be subject to a petition for adjudication and adjudged a truant minor in need of supervision, provided that prior to the filing of the petition, the office of the regional superintendent of schools or a community truancy review board certifies that the local school has provided appropriate truancy intervention services to the truant minor and the minor's his or her family. For purposes of this Section, "truancy intervention services" means services designed to assist the minor's return to an educational program, and includes but is not limited to: assessments, counseling, mental health services, shelter, optional and alternative education programs, tutoring, and educational advocacy. If, after review by the regional office of education or community truancy review board, it is determined the local school did not provide the appropriate interventions, then the minor shall be referred to a comprehensive community based youth service agency for truancy intervention services. If the comprehensive community based youth service agency is incapable to provide intervention services, then this requirement for services is not applicable. The comprehensive community based youth service agency shall submit reports to the office of the regional superintendent of schools or truancy review board within 20, 40, and 80 school days of the initial referral or at any other time requested by the office of the regional superintendent of schools or truancy review board, which reports each shall certify the date of the minor's referral and the extent of the minor's progress and participation in truancy intervention services provided by the comprehensive community based youth service agency. In addition, if, after referral by the office of the regional superintendent of schools or community truancy review board, the minor declines or refuses to fully participate in truancy intervention services provided by the comprehensive community based youth service agency, then the agency shall immediately certify such facts to the office of the regional superintendent of schools or community truancy review board.

(a-1) There is a rebuttable presumption that a chronic truant is a truant minor in need of supervision.

(a-2) There is a rebuttable presumption that school records of a minor's attendance at school are authentic.

(a-3) For purposes of this Section, "chronic truant" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 26-2a of the School Code.

(a-4) For purposes of this Section, a "community truancy review board" is a local community based board comprised of but not limited to: representatives from local comprehensive community based youth service agencies, representatives from court service agencies, representatives from local schools, representatives from health service agencies, and representatives from local professional and community organizations as deemed appropriate by the office of the regional superintendent of schools. The regional superintendent of schools must approve the establishment and organization of a community truancy review board, and the regional superintendent of schools or the regional superintendent's his or her designee shall chair the board.

(a-5) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to create a private cause of action or right of recovery against a regional office of education, its superintendent, or its staff with respect to truancy intervention services where the determination to provide the services is made in good faith.

(b) Kinds of dispositional orders. A minor found to be a truant minor in need of supervision may be:

(1) committed to the appropriate regional superintendent of schools for a student assistance team staffing, a service plan, or referral to a comprehensive community based youth service agency;

(2) required to comply with a service plan as specifically provided by the appropriate regional superintendent of schools;

(3) ordered to obtain counseling or other supportive services;

(4) (blank);

(5) required to perform some reasonable public service work such as, but not limited to, the picking up of litter in public parks or along public highways or the maintenance of public facilities; or

(6) (blank).

A dispositional order may include public service only if the court has made an express written finding that a truancy prevention program has been offered by the school, regional superintendent of schools, or a comprehensive community based youth service agency to the truant minor in need of supervision.

(c) Orders entered under this Section may be enforced by contempt proceedings.

(Source: P.A. 102-456, eff. 1-1-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-1) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-1)

Sec. 4-1. Jurisdictional facts. Proceedings may be instituted under the provisions of this Article concerning minors boys and girls who are addicted as defined in Section 4-3.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-4) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-4)

Sec. 4-4. Taking into custody.

(1) A law enforcement officer may, without a warrant, take into temporary custody a minor (a) whom the officer with reasonable cause believes to be an addicted minor; (b) who has been adjudged a ward of the court and has escaped from any commitment ordered by the court under this Act; or (c) who is found in any street or public place suffering from any sickness or injury which requires care, medical treatment or hospitalization.

(2) Whenever a petition has been filed under Section 4-12 and the court finds that the conduct and behavior of the minor may endanger the health, person, welfare, or property of the minor himself or others or that the circumstances of the minor's his home environment may endanger the minor's his health, person, welfare or property, a warrant may be issued immediately to take the minor into custody.

(3) The taking of a minor into temporary custody under this Section is not an arrest nor does it constitute a police record.

(4) Minors taken into temporary custody under this Section are subject to the provisions of Section 1-4.1.

(Source: P.A. 87-1154.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-5) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-5)

Sec. 4-5. Duty of officer; admissions by minor. (1) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody with a warrant shall immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been taken into custody and where the minor he or she is being held; and the officer shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for such purposes in the county of venue or shall surrender the minor to a juvenile police officer in the city or village where the offense is alleged to have been committed.

The minor shall be delivered without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors, provided that the court may not designate a place of detention.

(2) A law enforcement officer who takes a minor into custody without a warrant under Section 4-4 shall, if the minor is not released, immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been taken into custody and where the minor is being held; and the law enforcement officer shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for such purposes in the county of venue.

(3) The juvenile police officer may take one of the following actions:

(a) station adjustment with release of the minor;

(b) station adjustment with release of the minor to a parent;

(c) station adjustment, release of the minor to a parent, and referral of the case to community services;

(d) station adjustment, release of the minor to a parent, and referral of the case to community services with informal monitoring by a juvenile police officer;

(e) station adjustment and release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parents;

(f) station adjustment, release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parents, and referral of the case to community services;

(g) station adjustment, release of the minor to a third person pursuant to agreement of the minor and parents, and referral to community services with informal monitoring by a juvenile police officer;

(h) release of the minor to the minor's his or her parents and referral of the case to a county juvenile probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court;

(i) if the juvenile police officer reasonably believes that there is an urgent and immediate necessity to keep the minor in custody, the juvenile police officer shall deliver the minor without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of the court for the reception of minors; and

(j) any other appropriate action with consent of the minor and a parent.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-6) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-6)

Sec. 4-6. Temporary custody. "Temporary custody" means the temporary placement of the minor out of the custody of the minor's his or her guardian or parent.

(a) "Temporary protective custody" means custody within a hospital or other medical facility or a place previously designated for such custody by the Department, subject to review by the Court, including a licensed foster home, group home, or other institution; but such place shall not be a jail or other place for the detention of criminal or juvenile offenders.

(b) "Shelter care" means a physically unrestrictive facility designated by Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency or other suitable place designated by the court for a minor who requires care away from the minor's his or her home.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-7) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-7)

Sec. 4-7. Investigation; release. When a minor is delivered to the court, or to the place designated by the court under Section 4-6 of this Act, a probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court shall immediately investigate the circumstances of the minor and the facts surrounding the minor his or her being taken into custody. The minor shall be immediately released to the custody of the minor's his or her parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative, unless the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court finds that further temporary custody is necessary, as provided in Section 4-6.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-8) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-8)

Sec. 4-8. Setting of shelter care hearing. (1) Unless sooner released, a minor alleged to be addicted taken into temporary protective custody must be brought before a judicial officer within 48 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, for a shelter care hearing to determine whether the minor he shall be further held in custody.

(2) If the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court determines that the minor should be retained in custody, the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court he shall cause a petition to be filed as provided in Section 4-12 of this Act, and the clerk of the court shall set the matter for hearing on the shelter care hearing calendar. When a parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative is present and so requests, the shelter care hearing shall be held immediately if the court is in session, otherwise at the earliest feasible time. The probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court shall notify the minor's parent, guardian, custodian or responsible relative of the time and place of the hearing. The notice may be given orally.

(3) The minor must be released from custody at the expiration of the 48 hour period, as the case may be, specified by this Section, if not brought before a judicial officer within that period.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-9) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-9)

Sec. 4-9. Shelter care hearing. At the appearance of the minor before the court at the shelter care hearing, all witnesses present shall be examined before the court in relation to any matter connected with the allegations made in the petition.

(1) If the court finds that there is not probable cause to believe that the minor is addicted, it shall release the minor and dismiss the petition.

(2) If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the minor is addicted, the minor, the minor's his or her parent, guardian, custodian and other persons able to give relevant testimony shall be examined before the court. After such testimony, the court may enter an order that the minor shall be released upon the request of a parent, guardian or custodian if the parent, guardian or custodian appears to take custody and agrees to abide by a court order which requires the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian to complete an evaluation by an entity licensed by the Department of Human Services, as the successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, and complete any treatment recommendations indicated by the assessment. "Custodian" includes the Department of Children and Family Services, if it has been given custody of the child, or any other agency of the State which has been given custody or wardship of the child.

The Court shall require documentation by representatives of the Department of Children and Family Services or the probation department as to the reasonable efforts that were made to prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, and shall consider the testimony of any person as to those reasonable efforts. If the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility or that the minor he or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, and further, finds that reasonable efforts have been made or good cause has been shown why reasonable efforts cannot prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, the court may prescribe shelter care and order that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the court or in a shelter care facility designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, or in a facility or program licensed by the Department of Human Services for shelter and treatment services; otherwise it shall release the minor from custody. If the court prescribes shelter care, then in placing the minor, the Department or other agency shall, to the extent compatible with the court's order, comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act. If the minor is ordered placed in a shelter care facility of the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency, or in a facility or program licensed by the Department of Human Services for shelter and treatment services, the court shall, upon request of the appropriate Department or other agency, appoint the Department of Children and Family Services Guardianship Administrator or other appropriate agency executive temporary custodian of the minor and the court may enter such other orders related to the temporary custody as it deems fit and proper, including the provision of services to the minor or the minor's his family to ameliorate the causes contributing to the finding of probable cause or to the finding of the existence of immediate and urgent necessity. Acceptance of services shall not be considered an admission of any allegation in a petition made pursuant to this Act, nor may a referral of services be considered as evidence in any proceeding pursuant to this Act, except where the issue is whether the Department has made reasonable efforts to reunite the family. In making its findings that reasonable efforts have been made or that good cause has been shown why reasonable efforts cannot prevent or eliminate the necessity of removal of the minor from the minor's his or her home, the court shall state in writing its findings concerning the nature of the services that were offered or the efforts that were made to prevent removal of the child and the apparent reasons that such services or efforts could not prevent the need for removal. The parents, guardian, custodian, temporary custodian and minor shall each be furnished a copy of such written findings. The temporary custodian shall maintain a copy of the court order and written findings in the case record for the child. The order together with the court's findings of fact in support thereof shall be entered of record in the court.

Once the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility, the minor shall not be returned to the parent, custodian or guardian until the court finds that such placement is no longer necessary for the protection of the minor.

(3) If neither the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative nor counsel of the minor has had actual notice of or is present at the shelter care hearing, the parent, guardian, legal custodian, responsible relative, or counsel of the minor he or she may file an his or her affidavit setting forth these facts, and the clerk shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 24 hours, excluding Sundays and legal holidays, after the filing of the affidavit. At the rehearing, the court shall proceed in the same manner as upon the original hearing.

(4) If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer within the time period as specified in Section 4-8, the minor must immediately be released from custody.

(5) Only when there is reasonable cause to believe that the minor taken into custody is a person described in subsection (3) of Section 5-105 may the minor be kept or detained in a detention home or county or municipal jail. This Section shall in no way be construed to limit subsection (6).

(6) No minor under 16 years of age may be confined in a jail or place ordinarily used for the confinement of prisoners in a police station. Minors under 18 years of age must be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room or yard with adults confined pursuant to the criminal law.

(7) If neither the parent, guardian or custodian appears within 24 hours to take custody of a minor released upon request pursuant to subsection (2) of this Section, then the clerk of the court shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 7 days after the original order and shall issue a summons directed to the parent, guardian or custodian to appear. At the same time the probation department shall prepare a report on the minor. If a parent, guardian or custodian does not appear at such rehearing, the judge may enter an order prescribing that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency.

(8) Any interested party, including the State, the temporary custodian, an agency providing services to the minor or family under a service plan pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, foster parent, or any of their representatives, may file a motion to modify or vacate a temporary custody order on any of the following grounds:

(a) It is no longer a matter of immediate and urgent necessity that the minor remain in shelter care; or

(b) There is a material change in the circumstances of the natural family from which the minor was removed; or

(c) A person, including a parent, relative or legal guardian, is capable of assuming temporary custody of the minor; or

(d) Services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services or a child welfare agency or other service provider have been successful in eliminating the need for temporary custody.

The clerk shall set the matter for hearing not later than 14 days after such motion is filed. In the event that the court modifies or vacates a temporary custody order but does not vacate its finding of probable cause, the court may order that appropriate services be continued or initiated in behalf of the minor and the minor's his or her family.

(9) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-11) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-11)

Sec. 4-11. Preliminary conferences.

(1) The court may authorize the probation officer to confer in a preliminary conference with any person seeking to file a petition under this Article, the prospective respondents and other interested persons concerning the advisability of filing the petition, with a view to adjusting suitable cases without the filing of a petition as provided for herein.

The probation officer should schedule a conference promptly except where the State's Attorney insists on court action or where the minor has indicated that the minor he or she will demand a judicial hearing and will not comply with an informal adjustment.

(2) In any case of a minor who is in temporary custody, the holding of preliminary conferences does not operate to prolong temporary custody beyond the period permitted by Section 4-8.

(3) This Section does not authorize any probation officer to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place.

(4) No statement made during a preliminary conference may be admitted into evidence at an adjudicatory hearing or at any proceeding against the minor under the criminal laws of this State prior to the minor's his or her conviction thereunder.

(5) The probation officer shall promptly formulate a written non-judicial adjustment plan following the initial conference.

(6) Non-judicial adjustment plans include but are not limited to the following:

(a) up to 6 months informal supervision within the family;

(b) up to 12 months informal supervision with a probation officer involved;

(c) up to 6 months informal supervision with release to a person other than a parent;

(d) referral to special educational, counseling or other rehabilitative social or educational programs;

(e) referral to residential treatment programs; and

(f) any other appropriate action with consent of the minor and a parent.

(7) The factors to be considered by the probation officer in formulating a written non-judicial adjustment plan shall be the same as those limited in subsection (4) of Section 5-405.

(Source: P.A. 89-198, eff. 7-21-95; 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-12) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-12)

Sec. 4-12. Petition; supplemental petitions. (1) Any adult person, any agency or association by its representative may file, or the court on its own motion may direct the filing through the State's Attorney of a petition in respect to a minor under this Act. The petition and all subsequent court documents shall be entitled "In the interest of ...., a minor".

(2) The petition shall be verified but the statements may be made upon information and belief. It shall allege that the minor is addicted, as the case may be, and set forth (a) facts sufficient to bring the minor under Section 4-1; (b) the name, age and residence of the minor; (c) the names and residences of the minor's his parents; (d) the name and residence of the minor's his legal guardian or the person or persons having custody or control of the minor, or of the nearest known relative if no parent or guardian can be found; and (e) if the minor upon whose behalf the petition is brought is sheltered in custody, the date on which shelter care was ordered by the court or the date set for a shelter care hearing. If any of the facts herein required are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.

(3) The petition must allege that it is in the best interests of the minor and of the public that the minor he or she be adjudged a ward of the court and may pray generally for relief available under this Act. The petition need not specify any proposed disposition following adjudication of wardship.

(4) If appointment of a guardian of the person with power to consent to adoption of the minor under Section 4-27 is sought, the petition shall so state.

(5) At any time before dismissal of the petition or before final closing and discharge under Section 4-29, one or more supplemental petitions may be filed in respect to the same minor.

(Source: P.A. 85-1209.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-13) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-13)

Sec. 4-13. Date for adjudicatory hearing.

(a) (Blank). Until January 1, 1988:

(1) When a petition has been filed alleging that the minor is an addict under this Article, an adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 120 days. The 120 day period in which an adjudicatory hearing shall be held is tolled by: (A) delay occasioned by the minor; (B) a continuance allowed pursuant to Section 114-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 after a court's determination of the minor's physical incapacity for trial; or (C) an interlocutory appeal. Any such delay shall temporarily suspend for the time of the delay the period within which the adjudicatory hearing must be held. On the day of expiration of the delay, the said period shall continue at the point at which it was suspended. Where no such adjudicatory hearing is held within 120 days the court may, upon written motion of such minor's guardian ad litem, dismiss the petition with respect to such minor. Such dismissal shall be without prejudice.

Where the court determines that the State has exercised, without success, due diligence to obtain evidence material to the case, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such evidence may be obtained at a later date the court may, upon written motion by the state, continue the matter for not more than 30 additional days.

(2) In the case of a minor ordered held in shelter care, the hearing on the petition must be held within 10 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care, or the earliest possible date in compliance with the notice provisions of Sections 4-14 and 4-15 as to the custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian, but no later than 30 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care. Delay occasioned by the respondent shall temporarily suspend, for the time of the delay, the period within which a respondent must be brought to an adjudicatory hearing pursuant to this Section.

Any failure to comply with the time limits of this subsection must require the immediate release of the minor and the time limits of subsection (a) (1) shall apply.

(3) Nothing in this Section prevents the minor's exercise of his or her right to waive the time limits set forth in this Section.

(b) Beginning January 1, 1988: (1)(A) When a petition has been filed alleging that the minor is an addict under this Article, an adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 120 days of a demand made by any party, except that when the court determines that the State, without success, has exercised due diligence to obtain evidence material to the case and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that such evidence may be obtained at a later date, the court may, upon motion by the State, continue the adjudicatory hearing for not more than 30 additional days.

The 120 day period in which an adjudicatory hearing shall be held is tolled by: (i) delay occasioned by the minor; or (ii) a continuance allowed pursuant to Section 114-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 after a court's determination of the minor's physical incapacity for trial; or (iii) an interlocutory appeal. Any such delay shall temporarily suspend for the time of the delay the period within which the adjudicatory hearing must be held. On the day of expiration of the delay, the said period shall continue at the point at which it was suspended.

(B) When no such adjudicatory hearing is held within the time required by paragraph (b)(1)(A) of this Section, the court shall, upon motion by any party, dismiss the petition with prejudice.

(2) Without affecting the applicability of the tolling and multiple prosecution provisions of paragraph (b) (1) of this Section, when a petition has been filed alleging that the minor is an addict under this Article and the minor is in shelter care, the adjudicatory hearing shall be held within 10 judicial days after the date of the order directing shelter care, or the earliest possible date in compliance with the notice provisions of Sections 4-14 and 4-15 as to the custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian, but no later than 30 judicial days from the date of the order of the court directing shelter care.

(3) Any failure to comply with the time limits of paragraph (b)(2) of this Section shall require the immediate release of the minor from shelter care, and the time limits of paragraph (b)(1) shall apply.

(4) Nothing in this Section prevents the minor or the minor's parents or guardian from exercising their respective rights to waive the time limits set forth in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-14) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-14)

Sec. 4-14. Summons. (1) When a petition is filed, the clerk of the court shall issue a summons with a copy of the petition attached. The summons shall be directed to the minor's legal guardian or custodian and to each person named as a respondent in the petition, except that summons need not be directed to a minor respondent under 8 years of age for whom the court appoints a guardian ad litem if the guardian ad litem appears on behalf of the minor in any proceeding under this Act.

(2) The summons must contain a statement that the minor or any of the respondents is entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition, and that the clerk of the court should be notified promptly if the minor or any other respondent desires to be represented by an attorney but is financially unable to employ counsel.

(3) The summons shall be issued under the seal of the court, attested to and signed with the name of the clerk of the court, dated on the day it is issued, and shall require each respondent to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the adjudicatory hearing.

(4) The summons may be served by any county sheriff, coroner or probation officer, even though the officer is the petitioner. The return of the summons with endorsement of service by the officer is sufficient proof thereof.

(5) Service of a summons and petition shall be made by: (a) leaving a copy thereof with the person summoned at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; (b) leaving a copy at the summoned person's his usual place of abode with some person of the family, of the age of 10 years or upwards, and informing that person of the contents thereof, provided that the officer or other person making service shall also send a copy of the summons in a sealed envelope with postage fully prepaid, addressed to the person summoned at the person's his usual place of abode, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance; or (c) leaving a copy thereof with the guardian or custodian of a minor, at least 3 days before the time stated therein for appearance. If the guardian or custodian is an agency of the State of Illinois, proper service may be made by leaving a copy of the summons and petition with any administrative employee of such agency designated by such agency to accept service of summons and petitions. The certificate of the officer or affidavit of the person that the officer or person he has sent the copy pursuant to this Section is sufficient proof of service.

(6) When a parent or other person, who has signed a written promise to appear and bring the minor to court or who has waived or acknowledged service, fails to appear with the minor on the date set by the court, a bench warrant may be issued for the parent or other person, the minor, or both.

(7) The appearance of the minor's legal guardian or custodian, or a person named as a respondent in a petition, in any proceeding under this Act shall constitute a waiver of service of summons and submission to the jurisdiction of the court. A copy of the summons and petition shall be provided to the person at the time of the person's his appearance.

(Source: P.A. 86-441.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-15) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-15)

Sec. 4-15. Notice by certified mail or publication.

(1) If service on individuals as provided in Section 4-14 is not made on any respondent within a reasonable time or if it appears that any respondent resides outside the State, service may be made by certified mail. In such case the clerk shall mail the summons and a copy of the petition to that respondent by certified mail marked for delivery to addressee only. The court shall not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 5 days after such mailing. The regular return receipt for certified mail is sufficient proof of service.

(2) If service upon individuals as provided in Section 4-14 is not made on any respondents within a reasonable time or if any person is made a respondent under the designation of "All whom it may Concern", or if service cannot be made because the whereabouts of a respondent are unknown, service may be made by publication. The clerk of the court as soon as possible shall cause publication to be made once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the action is pending. Notice by publication is not required in any case when the person alleged to have legal custody of the minor has been served with summons personally or by certified mail, but the court may not enter any order or judgment against any person who cannot be served with process other than by publication unless notice by publication is given or unless that person appears. When a minor has been sheltered under Section 4-6 of this Act and summons has not been served personally or by certified mail within 20 days from the date of the order of court directing such shelter care, the clerk of the court shall cause publication. Notice by publication shall be substantially as follows:

"A, B, C, D, (here giving the names of the named respondents, if any) and to All Whom It May Concern (if there is any respondent under that designation):

Take notice that on (insert date) a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by .... in the circuit court of .... county entitled 'In the interest of ...., a minor', and that in .... courtroom at .... on the .... day of .... at the hour of ...., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court under that Act. The court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor, (and if the petition prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption) and to appoint a guardian with power to consent to adoption of the minor.

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered.

......................

Clerk

Dated (insert the date of publication)"

(3) The clerk shall also at the time of the publication of the notice send a copy thereof by mail to each of the respondents on account of whom publication is made at each respondent's his or her last known address. The certificate of the clerk that the clerk he or she has mailed the notice is evidence thereof. No other publication notice is required. Every respondent notified by publication under this Section must appear and answer in open court at the hearing. The court may not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 10 days after service by publication on any custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian.

(4) If it becomes necessary to change the date set for the hearing in order to comply with Section 4-14 or with this Section, notice of the resetting of the date must be given, by certified mail or other reasonable means, to each respondent who has been served with summons personally or by certified mail.

(Source: P.A. 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-16) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-16)

Sec. 4-16. Guardian ad litem.

(1) Immediately upon the filing of a petition alleging that the minor is a person described in Section 4-3 of this Act, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if:

(a) such petition alleges that the minor is the victim of sexual abuse or misconduct; or

(b) such petition alleges that charges alleging the commission of any of the sex offenses defined in Article 11 or in Sections 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15 or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, have been filed against a defendant in any court and that such minor is the alleged victim of the acts of the defendant in the commission of such offense.

Unless the guardian ad litem appointed pursuant to this paragraph (1) is an attorney at law the guardian ad litem he shall be represented in the performance of the guardian ad litem's his duties by counsel.

(2) Before proceeding with the hearing, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor if

(a) no parent, guardian, custodian or relative of the minor appears at the first or any subsequent hearing of the case;

(b) the petition prays for the appointment of a guardian with power to consent to adoption; or

(c) the petition for which the minor is before the court resulted from a report made pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.

(3) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor whenever it finds that there may be a conflict of interest between the minor and the minor's his parents or other custodian or that it is otherwise in the minor's interest to do so.

(4) Unless the guardian ad litem is an attorney, the guardian ad litem he shall be represented by counsel.

(5) The reasonable fees of a guardian ad litem appointed under this Section shall be fixed by the court and charged to the parents of the minor, to the extent they are able to pay. If the parents are unable to pay those fees, they shall be paid from the general fund of the county.

(Source: P.A. 96-1551, eff. 7-1-11; 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-18) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-18)

Sec. 4-18. Continuance under supervision.

(1) The court may enter an order of continuance under supervision (a) upon an admission or stipulation by the appropriate respondent or minor respondent of the facts supporting the petition and before proceeding to findings and adjudication, or after hearing the evidence at the adjudicatory hearing but before noting in the minutes of the proceeding a finding of whether or not the minor is an addict, and (b) in the absence of objection made in open court by the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or the State's Attorney.

(2) If the minor, the minor's his parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative, defense attorney or State's Attorney, objects in open court to any such continuance and insists upon proceeding to findings and adjudication, the court shall so proceed.

(3) Nothing in this Section limits the power of the court to order a continuance of the hearing for the production of additional evidence or for any other proper reason.

(4) When a hearing is continued pursuant to this Section, the court may permit the minor to remain in the minor's his home subject to such conditions concerning the minor's his conduct and supervision as the court may require by order.

(5) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision, the court shall conduct a hearing. If the court finds that such condition of supervision has not been fulfilled the court may proceed to findings and adjudication and disposition. The filing of a petition for violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision shall toll the period of continuance under supervision until the final determination of the charge, and the term of the continuance under supervision shall not run until the hearing and disposition of the petition for violation; provided where the petition alleges conduct that does not constitute a criminal offense, the hearing must be held within 15 days of the filing of the petition unless a delay in such hearing has been occasioned by the minor, in which case the delay shall continue the tolling of the period of continuance under supervision for the period of such delay.

(6) The court must impose upon a minor under an order of continuance under supervision or an order of disposition under this Article IV, as a condition of the order, a fee of $25 for each month or partial month of supervision with a probation officer. If the court determines the inability of the minor, or the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay the fee, the court may impose a lesser fee. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act. The fee may be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. The fee must be collected by the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk of the circuit court must pay all monies collected from this fee to the county treasurer for deposit into the probation and court services fund under Section 15.1 of the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-20) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-20)

Sec. 4-20. Dispositional hearing; evidence; continuance. (1) At the dispositional hearing, the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor he be made a ward of the court, and, if the minor he is to be made a ward of the court, the court shall determine the proper disposition best serving the interests of the minor and the public. All evidence helpful in determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent for the purposes of the adjudicatory hearing.

(2) Notice in compliance with Sections 4-14 and 4-15 must be given to all parties-respondents prior to proceeding to a dispositional hearing. Before making an order of disposition the court shall advise the State's Attorney, the parents, guardian, custodian or responsible relative or their counsel of the factual contents and the conclusions of the reports prepared for the use of the court and considered by it, and afford fair opportunity, if requested, to controvert them. The court may order, however, that the documents containing such reports need not be submitted to inspection, or that sources of confidential information need not be disclosed except to the attorneys for the parties. Factual contents, conclusions, documents and sources disclosed by the court under this paragraph shall not be further disclosed without the express approval of the court pursuant to an in camera hearing.

(3) A record of a prior continuance under supervision under Section 4-18, whether successfully completed or not, is admissible at the dispositional hearing.

(4) On its own motion or that of the State's Attorney, a parent, guardian, custodian, responsible relative or counsel, the court may adjourn the hearing for a reasonable period to receive reports or other evidence. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a minor has been removed from the minor's his or her home before an order of disposition has been made.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-21) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-21)

Sec. 4-21. Kinds of dispositional orders.

(1) A minor found to be addicted under Section 4-3 may be (a) committed to the Department of Children and Family Services, subject to Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act; (b) placed under supervision and released to the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian; (c) placed in accordance with Section 4-25 with or without also being placed under supervision. Conditions of supervision may be modified or terminated by the court if it deems that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby; (d) required to attend an approved alcohol or drug abuse treatment or counseling program on an inpatient or outpatient basis instead of or in addition to the disposition otherwise provided for in this paragraph; (e) ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act; or (f) subject to having the minor's his or her driver's license or driving privilege suspended for such time as determined by the Court but only until the minor he or she attains 18 years of age. No disposition under this subsection shall provide for the minor's placement in a secure facility.

(2) Any order of disposition may provide for protective supervision under Section 4-22 and may include an order of protection under Section 4-23.

(3) Unless the order of disposition expressly so provides, it does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition, but is subject to modification until final closing and discharge of the proceedings under Section 4-29.

(4) In addition to any other order of disposition, the court may order any minor found to be addicted under this Article as neglected with respect to the minor's his or her own injurious behavior, to make restitution, in monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except that the "presentence hearing" referred to therein shall be the dispositional hearing for purposes of this Section. The parent, guardian or legal custodian of the minor may pay some or all of such restitution on the minor's behalf.

(5) Any order for disposition where the minor is placed in accordance with Section 4-25 shall provide for the parents or guardian of the estate of such minor to pay to the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. Such payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(6) Whenever the order of disposition requires the minor to attend school or participate in a program of training, the truant officer or designated school official shall regularly report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code.

(7) The court must impose upon a minor under an order of continuance under supervision or an order of disposition under this Article IV, as a condition of the order, a fee of $25 for each month or partial month of supervision with a probation officer. If the court determines the inability of the minor, or the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay the fee, the court may impose a lesser fee. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act. The fee may be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. The fee must be collected by the clerk of the circuit court. The clerk of the circuit court must pay all monies collected from this fee to the county treasurer for deposit into the probation and court services fund under Section 15.1 of the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-22) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-22)

Sec. 4-22. Protective supervision. If the order of disposition releases the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents, guardian or legal custodian, or continues the minor him in such custody, the court may place the person having custody of the minor, except for representatives of private or public agencies or governmental departments, under supervision of the probation office. Rules or orders of the court shall define the terms and conditions of protective supervision, which may be modified or terminated when the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-23) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-23)

Sec. 4-23. Order of protection.

(1) The court may make an order of protection in assistance of or as a condition of any other order authorized by this Act. The order of protection may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified period. Such an order may require a person:

(a) To stay away from the home or the minor;

(b) To permit a parent to visit the minor at stated periods;

(c) To abstain from offensive conduct against the minor, the minor's his parent or any person to whom custody of the minor is awarded;

(d) To give proper attention to the care of the home;

(e) To cooperate in good faith with an agency to which custody of a minor is entrusted by the court or with an agency or association to which the minor is referred by the court;

(f) To prohibit and prevent any contact whatsoever with the respondent minor by a specified individual or individuals who are alleged in either a criminal or juvenile proceeding to have caused injury to a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor;

(g) To refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make the home not a proper place for the minor.

(2) The court shall enter an order of protection to prohibit and prevent any contact between a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor and any person named in a petition seeking an order of protection who has been convicted of heinous battery or aggravated battery under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05, aggravated battery of a child or aggravated battery under subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse as described in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or has been convicted of an offense that resulted in the death of a child, or has violated a previous order of protection under this Section.

(3) When the court issues an order of protection against any person as provided by this Section, the court shall direct a copy of such order to the Sheriff of that county. The Sheriff shall furnish a copy of the order of protection to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of receipt, in the form and manner required by the Department. The Illinois State Police shall maintain a complete record and index of such orders of protection and make this data available to all local law enforcement agencies.

(4) After notice and opportunity for hearing afforded to a person subject to an order of protection, the order may be modified or extended for a further specified period or both or may be terminated if the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served thereby.

(5) An order of protection may be sought at any time during the course of any proceeding conducted pursuant to this Act. Any person against whom an order of protection is sought may retain counsel to represent the person him at a hearing, and has rights to be present at the hearing, to be informed prior to the hearing in writing of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time of such hearing, and to cross examine witnesses called by the petitioner and to present witnesses and argument in opposition to the relief sought in the petition.

(6) Diligent efforts shall be made by the petitioner to serve any person or persons against whom any order of protection is sought with written notice of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time at which the hearing on the petition is to be held. When a protective order is being sought in conjunction with a shelter care hearing, if the court finds that the person against whom the protective order is being sought has been notified of the hearing or that diligent efforts have been made to notify such person, the court may conduct a hearing. If a protective order is sought at any time other than in conjunction with a shelter care hearing, the court may not conduct a hearing on the petition in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought unless the petitioner has notified such person by personal service at least 3 days before the hearing or has sent written notice by first class mail to such person's last known address at least 5 days before the hearing.

(7) A person against whom an order of protection is being sought who is neither a parent, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative as described in Section 1-5 is not a party or respondent as defined in that Section and shall not be entitled to the rights provided therein. Such person does not have a right to appointed counsel or to be present at any hearing other than the hearing in which the order of protection is being sought or a hearing directly pertaining to that order. Unless the court orders otherwise, such person does not have a right to inspect the court file.

(8) All protective orders entered under this Section shall be in writing. Unless the person against whom the order was obtained was present in court when the order was issued, the sheriff, other law enforcement official or special process server shall promptly serve that order upon that person and file proof of such service, in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings. The person against whom the protective order was obtained may seek a modification of the order by filing a written motion to modify the order within 7 days after actual receipt by the person of a copy of the order.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-24) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-24)

Sec. 4-24. Enforcement of orders of protective supervision or of protection. (1) Orders of protective supervision and orders of protection may be enforced by citation to show cause for contempt of court by reason of any violation thereof and, where protection of the welfare of the minor so requires, by the issuance of a warrant to take the alleged violator into custody and bring the minor him before the court.

(2) In any case where an order of protection has been entered, the clerk of the court may issue to the petitioner, to the minor or to any other person affected by the order a certificate stating that an order of protection has been made by the court concerning such persons and setting forth its terms and requirements. The presentation of the certificate to any peace officer authorizes the peace officer him to take into custody a person charged with violating the terms of the order of protection, to bring such person before the court and, within the limits of the peace officer's his legal authority as such peace officer, otherwise to aid in securing the protection the order is intended to afford.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-25) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-25)

Sec. 4-25. Placement; legal custody or guardianship.

(1) If the court finds that the parents, guardian or legal custodian of a minor adjudged a ward of the court are unfit or are unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor or are unwilling to do so, and that appropriate services aimed at family preservation and family reunification have been unsuccessful in rectifying the conditions which have led to a finding of unfitness or inability to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor, and that it is in the best interest of the minor to take the minor him from the custody of the minor's his parents, guardian or custodian, the court may:

(a) place the minor him in the custody of a suitable relative or other person;

(b) place the minor him under the guardianship of a probation officer;

(c) commit the minor him to an agency for care or placement, except an institution under the authority of the Department of Corrections or of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(d) commit the minor him to some licensed training school or industrial school; or

(e) commit the minor him to any appropriate institution having among its purposes the care of delinquent children, including a child protective facility maintained by a Child Protection District serving the county from which commitment is made, but not including any institution under the authority of the Department of Corrections or of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(2) When making such placement, the court, wherever possible, shall select a person holding the same religious belief as that of the minor or a private agency controlled by persons of like religious faith of the minor and shall require the Department of Children and Family Services to otherwise comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act in placing the child. In addition, whenever alternative plans for placement are available, the court shall ascertain and consider, to the extent appropriate in the particular case, the views and preferences of the minor.

(3) When a minor is placed with a suitable relative or other person, the court shall appoint the suitable relative or other person him the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. When a minor is committed to any agency, the court shall appoint the proper officer or representative thereof as legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. Legal custodians and guardians of the person of the minor have the respective rights and duties set forth in subsection (9) of Section 1-3 except as otherwise provided by order of the court; but no guardian of the person may consent to adoption of the minor unless that authority is conferred upon the guardian him in accordance with Section 4-27. An agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of the minor may place the minor him in any child care facility, but such facility must be licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 or have been approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as meeting the standards established for such licensing. After June 30, 1981, no agency may place a minor, if the minor is under age 13, in a child care facility unless such placement is in compliance with the rules and regulations for placement under Section 4-25 of this Act promulgated by the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act. Like authority and restrictions shall be conferred by the court upon any probation officer who has been appointed guardian of the person of a minor.

(4) No placement by any probation officer or agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of a minor may be made in any out of State child care facility unless it complies with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

(5) The clerk of the court shall issue to the legal custodian or guardian of the person a certified copy of the order of the court, as proof of the legal custodian's or guardian's his authority. No other process is necessary as authority for the keeping of the minor.

(6) Custody or guardianship granted under this Section continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 19 years except as set forth in Section 4-29.

(Source: P.A. 89-422.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-26) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-26)

Sec. 4-26. Court Review. (1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian of the person appointed under this Act to report periodically to the court or may cite the legal custodian or guardian him into court and require the legal custodian or guardian him or the legal custodian's or guardian's his agency, to make a full and accurate report of the his or its doings of the legal custodian, guardian, or agency on in behalf of the minor. The custodian or guardian, within 10 days after such citation, shall make the report, either in writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of the report the court may remove the custodian or guardian and appoint another in the legal custodian's or guardian's his stead or restore the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian.

(2) A guardian or custodian appointed by the court pursuant to this Act shall file updated case plans with the court every 6 months. Every agency which has guardianship of a child shall file a supplemental petition for court review, or review by an administrative body appointed or approved by the court and further order within 18 months of dispositional order and each 18 months thereafter. Such petition shall state facts relative to the child's present condition of physical, mental and emotional health as well as facts relative to the child's his present custodial or foster care. The petition shall be set for hearing and the clerk shall mail 10 days notice of the hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person or agency having the physical custody of the child, the minor and other interested parties unless a written waiver of notice is filed with the petition.

Rights of wards of the court under this Act are enforceable against any public agency by complaints for relief by mandamus filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.

(3) The minor or any person interested in the minor may apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for the restoration of the minor to the custody of the minor's his parents or former guardian or custodian. In the event that the minor has attained 18 years of age and the guardian or custodian petitions the court for an order terminating the minor's his guardianship or custody, guardianship or custody shall terminate automatically 30 days after the receipt of the petition unless the court orders otherwise. No legal custodian or guardian of the person may be removed without the legal custodian's or guardian's his consent until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by the court.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-27) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-27)

Sec. 4-27. Adoption; appointment of guardian with power to consent. (1) A ward of the court under this Act, with the consent of the court, may be the subject of a petition for adoption under the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, or with like consent the minor's his or her parent or parents may, in the manner required by such Act, surrender the minor him or her for adoption to an agency legally authorized or licensed to place children for adoption.

(2) If the petition prays and the court finds that it is in the best interests of the minor that a guardian of the person be appointed and authorized to consent to the adoption of the minor, the court with the consent of the parents, if living, or after finding, based upon clear and convincing evidence, that a non-consenting parent is an unfit person as defined in Section 1 of the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, may empower the guardian of the person of the minor, in the order appointing the person him or her as such guardian, to appear in court where any proceedings for the adoption of the minor may at any time be pending and to consent to the adoption. Such consent is sufficient to authorize the court in the adoption proceedings to enter a proper order or judgment of adoption without further notice to, or consent by, the parents of the minor. An order so empowering the guardian to consent to adoption terminates parental rights, deprives the parents of the minor of all legal rights as respects the minor and relieves them of all parental responsibility for the minor him or her, and frees the minor from all obligations of maintenance and obedience to the minor's his or her natural parents.

If the minor is over 14 years of age, the court may, in its discretion, consider the wishes of the minor in determining whether the best interests of the minor would be promoted by the finding of the unfitness of a non-consenting parent.

(3) Parental consent to the order authorizing the guardian of the person to consent to adoption of the Minor shall be given in open court whenever possible and otherwise must be in writing and signed in the form provided in the Adoption Act "An Act in relation to the adoption of persons, and to repeal an Act therein named", approved July 17, 1959, as amended, but no names of petitioners for adoption need be included. A finding of the unfitness of a nonconsenting parent must be made in compliance with that Act and be based upon clear and convincing evidence. Provisions of that Act relating to minor parents and to mentally ill or mentally deficient parents apply to proceedings under this Section and shall be based upon clear and convincing evidence.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/4-29) (from Ch. 37, par. 804-29)

Sec. 4-29. Duration of wardship and discharge of proceedings.

(1) All proceedings under this Act in respect to any minor for whom a petition was filed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1991 automatically terminate upon the minor his attaining the age of 19 years, except that a court may continue the wardship of a minor until age 21 for good cause when there is satisfactory evidence presented to the court that the best interest of the minor and the public require the continuation of the wardship.

(2) Whenever the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public no longer require the wardship of the court, the court shall order the wardship terminated and all proceedings under this Act respecting that minor finally closed and discharged. The court may at the same time continue or terminate any custodianship or guardianship theretofore ordered but such termination must be made in compliance with Section 4-26.

(3) The wardship of the minor and any custodianship or guardianship respecting of the minor for whom a petition was filed after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1991 automatically terminates when the minor he attains the age of 19 years except as set forth in subsection (1) of this Section. The clerk of the court shall at that time record all proceedings under this Act as finally closed and discharged for that reason.

(Source: P.A. 87-14.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-101)

Sec. 5-101. Purpose and policy.

(1) It is the intent of the General Assembly to promote a juvenile justice system capable of dealing with the problem of juvenile delinquency, a system that will protect the community, impose accountability for violations of law and equip juvenile offenders with competencies to live responsibly and productively. To effectuate this intent, the General Assembly declares the following to be important purposes of this Article:

(a) To protect citizens from juvenile crime.

(b) To hold each juvenile offender directly accountable for the juvenile's his or her acts.

(c) To provide an individualized assessment of each alleged and adjudicated delinquent juvenile, in order to rehabilitate and to prevent further delinquent behavior through the development of competency in the juvenile offender. As used in this Section, "competency" means the development of educational, vocational, social, emotional and basic life skills which enable a minor to mature into a productive member of society.

(d) To provide due process, as required by the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Illinois, through which each juvenile offender and all other interested parties are assured fair hearings at which legal rights are recognized and enforced.

(2) To accomplish these goals, juvenile justice policies developed pursuant to this Article shall be designed to:

(a) Promote the development and implementation of community-based programs designed to prevent unlawful and delinquent behavior and to effectively minimize the depth and duration of the minor's involvement in the juvenile justice system;

(b) Provide secure confinement for minors who present a danger to the community and make those minors understand that sanctions for serious crimes, particularly violent felonies, should be commensurate with the seriousness of the offense and merit strong punishment;

(c) Protect the community from crimes committed by minors;

(d) Provide programs and services that are community-based and that are in close proximity to the minor's home;

(e) Allow minors to reside within their homes whenever possible and appropriate and provide support necessary to make this possible;

(f) Base probation treatment planning upon individual case management plans;

(g) Include the minor's family in the case management plan;

(h) Provide supervision and service coordination where appropriate; implement and monitor the case management plan in order to discourage recidivism;

(i) Provide post-release services to minors who are returned to their families and communities after detention;

(j) Hold minors accountable for their unlawful behavior and not allow minors to think that their delinquent acts have no consequence for themselves and others.

(3) In all procedures under this Article, minors shall have all the procedural rights of adults in criminal proceedings, unless specifically precluded by laws that enhance the protection of such minors. Minors shall not have the right to a jury trial unless specifically provided by this Article.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-105)

Sec. 5-105. Definitions. As used in this Article:

(1) "Aftercare release" means the conditional and revocable release of an adjudicated delinquent juvenile committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice under the supervision of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(1.5) "Court" means the circuit court in a session or division assigned to hear proceedings under this Act, and includes the term Juvenile Court.

(2) "Community service" means uncompensated labor for a community service agency as hereinafter defined.

(2.5) "Community service agency" means a not-for-profit organization, community organization, church, charitable organization, individual, public office, or other public body whose purpose is to enhance the physical or mental health of a delinquent minor or to rehabilitate the minor, or to improve the environmental quality or social welfare of the community which agrees to accept community service from juvenile delinquents and to report on the progress of the community service to the State's Attorney pursuant to an agreement or to the court or to any agency designated by the court or to the authorized diversion program that has referred the delinquent minor for community service.

(3) "Delinquent minor" means any minor who prior to the minor's his or her 18th birthday has violated or attempted to violate, regardless of where the act occurred, any federal, State, county or municipal law or ordinance.

(4) "Department" means the Department of Human Services unless specifically referenced as another department.

(5) "Detention" means the temporary care of a minor who is alleged to be or has been adjudicated delinquent and who requires secure custody for the minor's own protection or the community's protection in a facility designed to physically restrict the minor's movements, pending disposition by the court or execution of an order of the court for placement or commitment. Design features that physically restrict movement include, but are not limited to, locked rooms and the secure handcuffing of a minor to a rail or other stationary object. In addition, "detention" includes the court ordered care of an alleged or adjudicated delinquent minor who requires secure custody pursuant to Section 5-125 of this Act.

(6) "Diversion" means the referral of a juvenile, without court intervention, into a program that provides services designed to educate the juvenile and develop a productive and responsible approach to living in the community.

(7) "Juvenile detention home" means a public facility with specially trained staff that conforms to the county juvenile detention standards adopted by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(8) "Juvenile justice continuum" means a set of delinquency prevention programs and services designed for the purpose of preventing or reducing delinquent acts, including criminal activity by youth gangs, as well as intervention, rehabilitation, and prevention services targeted at minors who have committed delinquent acts, and minors who have previously been committed to residential treatment programs for delinquents. The term includes children-in-need-of-services and families-in-need-of-services programs; aftercare and reentry services; substance abuse and mental health programs; community service programs; community service work programs; and alternative-dispute resolution programs serving youth-at-risk of delinquency and their families, whether offered or delivered by State or local governmental entities, public or private for-profit or not-for-profit organizations, or religious or charitable organizations. This term would also encompass any program or service consistent with the purpose of those programs and services enumerated in this subsection.

(9) "Juvenile police officer" means a sworn police officer who has completed a Basic Recruit Training Course, has been assigned to the position of juvenile police officer by the officer's his or her chief law enforcement officer and has completed the necessary juvenile officers training as prescribed by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board, or in the case of a State police officer, juvenile officer training approved by the Director of the Illinois State Police.

(10) "Minor" means a person under the age of 21 years subject to this Act.

(11) "Non-secure custody" means confinement where the minor is not physically restricted by being placed in a locked cell or room, by being handcuffed to a rail or other stationary object, or by other means. Non-secure custody may include, but is not limited to, electronic monitoring, foster home placement, home confinement, group home placement, or physical restriction of movement or activity solely through facility staff.

(12) "Public or community service" means uncompensated labor for a not-for-profit organization or public body whose purpose is to enhance physical or mental stability of the offender, environmental quality or the social welfare and which agrees to accept public or community service from offenders and to report on the progress of the offender and the public or community service to the court or to the authorized diversion program that has referred the offender for public or community service. "Public or community service" does not include blood donation or assignment to labor at a blood bank. For the purposes of this Act, "blood bank" has the meaning ascribed to the term in Section 2-124 of the Illinois Clinical Laboratory and Blood Bank Act.

(13) "Sentencing hearing" means a hearing to determine whether a minor should be adjudged a ward of the court, and to determine what sentence should be imposed on the minor. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the term "sentencing hearing" replace the term "dispositional hearing" and be synonymous with that definition as it was used in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

(14) "Shelter" means the temporary care of a minor in physically unrestricting facilities pending court disposition or execution of court order for placement.

(15) "Site" means a not-for-profit organization, public body, church, charitable organization, or individual agreeing to accept community service from offenders and to report on the progress of ordered or required public or community service to the court or to the authorized diversion program that has referred the offender for public or community service.

(16) "Station adjustment" means the informal or formal handling of an alleged offender by a juvenile police officer.

(17) "Trial" means a hearing to determine whether the allegations of a petition under Section 5-520 that a minor is delinquent are proved beyond a reasonable doubt. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the term "trial" replace the term "adjudicatory hearing" and be synonymous with that definition as it was used in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987.

The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to violations or attempted violations committed on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-110)

Sec. 5-110. Parental responsibility. This Article recognizes the critical role families play in the rehabilitation of delinquent juveniles. Parents, guardians and legal custodians shall participate in the assessment and treatment of juveniles by assisting the juvenile to recognize and accept responsibility for the juvenile's his or her delinquent behavior. The Court may order the parents, guardian or legal custodian to take certain actions or to refrain from certain actions to serve public safety, to develop competency of the minor, and to promote accountability by the minor for the minor's his or her actions.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-120)

Sec. 5-120. Exclusive jurisdiction. Proceedings may be instituted under the provisions of this Article concerning any minor who prior to the minor's his or her 18th birthday has violated or attempted to violate, regardless of where the act occurred, any federal, State, county or municipal law or ordinance. Except as provided in Sections 5-125, 5-130, 5-805, and 5-810 of this Article, no minor who was under 18 years of age at the time of the alleged offense may be prosecuted under the criminal laws of this State.

The changes made to this Section by this amendatory Act of the 98th General Assembly apply to violations or attempted violations committed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act.

(Source: P.A. 98-61, eff. 1-1-14.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-130)

Sec. 5-130. Excluded jurisdiction.

(1)(a) The definition of delinquent minor under Section 5-120 of this Article shall not apply to any minor who at the time of an offense was at least 16 years of age and who is charged with: (i) first degree murder, (ii) aggravated criminal sexual assault, or (iii) aggravated battery with a firearm as described in Section 12-4.2 or subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), or (e)(4) of Section 12-3.05 where the minor personally discharged a firearm as defined in Section 2-15.5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

These charges and all other charges arising out of the same incident shall be prosecuted under the criminal laws of this State.

(b)(i) If before trial or plea an information or indictment is filed that does not charge an offense specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) the State's Attorney may proceed on any lesser charge or charges, but only in Juvenile Court under the provisions of this Article. The State's Attorney may proceed on a lesser charge if before trial the minor defendant knowingly and with advice of counsel waives, in writing, the minor's his or her right to have the matter proceed in Juvenile Court.

(ii) If before trial or plea an information or indictment is filed that includes one or more charges specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) and additional charges that are not specified in that paragraph, all of the charges arising out of the same incident shall be prosecuted under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

(c)(i) If after trial or plea the minor is convicted of any offense covered by paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), then, in sentencing the minor, the court shall sentence the minor under Section 5-4.5-105 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(ii) If after trial or plea the court finds that the minor committed an offense not covered by paragraph (a) of this subsection (1), that finding shall not invalidate the verdict or the prosecution of the minor under the criminal laws of the State; however, unless the State requests a hearing for the purpose of sentencing the minor under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections, the Court must proceed under Sections 5-705 and 5-710 of this Article. To request a hearing, the State must file a written motion within 10 days following the entry of a finding or the return of a verdict. Reasonable notice of the motion shall be given to the minor or the minor's his or her counsel. If the motion is made by the State, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine if the minor should be sentenced under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections. In making its determination, the court shall consider among other matters: (a) whether there is evidence that the offense was committed in an aggressive and premeditated manner; (b) the age of the minor; (c) the previous history of the minor; (d) whether there are facilities particularly available to the Juvenile Court or the Department of Juvenile Justice for the treatment and rehabilitation of the minor; (e) whether the security of the public requires sentencing under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections; and (f) whether the minor possessed a deadly weapon when committing the offense. The rules of evidence shall be the same as if at trial. If after the hearing the court finds that the minor should be sentenced under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections, then the court shall sentence the minor under Section 5-4.5-105 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(2) (Blank).

(3) (Blank).

(4) (Blank).

(5) (Blank).

(6) (Blank).

(7) The procedures set out in this Article for the investigation, arrest and prosecution of juvenile offenders shall not apply to minors who are excluded from jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court, except that minors under 18 years of age shall be kept separate from confined adults.

(8) Nothing in this Act prohibits or limits the prosecution of any minor for an offense committed on or after the minor's his or her 18th birthday even though the minor he or she is at the time of the offense a ward of the court.

(9) If an original petition for adjudication of wardship alleges the commission by a minor 13 years of age or over of an act that constitutes a crime under the laws of this State, the minor, with the consent of the minor's his or her counsel, may, at any time before commencement of the adjudicatory hearing, file with the court a motion that criminal prosecution be ordered and that the petition be dismissed insofar as the act or acts involved in the criminal proceedings are concerned. If such a motion is filed as herein provided, the court shall enter its order accordingly.

(10) If, prior to August 12, 2005 (the effective date of Public Act 94-574), a minor is charged with a violation of Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act under the criminal laws of this State, other than a minor charged with a Class X felony violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, any party including the minor or the court sua sponte may, before trial, move for a hearing for the purpose of trying and sentencing the minor as a delinquent minor. To request a hearing, the party must file a motion prior to trial. Reasonable notice of the motion shall be given to all parties. On its own motion or upon the filing of a motion by one of the parties including the minor, the court shall conduct a hearing to determine whether the minor should be tried and sentenced as a delinquent minor under this Article. In making its determination, the court shall consider among other matters:

(a) The age of the minor;

(b) Any previous delinquent or criminal history of the minor;

(c) Any previous abuse or neglect history of the minor;

(d) Any mental health or educational history of the minor, or both; and

(e) Whether there is probable cause to support the charge, whether the minor is charged through accountability, and whether there is evidence the minor possessed a deadly weapon or caused serious bodily harm during the offense.

Any material that is relevant and reliable shall be admissible at the hearing. In all cases, the judge shall enter an order permitting prosecution under the criminal laws of Illinois unless the judge makes a finding based on a preponderance of the evidence that the minor would be amenable to the care, treatment, and training programs available through the facilities of the juvenile court based on an evaluation of the factors listed in this subsection (10).

(11) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 98-61, eff. 1-1-14; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14; 99-258, eff. 1-1-16.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-145)

Sec. 5-145. Cooperation of agencies; Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program.

(a) The Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program (SHOCAP) is a multi-disciplinary interagency case management and information sharing system that enables the juvenile justice system, schools, and social service agencies to make more informed decisions regarding a small number of juveniles who repeatedly commit serious delinquent acts.

(b) Each county in the State of Illinois, other than Cook County, may establish a multi-disciplinary agency (SHOCAP) committee. In Cook County, each subcircuit or group of subcircuits may establish a multi-disciplinary agency (SHOCAP) committee. The committee shall consist of representatives from the following agencies: local law enforcement, area school district, state's attorney's office, and court services (probation).

The chairperson chairman may appoint additional members to the committee as deemed appropriate to accomplish the goals of this program, including, but not limited to, representatives from the juvenile detention center, mental health, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services and community representatives at large.

(c) The SHOCAP committee shall adopt, by a majority of the members:

(1) criteria that will identify those who qualify as a serious habitual juvenile offender; and

(2) a written interagency information sharing agreement to be signed by the chief executive officer of each of the agencies represented on the committee. The interagency information sharing agreement shall include a provision that requires that all records pertaining to a serious habitual offender (SHO) shall be confidential. Disclosure of information may be made to other staff from member agencies as authorized by the SHOCAP committee for the furtherance of case management and tracking of the SHO. Staff from the member agencies who receive this information shall be governed by the confidentiality provisions of this Act. The staff from the member agencies who will qualify to have access to the SHOCAP information must be limited to those individuals who provide direct services to the SHO or who provide supervision of the SHO.

(d) The Chief Juvenile Circuit Judge, or the Chief Circuit Judge, or the his or her designee of the Chief Juvenile Circuit Judge or Chief Circuit Judge, may issue a comprehensive information sharing court order. The court order shall allow agencies who are represented on the SHOCAP committee and whose chief executive officer has signed the interagency information sharing agreement to provide and disclose information to the SHOCAP committee. The sharing of information will ensure the coordination and cooperation of all agencies represented in providing case management and enhancing the effectiveness of the SHOCAP efforts.

(e) Any person or agency who is participating in good faith in the sharing of SHOCAP information under this Act shall have immunity from any liability, civil, criminal, or otherwise, that might result by reason of the type of information exchanged. For the purpose of any proceedings, civil or criminal, the good faith of any person or agency permitted to share SHOCAP information under this Act shall be presumed.

(f) All reports concerning SHOCAP clients made available to members of the SHOCAP committee and all records generated from these reports shall be confidential and shall not be disclosed, except as specifically authorized by this Act or other applicable law. It is a Class A misdemeanor to permit, assist, or encourage the unauthorized release of any information contained in SHOCAP reports or records.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-150)

Sec. 5-150. Admissibility of evidence and adjudications in other proceedings.

(1) Evidence and adjudications in proceedings under this Act shall be admissible:

(a) in subsequent proceedings under this Act concerning the same minor; or

(b) in criminal proceedings when the court is to determine the conditions of pretrial release, fitness of the defendant or in sentencing under the Unified Code of Corrections; or

(c) in proceedings under this Act or in criminal proceedings in which anyone who has been adjudicated delinquent under Section 5-105 is to be a witness including the minor or defendant if the minor or defendant he or she testifies, and then only for purposes of impeachment and pursuant to the rules of evidence for criminal trials; or

(d) in civil proceedings concerning causes of action arising out of the incident or incidents which initially gave rise to the proceedings under this Act.

(2) No adjudication or disposition under this Act shall operate to disqualify a minor from subsequently holding public office nor shall operate as a forfeiture of any right, privilege or right to receive any license granted by public authority.

(3) The court which adjudicated that a minor has committed any offense relating to motor vehicles prescribed in Sections 4-102 and 4-103 of the Illinois Vehicle Code shall notify the Secretary of State of that adjudication and the notice shall constitute sufficient grounds for revoking that minor's driver's license or permit as provided in Section 6-205 of the Illinois Vehicle Code; no minor shall be considered a criminal by reason thereof, nor shall any such adjudication be considered a conviction.

(Source: P.A. 101-652, eff. 1-1-23.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-155)

Sec. 5-155. Any weapon in possession of a minor found to be a delinquent under Section 5-105 for an offense involving the use of a weapon or for being in possession of a weapon during the commission of an offense shall be confiscated and disposed of by the juvenile court whether the weapon is the property of the minor or the minor's his or her parent or guardian. Disposition of the weapon by the court shall be in accordance with Section 24-6 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-160)

Sec. 5-160. Liability for injury, loss, or tortious acts. Neither the State or any unit of local government, probation department, or public or community service program or site, nor any official, volunteer, or employee of the State or a unit of local government, probation department, public or community service program or site acting in the course of performing his or her official duties shall be liable for any injury or loss a person might receive while performing public or community service as ordered either (1) by the court or (2) by any duly authorized station adjustment or probation adjustment, teen court, community mediation, or other administrative diversion program authorized by this Act for a violation of a penal statute of this State or a local government ordinance (whether penal, civil, or quasi-criminal) or for a traffic offense, nor shall they be liable for any tortious acts of any person performing public or community service, except for willful wilful, wanton misconduct or gross negligence on the part of the governmental unit, probation department, or public or community service program or site or on the part of the official, volunteer, or employee.

(Source: P.A. 91-820, eff. 6-13-00; 92-16, eff. 6-28-01.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-170)

Sec. 5-170. Representation by counsel.

(a) In a proceeding under this Article, a minor who was under 15 years of age at the time of the commission of an act that if committed by an adult would be a violation of Section 9-1, 9-1.2, 9-2, 9-2.1, 9-3, 9-3.2, 9-3.3, 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15, or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 must be represented by counsel throughout the entire custodial interrogation of the minor.

(b) In a judicial proceeding under this Article, a minor may not waive the right to the assistance of counsel in the minor's his or her defense.

(Source: P.A. 99-882, eff. 1-1-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-301)

Sec. 5-301. Station adjustments. A minor arrested for any offense or a violation of a condition of previous station adjustment may receive a station adjustment for that arrest as provided herein. In deciding whether to impose a station adjustment, either informal or formal, a juvenile police officer shall consider the following factors:

(A) The seriousness of the alleged offense.

(B) The prior history of delinquency of the minor.

(C) The age of the minor.

(D) The culpability of the minor in committing the alleged offense.

(E) Whether the offense was committed in an aggressive or premeditated manner.

(F) Whether the minor used or possessed a deadly weapon when committing the alleged offenses.

(1) Informal station adjustment.

(a) An informal station adjustment is defined as a procedure when a juvenile police officer determines that there is probable cause to believe that the minor has committed an offense.

(b) A minor shall receive no more than 3 informal station adjustments statewide for a misdemeanor offense within 3 years without prior approval from the State's Attorney's Office.

(c) A minor shall receive no more than 3 informal station adjustments statewide for a felony offense within 3 years without prior approval from the State's Attorney's Office.

(d) A minor shall receive a combined total of no more than 5 informal station adjustments statewide during the person's his or her minority.

(e) The juvenile police officer may make reasonable conditions of an informal station adjustment which may include but are not limited to:

(i) Curfew.

(ii) Conditions restricting entry into designated geographical areas.

(iii) No contact with specified persons.

(iv) School attendance.

(v) Performing up to 25 hours of community service work.

(vi) Community mediation.

(vii) Teen court or a peer court.

(viii) Restitution limited to 90 days.

(f) If the minor refuses or fails to abide by the conditions of an informal station adjustment, the juvenile police officer may impose a formal station adjustment or refer the matter to the State's Attorney's Office.

(g) An informal station adjustment does not constitute an adjudication of delinquency or a criminal conviction. Beginning January 1, 2000, a record shall be maintained with the Illinois State Police for informal station adjustments for offenses that would be a felony if committed by an adult, and may be maintained if the offense would be a misdemeanor.

(2) Formal station adjustment.

(a) A formal station adjustment is defined as a procedure when a juvenile police officer determines that there is probable cause to believe the minor has committed an offense and an admission by the minor of involvement in the offense.

(b) The minor and parent, guardian, or legal custodian must agree in writing to the formal station adjustment and must be advised of the consequences of violation of any term of the agreement.

(c) The minor and parent, guardian or legal custodian shall be provided a copy of the signed agreement of the formal station adjustment. The agreement shall include:

(i) The offense which formed the basis of the formal station adjustment.

(ii) An acknowledgment that the terms of the formal station adjustment and the consequences for violation have been explained.

(iii) An acknowledgment that the formal station adjustments record may be expunged under Section 5-915 of this Act.

(iv) An acknowledgment that the minor understands that the minor's his or her admission of involvement in the offense may be admitted into evidence in future court hearings.

(v) A statement that all parties understand the terms and conditions of formal station adjustment and agree to the formal station adjustment process.

(d) Conditions of the formal station adjustment may include, but are not limited to:

(i) The time shall not exceed 120 days.

(ii) The minor shall not violate any laws.

(iii) The juvenile police officer may require the minor to comply with additional conditions for the formal station adjustment which may include but are not limited to:

(a) Attending school.

(b) Abiding by a set curfew.

(c) Payment of restitution.

(d) Refraining from possessing a firearm or other weapon.

(e) Reporting to a police officer at designated times and places, including reporting and verification that the minor is at home at designated hours.

(f) Performing up to 25 hours of community service work.

(g) Refraining from entering designated geographical areas.

(h) Participating in community mediation.

(i) Participating in teen court or peer court.

(j) Refraining from contact with specified persons.

(e) A formal station adjustment does not constitute an adjudication of delinquency or a criminal conviction. Beginning January 1, 2000, a record shall be maintained with the Illinois State Police for formal station adjustments.

(f) A minor or the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, or both the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, may refuse a formal station adjustment and have the matter referred for court action or other appropriate action.

(g) A minor or the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, or both the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, may within 30 days of the commencement of the formal station adjustment revoke their consent and have the matter referred for court action or other appropriate action. This revocation must be in writing and personally served upon the police officer or the police officer's his or her supervisor.

(h) The admission of the minor as to involvement in the offense shall be admissible at further court hearings as long as the statement would be admissible under the rules of evidence.

(i) If the minor violates any term or condition of the formal station adjustment the juvenile police officer shall provide written notice of violation to the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian. After consultation with the minor and the minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian, the juvenile police officer may take any of the following steps upon violation:

(i) Warn the minor of consequences of continued violations and continue the formal station adjustment.

(ii) Extend the period of the formal station adjustment up to a total of 180 days.

(iii) Extend the hours of community service work up to a total of 40 hours.

(iv) Terminate the formal station adjustment unsatisfactorily and take no other action.

(v) Terminate the formal station adjustment unsatisfactorily and refer the matter to the juvenile court.

(j) A minor shall receive no more than 2 formal station adjustments statewide for a felony offense without the State's Attorney's approval within a 3 year period.

(k) A minor shall receive no more than 3 formal station adjustments statewide for a misdemeanor offense without the State's Attorney's approval within a 3 year period.

(l) The total for formal station adjustments statewide within the period of minority may not exceed 4 without the State's Attorney's approval.

(m) If the minor is arrested in a jurisdiction where the minor does not reside, the formal station adjustment may be transferred to the jurisdiction where the minor does reside upon written agreement of that jurisdiction to monitor the formal station adjustment.

(3) Beginning January 1, 2000, the juvenile police officer making a station adjustment shall assure that information about any offense which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult and may assure that information about a misdemeanor is transmitted to the Illinois State Police.

(4) The total number of station adjustments, both formal and informal, shall not exceed 9 without the State's Attorney's approval for any minor arrested anywhere in the State.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-305)

Sec. 5-305. Probation adjustment.

(1) The court may authorize the probation officer to confer in a preliminary conference with a minor who is alleged to have committed an offense, the minor's his or her parent, guardian or legal custodian, the victim, the juvenile police officer, the State's Attorney, and other interested persons concerning the advisability of filing a petition under Section 5-520, with a view to adjusting suitable cases without the filing of a petition as provided for in this Article, the probation officer should schedule a conference promptly except when the State's Attorney insists on court action or when the minor has indicated that the minor he or she will demand a judicial hearing and will not comply with a probation adjustment.

(1-b) In any case of a minor who is in custody, the holding of a probation adjustment conference does not operate to prolong temporary custody beyond the period permitted by Section 5-415.

(2) This Section does not authorize any probation officer to compel any person to appear at any conference, produce any papers, or visit any place.

(3) No statement made during a preliminary conference in regard to the offense that is the subject of the conference may be admitted into evidence at an adjudicatory hearing or at any proceeding against the minor under the criminal laws of this State prior to the minor's his or her conviction under those laws.

(4) When a probation adjustment is appropriate, the probation officer shall promptly formulate a written, non-judicial adjustment plan following the initial conference.

(5) Non-judicial probation adjustment plans include but are not limited to the following:

(a) up to 6 months informal supervision within the family;

(b) up to 12 months informal supervision with a probation officer involved which may include any conditions of probation provided in Section 5-715;

(c) up to 6 months informal supervision with release to a person other than a parent;

(d) referral to special educational, counseling, or other rehabilitative social or educational programs;

(e) referral to residential treatment programs;

(f) participation in a public or community service program or activity; and

(g) any other appropriate action with the consent of the minor and a parent.

(6) The factors to be considered by the probation officer in formulating a non-judicial probation adjustment plan shall be the same as those limited in subsection (4) of Section 5-405.

(7) Beginning January 1, 2000, the probation officer who imposes a probation adjustment plan shall assure that information about an offense which would constitute a felony if committed by an adult, and may assure that information about a misdemeanor offense, is transmitted to the Illinois State Police.

(8) If the minor fails to comply with any term or condition of the non-judicial probation adjustment, the matter shall be referred to the State's Attorney for determination of whether a petition under this Article shall be filed.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-310)

Sec. 5-310. Community mediation program.

(1) Program purpose. The purpose of community mediation is to provide a system by which minors who commit delinquent acts may be dealt with in a speedy and informal manner at the community or neighborhood level. The goal is to make the juvenile understand the seriousness of the juvenile's his or her actions and the effect that a crime has on the minor, the minor's his or her family, the minor's his or her victim and the minor's his or her community. In addition, this system offers a method to reduce the ever-increasing instances of delinquent acts while permitting the judicial system to deal effectively with cases that are more serious in nature.

(2) Community mediation panels. The State's Attorney, or an entity designated by the State's Attorney, may establish community mediation programs designed to provide citizen participation in addressing juvenile delinquency. The State's Attorney, or the State's Attorney's his or her designee, shall maintain a list of qualified persons who have agreed to serve as community mediators. To the maximum extent possible, panel membership shall reflect the social-economic, racial and ethnic make-up of the community in which the panel sits. The panel shall consist of members with a diverse background in employment, education and life experience.

(3) Community mediation cases.

(a) Community mediation programs shall provide one or more community mediation panels to informally hear cases that are referred by a police officer as a station adjustment, or a probation officer as a probation adjustment, or referred by the State's Attorney as a diversion from prosecution.

(b) Minors who are offered the opportunity to participate in the program must admit responsibility for the offense to be eligible for the program.

(4) Disposition of cases. Subsequent to any hearing held, the community mediation panel may:

(a) Refer the minor for placement in a community-based nonresidential program.

(b) Refer the minor or the minor's family to community counseling.

(c) Require the minor to perform up to 100 hours of community service.

(d) Require the minor to make restitution in money or in kind in a case involving property damage; however, the amount of restitution shall not exceed the amount of actual damage to property.

(e) Require the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian to undergo an approved screening for substance abuse or use, or both. If the screening indicates a need, a drug and alcohol assessment of the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian shall be conducted by an entity licensed by the Department of Human Services, as a successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse. The minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian shall adhere to and complete all recommendations to obtain drug and alcohol treatment and counseling resulting from the assessment.

(f) Require the minor to attend school.

(g) Require the minor to attend tutorial sessions.

(h) Impose any other restrictions or sanctions that are designed to encourage responsible and acceptable behavior and are agreed upon by the participants of the community mediation proceedings.

(5) The agreement shall run no more than 6 months. All community mediation panel members and observers are required to sign the following oath of confidentiality prior to commencing community mediation proceedings:

"I solemnly swear or affirm that I will not divulge, either by words or signs, any information about the case which comes to my knowledge in the course of a community mediation presentation and that I will keep secret all proceedings which may be held in my presence.

Further, I understand that if I break confidentiality by telling anyone else the names of community mediation participants, except for information pertaining to the community mediation panelists themselves, or any other specific details of the case which may identify that juvenile, I will no longer be able to serve as a community mediation panel member or observer."

(6) The State's Attorney shall adopt rules and procedures governing administration of the program.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-401)

Sec. 5-401. Arrest and taking into custody of a minor.

(1) A law enforcement officer may, without a warrant,

(a) arrest a minor whom the officer with probable cause believes to be a delinquent minor; or

(b) take into custody a minor who has been adjudged a ward of the court and has escaped from any commitment ordered by the court under this Act; or

(c) take into custody a minor whom the officer reasonably believes has violated the conditions of probation or supervision ordered by the court.

(2) Whenever a petition has been filed under Section 5-520 and the court finds that the conduct and behavior of the minor may endanger the health, person, welfare, or property of the minor or others or that the circumstances of the minor's his or her home environment may endanger the minor's his or her health, person, welfare or property, a warrant may be issued immediately to take the minor into custody.

(3) Except for minors accused of violation of an order of the court, any minor accused of any act under federal or State law, or a municipal or county ordinance that would not be illegal if committed by an adult, cannot be placed in a jail, municipal lockup, detention center, or secure correctional facility. Juveniles accused with underage consumption and underage possession of alcohol or cannabis cannot be placed in a jail, municipal lockup, detention center, or correctional facility.

(Source: P.A. 101-27, eff. 6-25-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-401.5)

Sec. 5-401.5. When statements by minor may be used.

(a) In this Section, "custodial interrogation" means any interrogation (i) during which a reasonable person in the subject's position would consider the subject himself or herself to be in custody and (ii) during which a question is asked that is reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response.

In this Section, "electronic recording" includes motion picture, audiotape, videotape, or digital recording.

In this Section, "place of detention" means a building or a police station that is a place of operation for a municipal police department or county sheriff department or other law enforcement agency at which persons are or may be held in detention in connection with criminal charges against those persons or allegations that those persons are delinquent minors.

(a-5) An oral, written, or sign language statement of a minor, who at the time of the commission of the offense was under 18 years of age, is presumed to be inadmissible when the statement is obtained from the minor while the minor is subject to custodial interrogation by a law enforcement officer, State's Attorney, juvenile officer, or other public official or employee prior to the officer, State's Attorney, public official, or employee:

(1) continuously reads to the minor, in its entirety and without stopping for purposes of a response from the minor or verifying comprehension, the following statement: "You have the right to remain silent. That means you do not have to say anything. Anything you do say can be used against you in court. You have the right to get help from a lawyer. If you cannot pay for a lawyer, the court will get you one for free. You can ask for a lawyer at any time. You have the right to stop this interview at any time."; and

(2) after reading the statement required by paragraph (1) of this subsection (a-5), the public official or employee shall ask the minor the following questions and wait for the minor's response to each question:

(A) "Do you want to have a lawyer?"

(B) "Do you want to talk to me?"

(b) An oral, written, or sign language statement of a minor who, at the time of the commission of the offense was under the age of 18 years, made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 99th General Assembly shall be presumed to be inadmissible as evidence against the minor in any criminal proceeding or juvenile court proceeding, for an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor offense under Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or any felony offense unless:

(1) an electronic recording is made of the custodial interrogation; and

(2) the recording is substantially accurate and not intentionally altered.

(b-5) (Blank).

(b-10) If, during the course of an electronically recorded custodial interrogation conducted under this Section of a minor who, at the time of the commission of the offense was under the age of 18 years, the minor makes a statement that creates a reasonable suspicion to believe the minor has committed an act that if committed by an adult would be an offense other than an offense required to be recorded under subsection (b), the interrogators may, without the minor's consent, continue to record the interrogation as it relates to the other offense notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary. Any oral, written, or sign language statement of a minor made as a result of an interrogation under this subsection shall be presumed to be inadmissible as evidence against the minor in any criminal proceeding or juvenile court proceeding, unless the recording is substantially accurate and not intentionally altered.

(c) Every electronic recording made under this Section must be preserved until such time as the minor's adjudication for any offense relating to the statement is final and all direct and habeas corpus appeals are exhausted, or the prosecution of such offenses is barred by law.

(d) If the court finds, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the minor was subjected to a custodial interrogation in violation of this Section, then any statements made by the minor during or following that non-recorded custodial interrogation, even if otherwise in compliance with this Section, are presumed to be inadmissible in any criminal proceeding or juvenile court proceeding against the minor except for the purposes of impeachment.

(e) Nothing in this Section precludes the admission (i) of a statement made by the minor in open court in any criminal proceeding or juvenile court proceeding, before a grand jury, or at a preliminary hearing, (ii) of a statement made during a custodial interrogation that was not recorded as required by this Section because electronic recording was not feasible, (iii) of a voluntary statement, whether or not the result of a custodial interrogation, that has a bearing on the credibility of the accused as a witness, (iv) of a spontaneous statement that is not made in response to a question, (v) of a statement made after questioning that is routinely asked during the processing of the arrest of the suspect, (vi) of a statement made during a custodial interrogation by a suspect who requests, prior to making the statement, to respond to the interrogator's questions only if an electronic recording is not made of the statement, provided that an electronic recording is made of the statement of agreeing to respond to the interrogator's question, only if a recording is not made of the statement, (vii) of a statement made during a custodial interrogation that is conducted out-of-state, (viii) of a statement given in violation of subsection (b) at a time when the interrogators are unaware that a death has in fact occurred, (ix) (blank), or (x) of any other statement that may be admissible under law. The State shall bear the burden of proving, by a preponderance of the evidence, that one of the exceptions described in this subsection (e) is applicable. Nothing in this Section precludes the admission of a statement, otherwise inadmissible under this Section, that is used only for impeachment and not as substantive evidence.

(f) The presumption of inadmissibility of a statement made by a suspect at a custodial interrogation at a police station or other place of detention may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence that the statement was voluntarily given and is reliable, based on the totality of the circumstances.

(g) Any electronic recording of any statement made by a minor during a custodial interrogation that is compiled by any law enforcement agency as required by this Section for the purposes of fulfilling the requirements of this Section shall be confidential and exempt from public inspection and copying, as provided under Section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act, and the information shall not be transmitted to anyone except as needed to comply with this Section.

(h) A statement, admission, confession, or incriminating information made by or obtained from a minor related to the instant offense, as part of any behavioral health screening, assessment, evaluation, or treatment, whether or not court-ordered, shall not be admissible as evidence against the minor on the issue of guilt only in the instant juvenile court proceeding. The provisions of this subsection (h) are in addition to and do not override any existing statutory and constitutional prohibition on the admission into evidence in delinquency proceedings of information obtained during screening, assessment, or treatment.

(i) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to statements of a minor made on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 98-61, eff. 1-1-14; 98-547, eff. 1-1-14; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14; 99-882, eff. 1-1-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-401.6)

Sec. 5-401.6. Prohibition of deceptive tactics.

(a) In this Section:

"Custodial interrogation" means any interrogation (i) during which a reasonable person in the subject's position would consider the subject himself or herself to be in custody and (ii) during which a question is asked that is reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response.

"Deception" means the knowing communication of false facts about evidence or unauthorized statements regarding leniency by a law enforcement officer or juvenile officer to a subject of custodial interrogation.

"Place of detention" means a building or a police station that is a place of operation for a municipal police department or county sheriff department or other law enforcement agency at which persons are or may be held in detention in connection with criminal charges against those persons or allegations that those persons are delinquent minors.

(b) An oral, written, or sign language confession of a minor, who at the time of the commission of the offense was under 18 years of age, made as a result of a custodial interrogation conducted at a police station or other place of detention on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of the 102nd General Assembly shall be presumed to be inadmissible as evidence against the minor making the confession in a criminal proceeding or a juvenile court proceeding for an act that if committed by an adult would be a misdemeanor offense under Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012 or a felony offense under the Criminal Code of 2012 if, during the custodial interrogation, a law enforcement officer or juvenile officer knowingly engages in deception.

(c) The presumption of inadmissibility of a confession of a minor, who at the time of the commission of the offense was under 18 years of age, at a custodial interrogation at a police station or other place of detention, when such confession is procured through the knowing use of deception, may be overcome by a preponderance of the evidence that the confession was voluntarily given, based on the totality of the circumstances.

(d) The burden of going forward with the evidence and the burden of proving that a confession was voluntary shall be on the State. Objection to the failure of the State to call all material witnesses on the issue of whether the confession was voluntary must be made in the trial court.

(Source: P.A. 102-101, eff. 1-1-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-405)

Sec. 5-405. Duty of officer; admissions by minor.

(1) A law enforcement officer who arrests a minor with a warrant shall immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been arrested and where the minor he or she is being held. The minor shall be delivered without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors.

(2) A law enforcement officer who arrests a minor without a warrant under Section 5-401 shall, if the minor is not released, immediately make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides that the minor has been arrested and where the minor is being held; and the law enforcement officer shall without unnecessary delay take the minor to the nearest juvenile police officer designated for these purposes in the county of venue or shall surrender the minor to a juvenile police officer in the city or village where the offense is alleged to have been committed. If a minor is taken into custody for an offense which would be a misdemeanor if committed by an adult, the law enforcement officer, upon determining the true identity of the minor, may release the minor to the parent or other person legally responsible for the minor's care or the person with whom the minor resides. If a minor is so released, the law enforcement officer shall promptly notify a juvenile police officer of the circumstances of the custody and release.

(3) The juvenile police officer may take one of the following actions:

(a) station adjustment and release of the minor;

(b) release the minor to the minor's his or her parents and refer the case to Juvenile Court;

(c) if the juvenile police officer reasonably believes that there is an urgent and immediate necessity to keep the minor in custody, the juvenile police officer shall deliver the minor without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors;

(d) any other appropriate action with consent of the minor or a parent.

(4) The factors to be considered in determining whether to release or keep a minor in custody shall include:

(a) the nature of the allegations against the minor;

(b) the minor's history and present situation;

(c) the history of the minor's family and the family's present situation;

(d) the educational and employment status of the minor;

(e) the availability of special resource or community services to aid or counsel the minor;

(f) the minor's past involvement with and progress in social programs;

(g) the attitude of complainant and community toward the minor; and

(h) the present attitude of the minor and family.

(5) The records of law enforcement officers concerning all minors taken into custody under this Act shall be maintained separate from the records of arrests of adults and may not be inspected by or disclosed to the public except pursuant to Section 5-901 and Section 5-905.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-407)

Sec. 5-407. Processing of juvenile in possession of a firearm.

(a) If a law enforcement officer detains a minor pursuant to Section 10-27.1A of the School Code, the officer shall deliver the minor to the nearest juvenile officer, in the manner prescribed by subsection (2) of Section 5-405 of this Act. The juvenile officer shall deliver the minor without unnecessary delay to the court or to the place designated by rule or order of court for the reception of minors. In no event shall the minor be eligible for any other disposition by the juvenile police officer, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (3) of Section 5-405 of this Act.

(b) Minors shall be brought before a judicial officer within 40 hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and court-designated holidays, for a detention hearing to determine whether the minor he or she shall be further held in custody. If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor by virtue of the minor's his or her violation of item (4) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 while on school grounds, that finding shall create a presumption that immediate and urgent necessity exists under subdivision (2) of Section 5-501 of this Act. Once the presumption of immediate and urgent necessity has been raised, the burden of demonstrating the lack of immediate and urgent necessity shall be on any party that is opposing detention for the minor. Should the court order detention pursuant to this Section, the minor shall be detained, pending the results of a court-ordered psychological evaluation to determine if the minor is a risk to the minor himself, herself, or others. Upon receipt of the psychological evaluation, the court shall review the determination regarding the existence of urgent and immediate necessity. The court shall consider the psychological evaluation in conjunction with the other factors identified in subdivision (2) of Section 5-501 of this Act in order to make a de novo determination regarding whether it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another that the minor be detained or placed in a shelter care facility. In addition to the pre-trial conditions found in Section 5-505 of this Act, the court may order the minor to receive counseling and any other services recommended by the psychological evaluation as a condition for release of the minor.

(c) Upon making a determination that the student presents a risk to the student himself, herself, or others, the court shall issue an order restraining the student from entering the property of the school if the student he or she has been suspended or expelled from the school as a result of possessing a firearm. The order shall restrain the student from entering the school and school owned or leased property, including any conveyance owned, leased, or contracted by the school to transport students to or from school or a school-related activity. The order shall remain in effect until such time as the court determines that the student no longer presents a risk to the student himself, herself, or others.

(d) Psychological evaluations ordered pursuant to subsection (b) of this Section and statements made by the minor during the course of these evaluations, shall not be admissible on the issue of delinquency during the course of any adjudicatory hearing held under this Act.

(e) In this Section:

"School" means any public or private elementary or secondary school.

"School grounds" includes the real property comprising any school, any conveyance owned, leased, or contracted by a school to transport students to or from school or a school-related activity, or any public way within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising any school.

(Source: P.A. 99-258, eff. 1-1-16.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-410)

Sec. 5-410. Non-secure custody or detention.

(1) Any minor arrested or taken into custody pursuant to this Act who requires care away from the minor's his or her home but who does not require physical restriction shall be given temporary care in a foster family home or other shelter facility designated by the court.

(2) (a) Any minor 10 years of age or older arrested pursuant to this Act where there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor and that (i) secure custody is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another, (ii) the minor is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, or (iii) the minor was taken into custody under a warrant, may be kept or detained in an authorized detention facility. A minor under 13 years of age shall not be admitted, kept, or detained in a detention facility unless a local youth service provider, including a provider through the Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services network, has been contacted and has not been able to accept the minor. No minor under 12 years of age shall be detained in a county jail or a municipal lockup for more than 6 hours.

(a-5) For a minor arrested or taken into custody for vehicular hijacking or aggravated vehicular hijacking, a previous finding of delinquency for vehicular hijacking or aggravated vehicular hijacking shall be given greater weight in determining whether secured custody of a minor is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another.

(b) The written authorization of the probation officer or detention officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) constitutes authority for the superintendent of any juvenile detention home to detain and keep a minor for up to 40 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-designated holidays. These records shall be available to the same persons and pursuant to the same conditions as are law enforcement records as provided in Section 5-905.

(b-4) The consultation required by paragraph (b-5) shall not be applicable if the probation officer or detention officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) utilizes a scorable detention screening instrument, which has been developed with input by the State's Attorney, to determine whether a minor should be detained, however, paragraph (b-5) shall still be applicable where no such screening instrument is used or where the probation officer, detention officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) deviates from the screening instrument.

(b-5) Subject to the provisions of paragraph (b-4), if a probation officer or detention officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) does not intend to detain a minor for an offense which constitutes one of the following offenses, the probation officer or detention officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) he or she shall consult with the State's Attorney's Office prior to the release of the minor: first degree murder, second degree murder, involuntary manslaughter, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, aggravated battery with a firearm as described in Section 12-4.2 or subdivision (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), or (e)(4) of Section 12-3.05, aggravated or heinous battery involving permanent disability or disfigurement or great bodily harm, robbery, aggravated robbery, armed robbery, vehicular hijacking, aggravated vehicular hijacking, vehicular invasion, arson, aggravated arson, kidnapping, aggravated kidnapping, home invasion, burglary, or residential burglary.

(c) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (a), (d), or (e), no minor shall be detained in a county jail or municipal lockup for more than 12 hours, unless the offense is a crime of violence in which case the minor may be detained up to 24 hours. For the purpose of this paragraph, "crime of violence" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1-10 of the Alcoholism and Other Drug Abuse and Dependency Act.

(i) The period of detention is deemed to have begun once the minor has been placed in a locked room or cell or handcuffed to a stationary object in a building housing a county jail or municipal lockup. Time spent transporting a minor is not considered to be time in detention or secure custody.

(ii) Any minor so confined shall be under periodic supervision and shall not be permitted to come into or remain in contact with adults in custody in the building.

(iii) Upon placement in secure custody in a jail or lockup, the minor shall be informed of the purpose of the detention, the time it is expected to last and the fact that it cannot exceed the time specified under this Act.

(iv) A log shall be kept which shows the offense which is the basis for the detention, the reasons and circumstances for the decision to detain, and the length of time the minor was in detention.

(v) Violation of the time limit on detention in a county jail or municipal lockup shall not, in and of itself, render inadmissible evidence obtained as a result of the violation of this time limit. Minors under 18 years of age shall be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room, or yard with adults confined pursuant to criminal law. Persons 18 years of age and older who have a petition of delinquency filed against them may be confined in an adult detention facility. In making a determination whether to confine a person 18 years of age or older who has a petition of delinquency filed against the person, these factors, among other matters, shall be considered:

(A) the age of the person;

(B) any previous delinquent or criminal history of the person;

(C) any previous abuse or neglect history of the person; and

(D) any mental health or educational history of the person, or both.

(d) (i) If a minor 12 years of age or older is confined in a county jail in a county with a population below 3,000,000 inhabitants, then the minor's confinement shall be implemented in such a manner that there will be no contact by sight, sound, or otherwise between the minor and adult prisoners. Minors 12 years of age or older must be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room, or yard with confined adults. This paragraph (d)(i) shall only apply to confinement pending an adjudicatory hearing and shall not exceed 40 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court-designated holidays. To accept or hold minors during this time period, county jails shall comply with all monitoring standards adopted by the Department of Corrections and training standards approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(ii) To accept or hold minors, 12 years of age or older, after the time period prescribed in paragraph (d)(i) of this subsection (2) of this Section but not exceeding 7 days including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays pending an adjudicatory hearing, county jails shall comply with all temporary detention standards adopted by the Department of Corrections and training standards approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(iii) To accept or hold minors 12 years of age or older, after the time period prescribed in paragraphs (d)(i) and (d)(ii) of this subsection (2) of this Section, county jails shall comply with all county juvenile detention standards adopted by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(e) When a minor who is at least 15 years of age is prosecuted under the criminal laws of this State, the court may enter an order directing that the juvenile be confined in the county jail. However, any juvenile confined in the county jail under this provision shall be separated from adults who are confined in the county jail in such a manner that there will be no contact by sight, sound or otherwise between the juvenile and adult prisoners.

(f) For purposes of appearing in a physical lineup, the minor may be taken to a county jail or municipal lockup under the direct and constant supervision of a juvenile police officer. During such time as is necessary to conduct a lineup, and while supervised by a juvenile police officer, the sight and sound separation provisions shall not apply.

(g) For purposes of processing a minor, the minor may be taken to a county jail or municipal lockup under the direct and constant supervision of a law enforcement officer or correctional officer. During such time as is necessary to process the minor, and while supervised by a law enforcement officer or correctional officer, the sight and sound separation provisions shall not apply.

(3) If the probation officer or State's Attorney (or such other public officer designated by the court in a county having 3,000,000 or more inhabitants) determines that the minor may be a delinquent minor as described in subsection (3) of Section 5-105, and should be retained in custody but does not require physical restriction, the minor may be placed in non-secure custody for up to 40 hours pending a detention hearing.

(4) Any minor taken into temporary custody, not requiring secure detention, may, however, be detained in the home of the minor's his or her parent or guardian subject to such conditions as the court may impose.

(5) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 100-745, eff. 8-10-18; 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-415)

Sec. 5-415. Setting of detention or shelter care hearing; release.

(1) Unless sooner released, a minor alleged to be a delinquent minor taken into temporary custody must be brought before a judicial officer within 40 hours for a detention or shelter care hearing to determine whether the minor he or she shall be further held in custody. If a minor alleged to be a delinquent minor taken into custody is hospitalized or is receiving treatment for a physical or mental condition, and is unable to be brought before a judicial officer for a detention or shelter care hearing, the 40 hour period will not commence until the minor is released from the hospital or place of treatment. If the minor gives false information to law enforcement officials regarding the minor's identity or age, the 40 hour period will not commence until the court rules that the minor is subject to this Act and not subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012. Any other delay attributable to a minor alleged to be a delinquent minor who is taken into temporary custody shall act to toll the 40 hour time period. The 40 hour time period shall be tolled to allow counsel for the minor to prepare for the detention or shelter care hearing, upon a motion filed by such counsel and granted by the court. In all cases, the 40 hour time period is exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and court-designated holidays.

(2) If the State's Attorney or probation officer (or other public officer designated by the court in a county having more than 3,000,000 inhabitants) determines that the minor should be retained in custody, the probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court he or she shall cause a petition to be filed as provided in Section 5-520 of this Article, and the clerk of the court shall set the matter for hearing on the detention or shelter care hearing calendar. Immediately upon the filing of a petition in the case of a minor retained in custody, the court shall cause counsel to be appointed to represent the minor. When a parent, legal guardian, custodian, or responsible relative is present and so requests, the detention or shelter care hearing shall be held immediately if the court is in session and the State is ready to proceed, otherwise at the earliest feasible time. In no event shall a detention or shelter care hearing be held until the minor has had adequate opportunity to consult with counsel. The probation officer or such other public officer designated by the court in a county having more than 3,000,000 inhabitants shall notify the minor's parent, legal guardian, custodian, or responsible relative of the time and place of the hearing. The notice may be given orally.

(3) The minor must be released from custody at the expiration of the 40 hour period specified by this Section if not brought before a judicial officer within that period.

(4) After the initial 40 hour period has lapsed, the court may review the minor's custodial status at any time prior to the trial or sentencing hearing. If during this time period new or additional information becomes available concerning the minor's conduct, the court may conduct a hearing to determine whether the minor should be placed in a detention or shelter care facility. If the court finds that there is probable cause that the minor is a delinquent minor and that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another, or that the minor he or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, the court may order that the minor be placed in detention or shelter care.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-501)

Sec. 5-501. Detention or shelter care hearing. At the appearance of the minor before the court at the detention or shelter care hearing, the court shall receive all relevant information and evidence, including affidavits concerning the allegations made in the petition. Evidence used by the court in its findings or stated in or offered in connection with this Section may be by way of proffer based on reliable information offered by the State or minor. All evidence shall be admissible if it is relevant and reliable regardless of whether it would be admissible under the rules of evidence applicable at a trial. No hearing may be held unless the minor is represented by counsel and no hearing shall be held until the minor has had adequate opportunity to consult with counsel.

(1) If the court finds that there is not probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor, it shall release the minor and dismiss the petition.

(2) If the court finds that there is probable cause to believe that the minor is a delinquent minor, the minor, the minor's his or her parent, guardian, custodian and other persons able to give relevant testimony may be examined before the court. The court may also consider any evidence by way of proffer based upon reliable information offered by the State or the minor. All evidence, including affidavits, shall be admissible if it is relevant and reliable regardless of whether it would be admissible under the rules of evidence applicable at trial. After such evidence is presented, the court may enter an order that the minor shall be released upon the request of a parent, guardian or legal custodian if the parent, guardian or custodian appears to take custody.

If the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another that the minor be detained or placed in a shelter care facility or that the minor he or she is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, the court may prescribe detention or shelter care and order that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the court or in a shelter care facility designated by the Department of Children and Family Services or a licensed child welfare agency; otherwise it shall release the minor from custody. If the court prescribes shelter care, then in placing the minor, the Department or other agency shall, to the extent compatible with the court's order, comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act. In making the determination of the existence of immediate and urgent necessity, the court shall consider among other matters: (a) the nature and seriousness of the alleged offense; (b) the minor's record of delinquency offenses, including whether the minor has delinquency cases pending; (c) the minor's record of willful failure to appear following the issuance of a summons or warrant; (d) the availability of non-custodial alternatives, including the presence of a parent, guardian or other responsible relative able and willing to provide supervision and care for the minor and to assure the minor's his or her compliance with a summons. If the minor is ordered placed in a shelter care facility of a licensed child welfare agency, the court shall, upon request of the agency, appoint the appropriate agency executive temporary custodian of the minor and the court may enter such other orders related to the temporary custody of the minor as it deems fit and proper.

If the court prescribes detention, and the minor is a youth in care of the Department of Children and Family Services, a hearing shall be held every 14 days to determine whether there is an urgent and immediate necessity to detain the minor for the protection of the person or property of another. If urgent and immediate necessity is not found on the basis of the protection of the person or property of another, the minor shall be released to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. If the court prescribes detention based on the minor being likely to flee the jurisdiction, and the minor is a youth in care of the Department of Children and Family Services, a hearing shall be held every 7 days for status on the location of shelter care placement by the Department of Children and Family Services. Detention shall not be used as a shelter care placement for minors in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services.

The order together with the court's findings of fact in support of the order shall be entered of record in the court.

Once the court finds that it is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor that the minor be placed in a shelter care facility, the minor shall not be returned to the parent, custodian or guardian until the court finds that the placement is no longer necessary for the protection of the minor.

(3) Only when there is reasonable cause to believe that the minor taken into custody is a delinquent minor may the minor be kept or detained in a facility authorized for juvenile detention. This Section shall in no way be construed to limit subsection (4).

(4) (a) Minors 12 years of age or older must be kept separate from confined adults and may not at any time be kept in the same cell, room or yard with confined adults. This paragraph (4) shall only apply to confinement pending an adjudicatory hearing and shall not exceed 40 hours, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and court designated holidays. To accept or hold minors during this time period, county jails shall comply with all monitoring standards adopted by the Department of Corrections and training standards approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(b) To accept or hold minors, 12 years of age or older, after the time period prescribed in clause (a) of subsection (4) of this Section but not exceeding 7 days including Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, pending an adjudicatory hearing, county jails shall comply with all temporary detention standards adopted by the Department of Corrections and training standards approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board.

(c) To accept or hold minors 12 years of age or older after the time period prescribed in clause (a) and (b) of this subsection, county jails shall comply with all county juvenile detention standards adopted by the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(5) If the minor is not brought before a judicial officer within the time period as specified in Section 5-415, the minor must immediately be released from custody.

(6) If neither the parent, guardian, or legal custodian appears within 24 hours to take custody of a minor released from detention or shelter care, then the clerk of the court shall set the matter for rehearing not later than 7 days after the original order and shall issue a summons directed to the parent, guardian, or legal custodian to appear. At the same time the probation department shall prepare a report on the minor. If a parent, guardian, or legal custodian does not appear at such rehearing, the judge may enter an order prescribing that the minor be kept in a suitable place designated by the Department of Human Services or a licensed child welfare agency. The time during which a minor is in custody after being released upon the request of a parent, guardian, or legal custodian shall be considered as time spent in detention for purposes of scheduling the trial.

(7) Any party, including the State, the temporary custodian, an agency providing services to the minor or family under a service plan pursuant to Section 8.2 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, foster parent, or any of their representatives, may file a motion to modify or vacate a temporary custody order or vacate a detention or shelter care order on any of the following grounds:

(a) It is no longer a matter of immediate and urgent necessity that the minor remain in detention or shelter care; or

(b) There is a material change in the circumstances of the natural family from which the minor was removed; or

(c) A person, including a parent, relative, or legal guardian, is capable of assuming temporary custody of the minor; or

(d) Services provided by the Department of Children and Family Services or a child welfare agency or other service provider have been successful in eliminating the need for temporary custody.

The clerk shall set the matter for hearing not later than 14 days after such motion is filed. In the event that the court modifies or vacates a temporary order but does not vacate its finding of probable cause, the court may order that appropriate services be continued or initiated on behalf of the minor and the minor's his or her family.

(8) Whenever a petition has been filed under Section 5-520, the court can, at any time prior to trial or sentencing, order that the minor be placed in detention or a shelter care facility after the court conducts a hearing and finds that the conduct and behavior of the minor may endanger the health, person, welfare, or property of the minor himself or others or that the circumstances of the minor's his or her home environment may endanger the minor's his or her health, person, welfare, or property.

(Source: P.A. 102-654, eff. 1-1-23; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-505)

Sec. 5-505. Pre-trial conditions order.

(1) If a minor is charged with the commission of a delinquent act, at any appearance of the minor before the court prior to trial, the court may conduct a hearing to determine whether the minor should be required to do any of the following:

(a) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction;

(b) make a report to and appear in person before any person or agency as directed by the court;

(c) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or an automobile;

(d) reside with the minor's his or her parents or in a foster home;

(e) attend school;

(f) attend a non-residential program for youth;

(g) comply with curfew requirements as designated by the court;

(h) refrain from entering into a designated geographic area except upon terms as the court finds appropriate. The terms may include consideration of the purpose of the entry, the time of day, other persons accompanying the minor, advance approval by the court, and any other terms the court may deem appropriate;

(i) refrain from having any contact, directly or indirectly, with certain specified persons or particular types of persons, including but not limited to members of street gangs and drug users or dealers;

(j) comply with any other conditions as may be ordered by the court.

No hearing may be held unless the minor is represented by counsel. If the court determines that there is probable cause to believe the minor is a delinquent minor and that it is in the best interests of the minor that the court impose any or all of the conditions listed in paragraphs (a) through (j) of this subsection (1), then the court shall order the minor to abide by all of the conditions ordered by the court.

(2) If the court issues a pre-trial conditions order as provided in subsection (1), the court shall inform the minor and provide a copy of the pre-trial conditions order effective under this Section.

(3) The provisions of the pre-trial conditions order issued under this Section may be continued through the sentencing hearing if the court deems the action reasonable and necessary. Nothing in this Section shall preclude the minor from applying to the court at any time for modification or dismissal of the order or the State's Attorney from applying to the court at any time for additional provisions under the pre-trial conditions order, modification of the order, or dismissal of the order.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-520)

Sec. 5-520. Petition; supplemental petitions.

(1) The State's Attorney may file, or the court on its own motion may direct the filing through the State's Attorney of, a petition in respect to a minor under this Act. The petition and all subsequent court documents shall be entitled "In the interest of ...., a minor".

(2) The petition shall be verified but the statements may be made upon information and belief. It shall allege that the minor is delinquent and set forth (a) facts sufficient to bring the minor under Section 5-120; (b) the name, age and residence of the minor; (c) the names and residences of the minor's his parents; (d) the name and residence of the minor's his or her guardian or legal custodian or the person or persons having custody or control of the minor, or of the nearest known relative if no parent, guardian or legal custodian can be found; and (e) if the minor upon whose behalf the petition is brought is detained or sheltered in custody, the date on which detention or shelter care was ordered by the court or the date set for a detention or shelter care hearing. If any of the facts required by this subsection (2) are not known by the petitioner, the petition shall so state.

(3) The petition must pray that the minor be adjudged a ward of the court and may pray generally for relief available under this Act. The petition need not specify any proposed disposition following adjudication of wardship.

(4) At any time before dismissal of the petition or before final closing and discharge under Section 5-750, one or more supplemental petitions may be filed (i) alleging new offenses or (ii) alleging violations of orders entered by the court in the delinquency proceeding.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-525)

Sec. 5-525. Service.

(1) Service by summons.

(a) Upon the commencement of a delinquency prosecution, the clerk of the court shall issue a summons with a copy of the petition attached. The summons shall be directed to the minor's parent, guardian or legal custodian and to each person named as a respondent in the petition, except that summons need not be directed (i) to a minor respondent under 8 years of age for whom the court appoints a guardian ad litem if the guardian ad litem appears on behalf of the minor in any proceeding under this Act, or (ii) to a parent who does not reside with the minor, does not make regular child support payments to the minor, to the minor's other parent, or to the minor's legal guardian or custodian pursuant to a support order, and has not communicated with the minor on a regular basis.

(b) The summons must contain a statement that the minor is entitled to have an attorney present at the hearing on the petition, and that the clerk of the court should be notified promptly if the minor desires to be represented by an attorney but is financially unable to employ counsel.

(c) The summons shall be issued under the seal of the court, attested in and signed with the name of the clerk of the court, dated on the day it is issued, and shall require each respondent to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the adjudicatory hearing.

(d) The summons may be served by any law enforcement officer, coroner or probation officer, even though the officer is the petitioner. The return of the summons with endorsement of service by the officer is sufficient proof of service.

(e) Service of a summons and petition shall be made by: (i) leaving a copy of the summons and petition with the person summoned at least 3 days before the time stated in the summons for appearance; (ii) leaving a copy at the summoned person's his or her usual place of abode with some person of the family, of the age of 10 years or upwards, and informing that person of the contents of the summons and petition, provided, the officer or other person making service shall also send a copy of the summons in a sealed envelope with postage fully prepaid, addressed to the person summoned at the person's his or her usual place of abode, at least 3 days before the time stated in the summons for appearance; or (iii) leaving a copy of the summons and petition with the guardian or custodian of a minor, at least 3 days before the time stated in the summons for appearance. If the guardian or legal custodian is an agency of the State of Illinois, proper service may be made by leaving a copy of the summons and petition with any administrative employee of the agency designated by the agency to accept the service of summons and petitions. The certificate of the officer or affidavit of the person that the officer or person he or she has sent the copy pursuant to this Section is sufficient proof of service.

(f) When a parent or other person, who has signed a written promise to appear and bring the minor to court or who has waived or acknowledged service, fails to appear with the minor on the date set by the court, a bench warrant may be issued for the parent or other person, the minor, or both.

(2) Service by certified mail or publication.

(a) If service on individuals as provided in subsection (1) is not made on any respondent within a reasonable time or if it appears that any respondent resides outside the State, service may be made by certified mail. In that case the clerk shall mail the summons and a copy of the petition to that respondent by certified mail marked for delivery to addressee only. The court shall not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 5 days after the mailing. The regular return receipt for certified mail is sufficient proof of service.

(b) If service upon individuals as provided in subsection (1) is not made on any respondents within a reasonable time or if any person is made a respondent under the designation of "All Whom It May Concern", or if service cannot be made because the whereabouts of a respondent are unknown, service may be made by publication. The clerk of the court as soon as possible shall cause publication to be made once in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the action is pending. Service by publication is not required in any case when the person alleged to have legal custody of the minor has been served with summons personally or by certified mail, but the court may not enter any order or judgment against any person who cannot be served with process other than by publication unless service by publication is given or unless that person appears. Failure to provide service by publication to a non-custodial parent whose whereabouts are unknown shall not deprive the court of jurisdiction to proceed with a trial or a plea of delinquency by the minor. When a minor has been detained or sheltered under Section 5-501 of this Act and summons has not been served personally or by certified mail within 20 days from the date of the order of court directing such detention or shelter care, the clerk of the court shall cause publication. Service by publication shall be substantially as follows:

"A, B, C, D, (here giving the names of the named respondents, if any) and to All Whom It May Concern (if there is any respondent under that designation):

Take notice that on (insert date) a petition was filed under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 by .... in the circuit court of .... county entitled 'In the interest of ...., a minor', and that in .... courtroom at .... on (insert date) at the hour of ...., or as soon thereafter as this cause may be heard, an adjudicatory hearing will be held upon the petition to have the child declared to be a ward of the court under that Act. The court has authority in this proceeding to take from you the custody and guardianship of the minor.

Now, unless you appear at the hearing and show cause against the petition, the allegations of the petition may stand admitted as against you and each of you, and an order or judgment entered.

........................................

Clerk

Dated (insert the date of publication)"

(c) The clerk shall also at the time of the publication of the notice send a copy of the notice by mail to each of the respondents on account of whom publication is made at each respondent's his or her last known address. The certificate of the clerk that the clerk he or she has mailed the notice is evidence of that mailing. No other publication notice is required. Every respondent notified by publication under this Section must appear and answer in open court at the hearing. The court may not proceed with the adjudicatory hearing until 10 days after service by publication on any custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian of a minor alleged to be delinquent.

(d) If it becomes necessary to change the date set for the hearing in order to comply with this Section, notice of the resetting of the date must be given, by certified mail or other reasonable means, to each respondent who has been served with summons personally or by certified mail.

(3) Once jurisdiction has been established over a party, further service is not required and notice of any subsequent proceedings in that prosecution shall be made in accordance with provisions of Section 5-530.

(4) The appearance of the minor's parent, guardian or legal custodian, or a person named as a respondent in a petition, in any proceeding under this Act shall constitute a waiver of service and submission to the jurisdiction of the court. A copy of the petition shall be provided to the person at the time of the person's his or her appearance.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-530)

Sec. 5-530. Notice.

(1) A party presenting a supplemental or amended petition or motion to the court shall provide the other parties with a copy of any supplemental or amended petition, motion or accompanying affidavit not yet served upon that party, and shall file proof of that service, in accordance with subsections (2), (3), and (4) of this Section. Written notice of the date, time and place of the hearing, shall be provided to all parties in accordance with local court rules.

(2)(a) On whom made. If a party is represented by an attorney of record, service shall be made upon the attorney. Otherwise service shall be made upon the party.

(b) Method. Papers shall be served as follows:

(1) by delivering them to the attorney or party personally;

(2) by leaving them in the office of the attorney with the attorney's his or her clerk, or with a person in charge of the office; or if a party is not represented by counsel, by leaving them at the party's his or her residence with a family member of the age of 10 years or upwards;

(3) by depositing them in the United States post office or post-office box enclosed in an envelope, plainly addressed to the attorney at the attorney's his or her business address, or to the party at the party's his or her business address or residence, with postage fully pre-paid; or

(4) by transmitting them via facsimile machine to the office of the attorney or party, who has consented to receiving service by facsimile transmission. Briefs filed in reviewing courts shall be served in accordance with Supreme Court Rule.

(i) A party or attorney electing to serve pleading by facsimile must include on the certificate of service transmitted the telephone number of the sender's facsimile transmitting device. Use of service by facsimile shall be deemed consent by that party or attorney to receive service by facsimile transmission. Any party may rescind consent of service by facsimile transmission in a case by filing with the court and serving a notice on all parties or their attorneys who have filed appearances that facsimile service will not be accepted. A party or attorney who has rescinded consent to service by facsimile transmission in a case may not serve another party or attorney by facsimile transmission in that case.

(ii) Each page of notices and documents transmitted by facsimile pursuant to this rule should bear the circuit court number, the title of the document, and the page number.

(c) Multiple parties or attorneys. In cases in which there are 2 or more minor-respondents who appear by different attorneys, service on all papers shall be made on the attorney for each of the parties. If one attorney appears for several parties, the attorney he or she is entitled to only one copy of any paper served upon the attorney him or her by the opposite side. When more than one attorney appears for a party, service of a copy upon one of them is sufficient.

(3)(a) Filing. When service of a paper is required, proof of service shall be filed with the clerk.

(b) Manner of Proof. Service is proved:

(i) by written acknowledgment acknowledgement signed by the person served;

(ii) in case of service by personal delivery, by certificate of the attorney, or affidavit of a person, other than an attorney, who made delivery;

(iii) in case of service by mail, by certificate of the attorney, or affidavit of a person other than the attorney, who deposited the paper in the mail, stating the time and place of mailing, the complete address which appeared on the envelope, and the fact that proper postage was pre-paid; or

(iv) in case of service by facsimile transmission, by certificate of the attorney or affidavit of a person other than the attorney, who transmitted the paper via facsimile machine, stating the time and place of transmission, the telephone number to which the transmission was sent and the number of pages transmitted.

(c) Effective date of service by mail. Service by mail is complete 4 days after mailing.

(d) Effective date of service by facsimile transmission. Service by facsimile machine is complete on the first court day following transmission.

(Source: P.A. 99-642, eff. 7-28-16.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-601)

Sec. 5-601. Trial.

(1) When a petition has been filed alleging that the minor is a delinquent, a trial must be held within 120 days of a written demand for such hearing made by any party, except that when the State, without success, has exercised due diligence to obtain evidence material to the case and there are reasonable grounds to believe that the evidence may be obtained at a later date, the court may, upon motion by the State, continue the trial for not more than 30 additional days.

(2) If a minor respondent has multiple delinquency petitions pending against the minor him or her in the same county and simultaneously demands a trial upon more than one delinquency petition pending against the minor him or her in the same county, the minor he or she shall receive a trial or have a finding, after waiver of trial, upon at least one such petition before expiration relative to any of the pending petitions of the period described by this Section. All remaining petitions thus pending against the minor respondent shall be adjudicated within 160 days from the date on which a finding relative to the first petition prosecuted is rendered under Section 5-620 of this Article, or, if the trial upon the first petition is terminated without a finding and there is no subsequent trial, or adjudication after waiver of trial, on the first petition within a reasonable time, the minor shall receive a trial upon all of the remaining petitions within 160 days from the date on which the trial, or finding after waiver of trial, on the first petition is concluded. If either such period of 160 days expires without the commencement of trial, or adjudication after waiver of trial, of any of the remaining pending petitions, the petition or petitions shall be dismissed and barred for want of prosecution unless the delay is occasioned by any of the reasons described in this Section.

(3) When no such trial is held within the time required by subsections (1) and (2) of this Section, the court shall, upon motion by any party, dismiss the petition with prejudice.

(4) Without affecting the applicability of the tolling and multiple prosecution provisions of subsections (8) and (2) of this Section when a petition has been filed alleging that the minor is a delinquent and the minor is in detention or shelter care, the trial shall be held within 30 calendar days after the date of the order directing detention or shelter care, or the earliest possible date in compliance with the provisions of Section 5-525 as to the custodial parent, guardian or legal custodian, but no later than 45 calendar days from the date of the order of the court directing detention or shelter care. When the petition alleges the minor has committed an offense involving a controlled substance as defined in the Illinois Controlled Substances Act or methamphetamine as defined in the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, the court may, upon motion of the State, continue the trial for receipt of a confirmatory laboratory report for up to 45 days after the date of the order directing detention or shelter care. When the petition alleges the minor committed an offense that involves the death of, great bodily harm to or sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual abuse on a victim, the court may, upon motion of the State, continue the trial for not more than 70 calendar days after the date of the order directing detention or shelter care.

Any failure to comply with the time limits of this Section shall require the immediate release of the minor from detention, and the time limits set forth in subsections (1) and (2) shall apply.

(5) If the court determines that the State, without success, has exercised due diligence to obtain the results of DNA testing that is material to the case, and that there are reasonable grounds to believe that the results may be obtained at a later date, the court may continue the cause on application of the State for not more than 120 additional days. The court may also extend the period of detention of the minor for not more than 120 additional days.

(6) If the State's Attorney makes a written request that a proceeding be designated an extended juvenile jurisdiction prosecution, and the minor is in detention, the period the minor can be held in detention pursuant to subsection (4), shall be extended an additional 30 days after the court determines whether the proceeding will be designated an extended juvenile jurisdiction prosecution or the State's Attorney withdraws the request for extended juvenile jurisdiction prosecution.

(7) When the State's Attorney files a motion for waiver of jurisdiction pursuant to Section 5-805, and the minor is in detention, the period the minor can be held in detention pursuant to subsection (4), shall be extended an additional 30 days if the court denies motion for waiver of jurisdiction or the State's Attorney withdraws the motion for waiver of jurisdiction.

(8) The period in which a trial shall be held as prescribed by subsections (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), or (7) of this Section is tolled by: (i) delay occasioned by the minor; (ii) a continuance allowed pursuant to Section 114-4 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963 after the court's determination of the minor's incapacity for trial; (iii) an interlocutory appeal; (iv) an examination of fitness ordered pursuant to Section 104-13 of the Code of Criminal Procedure of 1963; (v) a fitness hearing; or (vi) an adjudication of unfitness for trial. Any such delay shall temporarily suspend, for the time of the delay, the period within which a trial must be held as prescribed by subsections (1), (2), (4), (5), and (6) of this Section. On the day of expiration of the delays the period shall continue at the point at which the time was suspended.

(9) Nothing in this Section prevents the minor or the minor's parents, guardian or legal custodian from exercising their respective rights to waive the time limits set forth in this Section.

(Source: P.A. 94-556, eff. 9-11-05.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-605)

Sec. 5-605. Trials, pleas, guilty but mentally ill and not guilty by reason of insanity.

(1) Method of trial. All delinquency proceedings shall be heard by the court except those proceedings under this Act where the right to trial by jury is specifically set forth. At any time a minor may waive the minor's his or her right to trial by jury.

(2) Pleas of guilty and guilty but mentally ill.

(a) Before or during trial, a plea of guilty may be accepted when the court has informed the minor of the consequences of the minor's his or her plea and of the maximum penalty provided by law which may be imposed upon acceptance of the plea. Upon acceptance of a plea of guilty, the court shall determine the factual basis of a plea.

(b) Before or during trial, a plea of guilty but mentally ill may be accepted by the court when:

(i) the minor has undergone an examination by a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist and has waived the minor's his or her right to trial; and

(ii) the judge has examined the psychiatric or psychological report or reports; and

(iii) the judge has held a hearing, at which either party may present evidence, on the issue of the minor's mental health and, at the conclusion of the hearing, is satisfied that there is a factual basis that the minor was mentally ill at the time of the offense to which the plea is entered.

(3) Trial by the court.

(a) A trial shall be conducted in the presence of the minor unless the minor he or she waives the right to be present. At the trial, the court shall consider the question whether the minor is delinquent. The standard of proof and the rules of evidence in the nature of criminal proceedings in this State are applicable to that consideration.

(b) Upon conclusion of the trial the court shall enter a general finding, except that, when the affirmative defense of insanity has been presented during the trial and acquittal is based solely upon the defense of insanity, the court shall enter a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity. In the event of a finding of not guilty by reason of insanity, a hearing shall be held pursuant to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to determine whether the minor is subject to involuntary admission.

(c) When the minor has asserted a defense of insanity, the court may find the minor guilty but mentally ill if, after hearing all of the evidence, the court finds that:

(i) the State has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the minor is guilty of the offense charged; and

(ii) the minor has failed to prove the minor's his or her insanity as required in subsection (b) of Section 3-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012, and subsections (a), (b) and (e) of Section 6-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012; and

(iii) the minor has proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the minor he was mentally ill, as defined in subsections (c) and (d) of Section 6-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 at the time of the offense.

(4) Trial by court and jury.

(a) Questions of law shall be decided by the court and questions of fact by the jury.

(b) The jury shall consist of 12 members.

(c) Upon request the parties shall be furnished with a list of prospective jurors with their addresses if known.

(d) Each party may challenge jurors for cause. If a prospective juror has a physical impairment, the court shall consider the prospective juror's ability to perceive and appreciate the evidence when considering a challenge for cause.

(e) A minor tried alone shall be allowed 7 peremptory challenges; except that, in a single trial of more than one minor, each minor shall be allowed 5 peremptory challenges. If several charges against a minor or minors are consolidated for trial, each minor shall be allowed peremptory challenges upon one charge only, which single charge shall be the charge against that minor authorizing the greatest maximum penalty. The State shall be allowed the same number of peremptory challenges as all of the minors.

(f) After examination by the court, the jurors may be examined, passed upon, accepted and tendered by opposing counsel as provided by Supreme Court Rules.

(g) After the jury is impaneled and sworn, the court may direct the selection of 2 alternate jurors who shall take the same oath as the regular jurors. Each party shall have one additional peremptory challenge for each alternate juror. If before the final submission of a cause a member of the jury dies or is discharged, the member he or she shall be replaced by an alternate juror in the order of selection.

(h) A trial by the court and jury shall be conducted in the presence of the minor unless the minor he or she waives the right to be present.

(i) After arguments of counsel the court shall instruct the jury as to the law.

(j) Unless the affirmative defense of insanity has been presented during the trial, the jury shall return a general verdict as to each offense charged. When the affirmative defense of insanity has been presented during the trial, the court shall provide the jury not only with general verdict forms but also with a special verdict form of not guilty by reason of insanity, as to each offense charged, and in the event the court shall separately instruct the jury that a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity may be returned instead of a general verdict but the special verdict requires a unanimous finding by the jury that the minor committed the acts charged but at the time of the commission of those acts the minor was insane. In the event of a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity, a hearing shall be held pursuant to the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code to determine whether the minor is subject to involuntary admission. When the affirmative defense of insanity has been presented during the trial, the court, where warranted by the evidence, shall also provide the jury with a special verdict form of guilty but mentally ill, as to each offense charged and shall separately instruct the jury that a special verdict of guilty but mentally ill may be returned instead of a general verdict, but that the special verdict requires a unanimous finding by the jury that: (i) the State has proven beyond a reasonable doubt that the minor is guilty of the offense charged; and (ii) the minor has failed to prove the minor's his or her insanity as required in subsection (b) of Section 3-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 and subsections (a), (b) and (e) of Section 6-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012; and (iii) the minor has proven by a preponderance of the evidence that the minor he or she was mentally ill, as defined in subsections (c) and (d) of Section 6-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012 at the time of the offense.

(k) When, at the close of the State's evidence or at the close of all of the evidence, the evidence is insufficient to support a finding or verdict of guilty the court may and on motion of the minor shall make a finding or direct the jury to return a verdict of not guilty, enter a judgment of acquittal and discharge the minor.

(l) When the jury retires to consider its verdict, an officer of the court shall be appointed to keep them together and to prevent conversation between the jurors and others; however, if any juror is deaf, the jury may be accompanied by and may communicate with a court-appointed interpreter during its deliberations. Upon agreement between the State and minor or the minor's his or her counsel, and the parties waive polling of the jury, the jury may seal and deliver its verdict to the clerk of the court, separate, and then return the verdict in open court at its next session.

(m) In a trial, any juror who is a member of a panel or jury which has been impaneled and sworn as a panel or as a jury shall be permitted to separate from other jurors during every period of adjournment to a later day, until final submission of the cause to the jury for determination, except that no such separation shall be permitted in any trial after the court, upon motion by the minor or the State or upon its own motion, finds a probability that prejudice to the minor or to the State will result from the separation.

(n) The members of the jury shall be entitled to take notes during the trial, and the sheriff of the county in which the jury is sitting shall provide them with writing materials for this purpose. The notes shall remain confidential, and shall be destroyed by the sheriff after the verdict has been returned or a mistrial declared.

(o) A minor tried by the court and jury shall only be found guilty, guilty but mentally ill, not guilty or not guilty by reason of insanity, upon the unanimous verdict of the jury.

(Source: P.A. 97-1150, eff. 1-25-13.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-610)

Sec. 5-610. Guardian ad litem and appointment of attorney.

(1) The court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the minor whenever it finds that there may be a conflict of interest between the minor and the minor's his or her parent, guardian or legal custodian or that it is otherwise in the minor's interest to do so.

(2) Unless the guardian ad litem is an attorney, the guardian ad litem he or she shall be represented by counsel.

(3) The reasonable fees of a guardian ad litem appointed under this Section shall be fixed by the court and charged to the parents of the minor, to the extent they are able to pay. If the parents are unable to pay those fees, they shall be paid from the general fund of the county.

(4) If, during the court proceedings, the parents, guardian, or legal custodian prove that the minor he or she has an actual conflict of interest with the minor in that delinquency proceeding and that the parents, guardian, or legal custodian are indigent, the court shall appoint a separate attorney for that parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

(5) A guardian ad litem appointed under this Section for a minor who is in the custody or guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services or who has an open intact family services case with the Department of Children and Family Services is entitled to receive copies of any and all classified reports of child abuse or neglect made pursuant to the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act in which the minor, who is the subject of the report under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act, is also a minor for whom the guardian ad litem is appointed under this Act. The Department of Children and Family Services' obligation under this subsection to provide reports to a guardian ad litem for a minor with an open intact family services case applies only if the guardian ad litem notified the Department in writing of the representation.

(Source: P.A. 100-158, eff. 1-1-18.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-615)

Sec. 5-615. Continuance under supervision.

(1) The court may enter an order of continuance under supervision for an offense other than first degree murder, a Class X felony or a forcible felony:

(a) upon an admission or stipulation by the appropriate respondent or minor respondent of the facts supporting the petition and before the court makes a finding of delinquency, and in the absence of objection made in open court by the minor, the minor's his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian, the minor's attorney or the State's Attorney; or

(b) upon a finding of delinquency and after considering the circumstances of the offense and the history, character, and condition of the minor, if the court is of the opinion that:

(i) the minor is not likely to commit further crimes;

(ii) the minor and the public would be best served if the minor were not to receive a criminal record; and

(iii) in the best interests of justice an order of continuance under supervision is more appropriate than a sentence otherwise permitted under this Act.

(2) (Blank).

(3) Nothing in this Section limits the power of the court to order a continuance of the hearing for the production of additional evidence or for any other proper reason.

(4) When a hearing where a minor is alleged to be a delinquent is continued pursuant to this Section, the period of continuance under supervision may not exceed 24 months. The court may terminate a continuance under supervision at any time if warranted by the conduct of the minor and the ends of justice or vacate the finding of delinquency or both.

(5) When a hearing where a minor is alleged to be delinquent is continued pursuant to this Section, the court may, as conditions of the continuance under supervision, require the minor to do any of the following:

(a) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction;

(b) make a report to and appear in person before any person or agency as directed by the court;

(c) work or pursue a course of study or vocational training;

(d) undergo medical or psychotherapeutic treatment rendered by a therapist licensed under the provisions of the Medical Practice Act of 1987, the Clinical Psychologist Licensing Act, or the Clinical Social Work and Social Work Practice Act, or an entity licensed by the Department of Human Services as a successor to the Department of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, for the provision of substance use disorder services as defined in Section 1-10 of the Substance Use Disorder Act;

(e) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of persons on probation;

(f) support the minor's his or her dependents, if any;

(g) pay costs;

(h) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or an automobile;

(i) permit the probation officer to visit the minor him or her at the minor's his or her home or elsewhere;

(j) reside with the minor's his or her parents or in a foster home;

(k) attend school;

(k-5) with the consent of the superintendent of the facility, attend an educational program at a facility other than the school in which the offense was committed if the minor he or she committed a crime of violence as defined in Section 2 of the Crime Victims Compensation Act in a school, on the real property comprising a school, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a school;

(l) attend a non-residential program for youth;

(m) contribute to the minor's his or her own support at home or in a foster home;

(n) perform some reasonable public or community service;

(o) make restitution to the victim, in the same manner and under the same conditions as provided in subsection (4) of Section 5-710, except that the "sentencing hearing" referred to in that Section shall be the adjudicatory hearing for purposes of this Section;

(p) comply with curfew requirements as designated by the court;

(q) refrain from entering into a designated geographic area except upon terms as the court finds appropriate. The terms may include consideration of the purpose of the entry, the time of day, other persons accompanying the minor, and advance approval by a probation officer;

(r) refrain from having any contact, directly or indirectly, with certain specified persons or particular types of persons, including but not limited to members of street gangs and drug users or dealers;

(r-5) undergo a medical or other procedure to have a tattoo symbolizing allegiance to a street gang removed from the minor's his or her body;

(s) refrain from having in the minor's his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and submit samples of the minor's his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug; or

(t) comply with any other conditions as may be ordered by the court.

(6) A minor whose case is continued under supervision under subsection (5) shall be given a certificate setting forth the conditions imposed by the court. Those conditions may be reduced, enlarged, or modified by the court on motion of the probation officer or on its own motion, or that of the State's Attorney, or, at the request of the minor after notice and hearing.

(7) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision, the court shall conduct a hearing. If the court finds that a condition of supervision has not been fulfilled, the court may proceed to findings, adjudication, and disposition or adjudication and disposition. The filing of a petition for violation of a condition of the continuance under supervision shall toll the period of continuance under supervision until the final determination of the charge, and the term of the continuance under supervision shall not run until the hearing and disposition of the petition for violation; provided where the petition alleges conduct that does not constitute a criminal offense, the hearing must be held within 30 days of the filing of the petition unless a delay shall continue the tolling of the period of continuance under supervision for the period of the delay.

(8) When a hearing in which a minor is alleged to be a delinquent for reasons that include a violation of Section 21-1.3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 is continued under this Section, the court shall, as a condition of the continuance under supervision, require the minor to perform community service for not less than 30 and not more than 120 hours, if community service is available in the jurisdiction. The community service shall include, but need not be limited to, the cleanup and repair of the damage that was caused by the alleged violation or similar damage to property located in the municipality or county in which the alleged violation occurred. The condition may be in addition to any other condition.

(8.5) When a hearing in which a minor is alleged to be a delinquent for reasons that include a violation of Section 3.02 or Section 3.03 of the Humane Care for Animals Act or paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of Section 21-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 21-1 or the Criminal Code of 2012 is continued under this Section, the court shall, as a condition of the continuance under supervision, require the minor to undergo medical or psychiatric treatment rendered by a psychiatrist or psychological treatment rendered by a clinical psychologist. The condition may be in addition to any other condition.

(9) When a hearing in which a minor is alleged to be a delinquent is continued under this Section, the court, before continuing the case, shall make a finding whether the offense alleged to have been committed either: (i) was related to or in furtherance of the activities of an organized gang or was motivated by the minor's membership in or allegiance to an organized gang, or (ii) is a violation of paragraph (13) of subsection (a) of Section 12-2 or paragraph (2) of subsection (c) of Section 12-2 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, a violation of any Section of Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or a violation of any statute that involved the unlawful use of a firearm. If the court determines the question in the affirmative the court shall, as a condition of the continuance under supervision and as part of or in addition to any other condition of the supervision, require the minor to perform community service for not less than 30 hours, provided that community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board of the county where the offense was committed. The community service shall include, but need not be limited to, the cleanup and repair of any damage caused by an alleged violation of Section 21-1.3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 and similar damage to property located in the municipality or county in which the alleged violation occurred. When possible and reasonable, the community service shall be performed in the minor's neighborhood. For the purposes of this Section, "organized gang" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

(10) The court shall impose upon a minor placed on supervision, as a condition of the supervision, a fee of $50 for each month of supervision ordered by the court, unless after determining the inability of the minor placed on supervision to pay the fee, the court assesses a lesser amount. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act while the minor is in placement. The fee shall be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. A court may order the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay some or all of the fee on the minor's behalf.

(11) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 100-159, eff. 8-18-17; 100-759, eff. 1-1-19; 101-2, eff. 7-1-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-620)

Sec. 5-620. Findings. After hearing the evidence, the court shall make and note in the minutes of the proceeding a finding of whether or not the minor is guilty. If it finds that the minor is not guilty, the court shall order the petition dismissed and the minor discharged from any detention or restriction previously ordered in such proceeding. If the court finds that the minor is guilty, the court shall then set a time for a sentencing hearing to be conducted under Section 5-705 at which hearing the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor and the public that the minor he or she be made a ward of the court. To assist the court in making this and other determinations at the sentencing hearing, the court may order that an investigation be conducted and a social investigation report be prepared.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-625)

Sec. 5-625. Absence of minor.

(1) When a minor after arrest and an initial court appearance for a felony, fails to appear for trial, at the request of the State and after the State has affirmatively proven through substantial evidence that the minor is willfully avoiding trial, the court may commence trial in the absence of the minor. The absent minor must be represented by retained or appointed counsel. If trial had previously commenced in the presence of the minor and the minor is willfully absent absents himself for 2 successive court days, the court shall proceed to trial. All procedural rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution, Constitution of the State of Illinois, statutes of the State of Illinois, and rules of court shall apply to the proceedings the same as if the minor were present in court. The court may set the case for a trial which may be conducted under this Section despite the failure of the minor to appear at the hearing at which the trial date is set. When the trial date is set the clerk shall send to the minor, by certified mail at the minor's his or her last known address, notice of the new date which has been set for trial. The notification shall be required when the minor was not personally present in open court at the time when the case was set for trial.

(2) The absence of the minor from a trial conducted under this Section does not operate as a bar to concluding the trial, to a finding of guilty resulting from the trial, or to a final disposition of the trial in favor of the minor.

(3) Upon a finding or verdict of not guilty the court shall enter a finding for the minor. Upon a finding or verdict of guilty, the court shall set a date for the hearing of post-trial motions and shall hear the motion in the absence of the minor. If post-trial motions are denied, the court shall proceed to conduct a sentencing hearing and to impose a sentence upon the minor. A social investigation is waived if the minor is absent.

(4) A minor who is absent for part of the proceedings of trial, post-trial motions, or sentencing, does not thereby forfeit the minor's his or her right to be present at all remaining proceedings.

(5) When a minor who in the minor's his or her absence has been either found guilty or sentenced or both found guilty and sentenced appears before the court, the minor he or she must be granted a new trial or a new sentencing hearing if the minor can establish that the minor's his or her failure to appear in court was both without the minor's his or her fault and due to circumstances beyond the minor's his or her control. A hearing with notice to the State's Attorney on the minors request for a new trial or a new sentencing hearing must be held before any such request may be granted. At any such hearing both the minor and the State may present evidence.

(6) If the court grants only the minor's request for a new sentencing hearing, then a new sentencing hearing shall be held in accordance with the provisions of this Article. At any such hearing, both the minor and the State may offer evidence of the minor's conduct during the minor's his or her period of absence from the court. The court may impose any sentence authorized by this Article and in the case of an extended juvenile jurisdiction prosecution the Unified Code of Corrections and is not in any way limited or restricted by any sentence previously imposed.

(7) A minor whose motion under subsection (5) for a new trial or new sentencing hearing has been denied may file a notice of appeal from the denial. The notice may also include a request for review of the finding and sentence not vacated by the trial court.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-705)

Sec. 5-705. Sentencing hearing; evidence; continuance.

(1) In this subsection (1), "violent crime" has the same meaning ascribed to the term in subsection (c) of Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act. At the sentencing hearing, the court shall determine whether it is in the best interests of the minor or the public that the minor he or she be made a ward of the court, and, if the minor he or she is to be made a ward of the court, the court shall determine the proper disposition best serving the interests of the minor and the public. All evidence helpful in determining these questions, including oral and written reports, may be admitted and may be relied upon to the extent of its probative value, even though not competent for the purposes of the trial. A crime victim shall be allowed to present an oral or written statement, as guaranteed by Article I, Section 8.1 of the Illinois Constitution and as provided in Section 6 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act, in any case in which: (a) a juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent for a violent crime after a bench or jury trial; or (b) the petition alleged the commission of a violent crime and the juvenile has been adjudicated delinquent under a plea agreement of a crime that is not a violent crime. The court shall allow a victim to make an oral statement if the victim is present in the courtroom and requests to make an oral statement. An oral statement includes the victim or a representative of the victim reading the written statement. The court may allow persons impacted by the crime who are not victims under subsection (a) of Section 3 of the Rights of Crime Victims and Witnesses Act to present an oral or written statement. A victim and any person making an oral statement shall not be put under oath or subject to cross-examination. A record of a prior continuance under supervision under Section 5-615, whether successfully completed or not, is admissible at the sentencing hearing. No order of commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be entered against a minor before a written report of social investigation, which has been completed within the previous 60 days, is presented to and considered by the court.

(2) Once a party has been served in compliance with Section 5-525, no further service or notice must be given to that party prior to proceeding to a sentencing hearing. Before imposing sentence the court shall advise the State's Attorney and the parties who are present or their counsel of the factual contents and the conclusions of the reports prepared for the use of the court and considered by it, and afford fair opportunity, if requested, to controvert them. Factual contents, conclusions, documents and sources disclosed by the court under this paragraph shall not be further disclosed without the express approval of the court.

(3) On its own motion or that of the State's Attorney, a parent, guardian, legal custodian, or counsel, the court may adjourn the hearing for a reasonable period to receive reports or other evidence and, in such event, shall make an appropriate order for detention of the minor or the minor's his or her release from detention subject to supervision by the court during the period of the continuance. In the event the court shall order detention hereunder, the period of the continuance shall not exceed 30 court days. At the end of such time, the court shall release the minor from detention unless notice is served at least 3 days prior to the hearing on the continued date that the State will be seeking an extension of the period of detention, which notice shall state the reason for the request for the extension. The extension of detention may be for a maximum period of an additional 15 court days or a lesser number of days at the discretion of the court. However, at the expiration of the period of extension, the court shall release the minor from detention if a further continuance is granted. In scheduling investigations and hearings, the court shall give priority to proceedings in which a minor is in detention or has otherwise been removed from the minor's his or her home before a sentencing order has been made.

(4) When commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice is ordered, the court shall state the basis for selecting the particular disposition, and the court shall prepare such a statement for inclusion in the record.

(5) Before a sentencing order is entered by the court under Section 5-710 for a minor adjudged delinquent for a violation of paragraph (3.5) of subsection (a) of Section 26-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012, in which the minor made a threat of violence, death, or bodily harm against a person, school, school function, or school event, the court may order a mental health evaluation of the minor by a physician, clinical psychologist, or qualified examiner, whether employed by the State, by any public or private mental health facility or part of the facility, or by any public or private medical facility or part of the facility. A statement made by a minor during the course of a mental health evaluation conducted under this subsection (5) is not admissible on the issue of delinquency during the course of an adjudicatory hearing held under this Act. Neither the physician, clinical psychologist, qualified examiner, or the his or her employer of the physician, clinical psychologist, qualified examiner, shall be held criminally, civilly, or professionally liable for performing a mental health examination under this subsection (5), except for willful or wanton misconduct. In this subsection (5), "qualified examiner" has the meaning provided in Section 1-122 of the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code.

(Source: P.A. 100-961, eff. 1-1-19; 101-238, eff. 1-1-20.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-710)

Sec. 5-710. Kinds of sentencing orders.

(1) The following kinds of sentencing orders may be made in respect of wards of the court:

(a) Except as provided in Sections 5-805, 5-810, and 5-815, a minor who is found guilty under Section 5-620 may be:

(i) put on probation or conditional discharge and released to the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian, provided, however, that any such minor who is not committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice under this subsection and who is found to be a delinquent for an offense which is first degree murder, a Class X felony, or a forcible felony shall be placed on probation;

(ii) placed in accordance with Section 5-740, with or without also being put on probation or conditional discharge;

(iii) required to undergo a substance abuse assessment conducted by a licensed provider and participate in the indicated clinical level of care;

(iv) on and after January 1, 2015 (the effective date of Public Act 98-803) and before January 1, 2017, placed in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, but only if the delinquent minor is under 16 years of age or, pursuant to Article II of this Act, a minor under the age of 18 for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists. On and after January 1, 2017, placed in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services, but only if the delinquent minor is under 15 years of age or, pursuant to Article II of this Act, a minor for whom an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists. An independent basis exists when the allegations or adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency do not arise from the same facts, incident, or circumstances which give rise to a charge or adjudication of delinquency;

(v) placed in detention for a period not to exceed 30 days, either as the exclusive order of disposition or, where appropriate, in conjunction with any other order of disposition issued under this paragraph, provided that any such detention shall be in a juvenile detention home and the minor so detained shall be 10 years of age or older. However, the 30-day limitation may be extended by further order of the court for a minor under age 15 committed to the Department of Children and Family Services if the court finds that the minor is a danger to the minor himself or others. The minor shall be given credit on the sentencing order of detention for time spent in detention under Sections 5-501, 5-601, 5-710, or 5-720 of this Article as a result of the offense for which the sentencing order was imposed. The court may grant credit on a sentencing order of detention entered under a violation of probation or violation of conditional discharge under Section 5-720 of this Article for time spent in detention before the filing of the petition alleging the violation. A minor shall not be deprived of credit for time spent in detention before the filing of a violation of probation or conditional discharge alleging the same or related act or acts. The limitation that the minor shall only be placed in a juvenile detention home does not apply as follows:

Persons 18 years of age and older who have a petition of delinquency filed against them may be confined in an adult detention facility. In making a determination whether to confine a person 18 years of age or older who has a petition of delinquency filed against the person, these factors, among other matters, shall be considered:

(A) the age of the person;

(B) any previous delinquent or criminal history of the person;

(C) any previous abuse or neglect history of the person;

(D) any mental health history of the person; and

(E) any educational history of the person;

(vi) ordered partially or completely emancipated in accordance with the provisions of the Emancipation of Minors Act;

(vii) subject to having the minor's his or her driver's license or driving privileges suspended for such time as determined by the court but only until the minor he or she attains 18 years of age;

(viii) put on probation or conditional discharge and placed in detention under Section 3-6039 of the Counties Code for a period not to exceed the period of incarceration permitted by law for adults found guilty of the same offense or offenses for which the minor was adjudicated delinquent, and in any event no longer than upon attainment of age 21; this subdivision (viii) notwithstanding any contrary provision of the law;

(ix) ordered to undergo a medical or other procedure to have a tattoo symbolizing allegiance to a street gang removed from the minor's his or her body; or

(x) placed in electronic monitoring or home detention under Part 7A of this Article.

(b) A minor found to be guilty may be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice under Section 5-750 if the minor is at least 13 years and under 20 years of age, provided that the commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be made only if the minor was found guilty of a felony offense or first degree murder. The court shall include in the sentencing order any pre-custody credits the minor is entitled to under Section 5-4.5-100 of the Unified Code of Corrections. The time during which a minor is in custody before being released upon the request of a parent, guardian or legal custodian shall also be considered as time spent in custody.

(c) When a minor is found to be guilty for an offense which is a violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act and made a ward of the court, the court may enter a disposition order requiring the minor to undergo assessment, counseling or treatment in a substance use disorder treatment program approved by the Department of Human Services.

(2) Any sentencing order other than commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice may provide for protective supervision under Section 5-725 and may include an order of protection under Section 5-730.

(3) Unless the sentencing order expressly so provides, it does not operate to close proceedings on the pending petition, but is subject to modification until final closing and discharge of the proceedings under Section 5-750.

(4) In addition to any other sentence, the court may order any minor found to be delinquent to make restitution, in monetary or non-monetary form, under the terms and conditions of Section 5-5-6 of the Unified Code of Corrections, except that the "presentencing hearing" referred to in that Section shall be the sentencing hearing for purposes of this Section. The parent, guardian or legal custodian of the minor may be ordered by the court to pay some or all of the restitution on the minor's behalf, pursuant to the Parental Responsibility Law. The State's Attorney is authorized to act on behalf of any victim in seeking restitution in proceedings under this Section, up to the maximum amount allowed in Section 5 of the Parental Responsibility Law.

(5) Any sentencing order where the minor is committed or placed in accordance with Section 5-740 shall provide for the parents or guardian of the estate of the minor to pay to the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor such sums as are determined by the custodian or guardian of the person of the minor as necessary for the minor's needs. The payments may not exceed the maximum amounts provided for by Section 9.1 of the Children and Family Services Act.

(6) Whenever the sentencing order requires the minor to attend school or participate in a program of training, the truant officer or designated school official shall regularly report to the court if the minor is a chronic or habitual truant under Section 26-2a of the School Code. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Act, in instances in which educational services are to be provided to a minor in a residential facility where the minor has been placed by the court, costs incurred in the provision of those educational services must be allocated based on the requirements of the School Code.

(7) In no event shall a guilty minor be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time in excess of that period for which an adult could be committed for the same act. The court shall include in the sentencing order a limitation on the period of confinement not to exceed the maximum period of imprisonment the court could impose under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(7.5) In no event shall a guilty minor be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice or placed in detention when the act for which the minor was adjudicated delinquent would not be illegal if committed by an adult.

(7.6) In no event shall a guilty minor be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for an offense which is a Class 4 felony under Section 19-4 (criminal trespass to a residence), 21-1 (criminal damage to property), 21-1.01 (criminal damage to government supported property), 21-1.3 (criminal defacement of property), 26-1 (disorderly conduct), or 31-4 (obstructing justice) of the Criminal Code of 2012.

(7.75) In no event shall a guilty minor be committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice for an offense that is a Class 3 or Class 4 felony violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act unless the commitment occurs upon a third or subsequent judicial finding of a violation of probation for substantial noncompliance with court-ordered treatment or programming.

(8) A minor found to be guilty for reasons that include a violation of Section 21-1.3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 shall be ordered to perform community service for not less than 30 and not more than 120 hours, if community service is available in the jurisdiction. The community service shall include, but need not be limited to, the cleanup and repair of the damage that was caused by the violation or similar damage to property located in the municipality or county in which the violation occurred. The order may be in addition to any other order authorized by this Section.

(8.5) A minor found to be guilty for reasons that include a violation of Section 3.02 or Section 3.03 of the Humane Care for Animals Act or paragraph (d) of subsection (1) of Section 21-1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 21-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 shall be ordered to undergo medical or psychiatric treatment rendered by a psychiatrist or psychological treatment rendered by a clinical psychologist. The order may be in addition to any other order authorized by this Section.

(9) In addition to any other sentencing order, the court shall order any minor found to be guilty for an act which would constitute, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual abuse, or criminal sexual abuse if committed by an adult to undergo medical testing to determine whether the defendant has any sexually transmissible disease including a test for infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or any other identified causative agency of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Any medical test shall be performed only by appropriately licensed medical practitioners and may include an analysis of any bodily fluids as well as an examination of the minor's person. Except as otherwise provided by law, the results of the test shall be kept strictly confidential by all medical personnel involved in the testing and must be personally delivered in a sealed envelope to the judge of the court in which the sentencing order was entered for the judge's inspection in camera. Acting in accordance with the best interests of the victim and the public, the judge shall have the discretion to determine to whom the results of the testing may be revealed. The court shall notify the minor of the results of the test for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The court shall also notify the victim if requested by the victim, and if the victim is under the age of 15 and if requested by the victim's parents or legal guardian, the court shall notify the victim's parents or the legal guardian, of the results of the test for infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The court shall provide information on the availability of HIV testing and counseling at the Department of Public Health facilities to all parties to whom the results of the testing are revealed. The court shall order that the cost of any test shall be paid by the county and may be taxed as costs against the minor.

(10) When a court finds a minor to be guilty the court shall, before entering a sentencing order under this Section, make a finding whether the offense committed either: (a) was related to or in furtherance of the criminal activities of an organized gang or was motivated by the minor's membership in or allegiance to an organized gang, or (b) involved a violation of subsection (a) of Section 12-7.1 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, a violation of any Section of Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or a violation of any statute that involved the wrongful use of a firearm. If the court determines the question in the affirmative, and the court does not commit the minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the court shall order the minor to perform community service for not less than 30 hours nor more than 120 hours, provided that community service is available in the jurisdiction and is funded and approved by the county board of the county where the offense was committed. The community service shall include, but need not be limited to, the cleanup and repair of any damage caused by a violation of Section 21-1.3 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012 and similar damage to property located in the municipality or county in which the violation occurred. When possible and reasonable, the community service shall be performed in the minor's neighborhood. This order shall be in addition to any other order authorized by this Section except for an order to place the minor in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice. For the purposes of this Section, "organized gang" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 10 of the Illinois Streetgang Terrorism Omnibus Prevention Act.

(11) If the court determines that the offense was committed in furtherance of the criminal activities of an organized gang, as provided in subsection (10), and that the offense involved the operation or use of a motor vehicle or the use of a driver's license or permit, the court shall notify the Secretary of State of that determination and of the period for which the minor shall be denied driving privileges. If, at the time of the determination, the minor does not hold a driver's license or permit, the court shall provide that the minor shall not be issued a driver's license or permit until the minor's his or her 18th birthday. If the minor holds a driver's license or permit at the time of the determination, the court shall provide that the minor's driver's license or permit shall be revoked until the minor's his or her 21st birthday, or until a later date or occurrence determined by the court. If the minor holds a driver's license at the time of the determination, the court may direct the Secretary of State to issue the minor a judicial driving permit, also known as a JDP. The JDP shall be subject to the same terms as a JDP issued under Section 6-206.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code, except that the court may direct that the JDP be effective immediately.

(12) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 101-2, eff. 7-1-19; 101-79, eff. 7-12-19; 101-159, eff. 1-1-20; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-711)

Sec. 5-711. Family Support Program services; hearing.

(a) Any minor who is placed in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services under Section 5-710 while an application for the Family Support Program was pending with the Department of Healthcare and Family Services or an active application was being reviewed by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall continue to be considered eligible for services if all other eligibility criteria are met.

(b) The court shall conduct a hearing within 14 days upon notification to all parties that an application for the Family Support Program services has been approved and services are available. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether to vacate guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and return the minor to the custody of the parent or guardian with Family Support Program services or whether the minor shall continue in the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and decline the Family Support Program services. In making its determination, the court shall consider the minor's best interest, the involvement of the parent or guardian in proceedings under this Act, the involvement of the parent or guardian in the minor's treatment, the relationship between the minor and the parent or guardian, and any other factor the court deems relevant. If the court vacates the guardianship of the Department of Children and Family Services and returns the minor to the custody of the parent or guardian with Family Support Services, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services shall become financially responsible for providing services to the minor. If the court determines that the minor shall continue in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Children and Family Services shall remain financially responsible for providing services to the minor, the Family Support Services shall be declined, and the minor shall no longer be eligible for Family Support Services.

(c) This Section does not apply to a minor:

(1) for whom a petition has been filed under this Act alleging that the minor he or she is an abused or neglected minor;

(2) for whom the court has made a finding that the minor he or she is an abused or neglected minor under this Act except a finding under item (iv) of paragraph (a) of subsection (1) of Section 5-710 that an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency exists; or

(3) who has been the subject of an indicated allegation of abuse or neglect by the Department of Children and Family Services, other than for psychiatric lock-out, in which the parent or guardian was the perpetrator within 5 years of the filing of the pending petition.

(Source: P.A. 101-78, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-715)

Sec. 5-715. Probation.

(1) The period of probation or conditional discharge shall not exceed 5 years or until the minor has attained the age of 21 years, whichever is less, except as provided in this Section for a minor who is found to be guilty for an offense which is first degree murder. The juvenile court may terminate probation or conditional discharge and discharge the minor at any time if warranted by the conduct of the minor and the ends of justice; provided, however, that the period of probation for a minor who is found to be guilty for an offense which is first degree murder shall be at least 5 years.

(1.5) The period of probation for a minor who is found guilty of aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, or aggravated battery with a firearm shall be at least 36 months. The period of probation for a minor who is found to be guilty of any other Class X felony shall be at least 24 months. The period of probation for a Class 1 or Class 2 forcible felony shall be at least 18 months. Regardless of the length of probation ordered by the court, for all offenses under this paragraph (1.5), the court shall schedule hearings to determine whether it is in the best interest of the minor and public safety to terminate probation after the minimum period of probation has been served. In such a hearing, there shall be a rebuttable presumption that it is in the best interest of the minor and public safety to terminate probation.

(2) The court may as a condition of probation or of conditional discharge require that the minor:

(a) not violate any criminal statute of any jurisdiction;

(b) make a report to and appear in person before any person or agency as directed by the court;

(c) work or pursue a course of study or vocational training;

(d) undergo medical or psychiatric treatment, rendered by a psychiatrist or psychological treatment rendered by a clinical psychologist or social work services rendered by a clinical social worker, or treatment for drug addiction or alcoholism;

(e) attend or reside in a facility established for the instruction or residence of persons on probation;

(f) support the minor's his or her dependents, if any;

(g) refrain from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon, or an automobile;

(h) permit the probation officer to visit the minor him or her at the minor's his or her home or elsewhere;

(i) reside with the minor's his or her parents or in a foster home;

(j) attend school;

(j-5) with the consent of the superintendent of the facility, attend an educational program at a facility other than the school in which the offense was committed if the minor he or she committed a crime of violence as defined in Section 2 of the Crime Victims Compensation Act in a school, on the real property comprising a school, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a school;

(k) attend a non-residential program for youth;

(l) make restitution under the terms of subsection (4) of Section 5-710;

(m) contribute to the minor's his or her own support at home or in a foster home;

(n) perform some reasonable public or community service;

(o) participate with community corrections programs including unified delinquency intervention services administered by the Department of Human Services subject to Section 5 of the Children and Family Services Act;

(p) pay costs;

(q) serve a term of home confinement. In addition to any other applicable condition of probation or conditional discharge, the conditions of home confinement shall be that the minor:

(i) remain within the interior premises of the place designated for the minor's his or her confinement during the hours designated by the court;

(ii) admit any person or agent designated by the court into the minor's place of confinement at any time for purposes of verifying the minor's compliance with the conditions of the minor's his or her confinement; and

(iii) use an approved electronic monitoring device if ordered by the court subject to Article 8A of Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections;

(r) refrain from entering into a designated geographic area except upon terms as the court finds appropriate. The terms may include consideration of the purpose of the entry, the time of day, other persons accompanying the minor, and advance approval by a probation officer, if the minor has been placed on probation, or advance approval by the court, if the minor has been placed on conditional discharge;

(s) refrain from having any contact, directly or indirectly, with certain specified persons or particular types of persons, including but not limited to members of street gangs and drug users or dealers;

(s-5) undergo a medical or other procedure to have a tattoo symbolizing allegiance to a street gang removed from the minor's his or her body;

(t) refrain from having in the minor's his or her body the presence of any illicit drug prohibited by the Cannabis Control Act, the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, unless prescribed by a physician, and shall submit samples of the minor's his or her blood or urine or both for tests to determine the presence of any illicit drug; or

(u) comply with other conditions as may be ordered by the court.

(3) The court may as a condition of probation or of conditional discharge require that a minor found guilty on any alcohol, cannabis, methamphetamine, or controlled substance violation, refrain from acquiring a driver's license during the period of probation or conditional discharge. If the minor is in possession of a permit or license, the court may require that the minor refrain from driving or operating any motor vehicle during the period of probation or conditional discharge, except as may be necessary in the course of the minor's lawful employment.

(3.5) The court shall, as a condition of probation or of conditional discharge, require that a minor found to be guilty and placed on probation for reasons that include a violation of Section 3.02 or Section 3.03 of the Humane Care for Animals Act or paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 21-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012 undergo medical or psychiatric treatment rendered by a psychiatrist or psychological treatment rendered by a clinical psychologist. The condition may be in addition to any other condition.

(3.10) The court shall order that a minor placed on probation or conditional discharge for a sex offense as defined in the Sex Offender Management Board Act undergo and successfully complete sex offender treatment. The treatment shall be in conformance with the standards developed under the Sex Offender Management Board Act and conducted by a treatment provider approved by the Board. The treatment shall be at the expense of the person evaluated based upon that person's ability to pay for the treatment.

(4) A minor on probation or conditional discharge shall be given a certificate setting forth the conditions upon which the minor he or she is being released.

(5) The court shall impose upon a minor placed on probation or conditional discharge, as a condition of the probation or conditional discharge, a fee of $50 for each month of probation or conditional discharge supervision ordered by the court, unless after determining the inability of the minor placed on probation or conditional discharge to pay the fee, the court assesses a lesser amount. The court may not impose the fee on a minor who is placed in the guardianship or custody of the Department of Children and Family Services under this Act while the minor is in placement. The fee shall be imposed only upon a minor who is actively supervised by the probation and court services department. The court may order the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of the minor to pay some or all of the fee on the minor's behalf.

(5.5) Jurisdiction over an offender may be transferred from the sentencing court to the court of another circuit with the concurrence of both courts. Further transfers or retransfers of jurisdiction are also authorized in the same manner. The court to which jurisdiction has been transferred shall have the same powers as the sentencing court. The probation department within the circuit to which jurisdiction has been transferred, or which has agreed to provide supervision, may impose probation fees upon receiving the transferred offender, as provided in subsection (i) of Section 5-6-3 of the Unified Code of Corrections. For all transfer cases, as defined in Section 9b of the Probation and Probation Officers Act, the probation department from the original sentencing court shall retain all probation fees collected prior to the transfer. After the transfer, all probation fees shall be paid to the probation department within the circuit to which jurisdiction has been transferred.

If the transfer case originated in another state and has been transferred under the Interstate Compact for Juveniles to the jurisdiction of an Illinois circuit court for supervision by an Illinois probation department, probation fees may be imposed only if permitted by the Interstate Commission for Juveniles.

(6) The General Assembly finds that in order to protect the public, the juvenile justice system must compel compliance with the conditions of probation by responding to violations with swift, certain, and fair punishments and intermediate sanctions. The Chief Judge of each circuit shall adopt a system of structured, intermediate sanctions for violations of the terms and conditions of a sentence of supervision, probation or conditional discharge, under this Act.

The court shall provide as a condition of a disposition of probation, conditional discharge, or supervision, that the probation agency may invoke any sanction from the list of intermediate sanctions adopted by the chief judge of the circuit court for violations of the terms and conditions of the sentence of probation, conditional discharge, or supervision, subject to the provisions of Section 5-720 of this Act.

(Source: P.A. 99-879, eff. 1-1-17; 100-159, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-720)

Sec. 5-720. Probation revocation.

(1) If a petition is filed charging a violation of a condition of probation or of conditional discharge, the court shall:

(a) order the minor to appear; or

(b) order the minor's detention if the court finds that the detention is a matter of immediate and urgent necessity for the protection of the minor or of the person or property of another or that the minor is likely to flee the jurisdiction of the court, provided that any such detention shall be in a juvenile detention home and the minor so detained shall be 10 years of age or older; and

(c) notify the persons named in the petition under Section 5-520, in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-530.

In making its detention determination under paragraph (b) of this subsection (1) of this Section, the court may use information in its findings offered at such a hearing by way of proffer based upon reliable information presented by the State, probation officer, or the minor. The filing of a petition for violation of a condition of probation or of conditional discharge shall toll the period of probation or of conditional discharge until the final determination of the charge, and the term of probation or conditional discharge shall not run until the hearing and disposition of the petition for violation.

(2) The court shall conduct a hearing of the alleged violation of probation or of conditional discharge. The minor shall not be held in detention longer than 15 days pending the determination of the alleged violation.

(3) At the hearing, the State shall have the burden of going forward with the evidence and proving the violation by a preponderance of the evidence. The evidence shall be presented in court with the right of confrontation, cross-examination, and representation by counsel.

(4) If the court finds that the minor has violated a condition at any time prior to the expiration or termination of the period of probation or conditional discharge, it may continue the minor him or her on the existing sentence, with or without modifying or enlarging the conditions, or may revoke probation or conditional discharge and impose any other sentence that was available under Section 5-710 at the time of the initial sentence.

(5) The conditions of probation and of conditional discharge may be reduced or enlarged by the court on motion of the probation officer or on its own motion or at the request of the minor after notice and hearing under this Section.

(6) Sentencing after revocation of probation or of conditional discharge shall be under Section 5-705.

(7) Instead of filing a violation of probation or of conditional discharge, the probation officer, with the concurrence of the probation officer's his or her supervisor, may serve on the minor a notice of intermediate sanctions. The notice shall contain the technical violation or violations involved, the date or dates of the violation or violations, and the intermediate sanctions to be imposed. Upon receipt of the notice, the minor shall immediately accept or reject the intermediate sanctions. If the sanctions are accepted, they shall be imposed immediately. If the intermediate sanctions are rejected or the minor does not respond to the notice, a violation of probation or of conditional discharge shall be immediately filed with the court. The State's Attorney and the sentencing court shall be notified of the notice of sanctions. Upon successful completion of the intermediate sanctions, a court may not revoke probation or conditional discharge or impose additional sanctions for the same violation. A notice of intermediate sanctions may not be issued for any violation of probation or conditional discharge which could warrant an additional, separate felony charge.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-725)

Sec. 5-725. Protective supervision. If the sentencing order releases the minor to the custody of the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian, or continues the minor him or her in such custody, the court may place the person having custody of the minor, except for representatives of private or public agencies or governmental departments, under supervision of the probation office. Rules or orders of court shall define the terms and conditions of protective supervision, which may be modified or terminated when the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served by modifying or terminating protective supervision.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-730)

Sec. 5-730. Order of protection.

(1) The court may make an order of protection in assistance of or as a condition of any other order authorized by this Act. The order of protection may set forth reasonable conditions of behavior to be observed for a specified period. The order may require a person:

(a) to stay away from the home or the minor;

(b) to permit a parent to visit the minor at stated periods;

(c) to abstain from offensive conduct against the minor, the minor's his or her parent or any person to whom custody of the minor is awarded;

(d) to give proper attention to the care of the home;

(e) to cooperate in good faith with an agency to which custody of a minor is entrusted by the court or with an agency or association to which the minor is referred by the court;

(f) to prohibit and prevent any contact whatsoever with the respondent minor by a specified individual or individuals who are alleged in either a criminal or juvenile proceeding to have caused injury to a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor;

(g) to refrain from acts of commission or omission that tend to make the home not a proper place for the minor.

(2) The court shall enter an order of protection to prohibit and prevent any contact between a respondent minor or a sibling of a respondent minor and any person named in a petition seeking an order of protection who has been convicted of heinous battery or aggravated battery under subdivision (a)(2) of Section 12-3.05, aggravated battery of a child or aggravated battery under subdivision (b)(1) of Section 12-3.05, criminal sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault, predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, criminal sexual abuse, or aggravated criminal sexual abuse as described in the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, or has been convicted of an offense that resulted in the death of a child, or has violated a previous order of protection under this Section.

(3) When the court issues an order of protection against any person as provided by this Section, the court shall direct a copy of such order to the sheriff of that county. The sheriff shall furnish a copy of the order of protection to the Illinois State Police within 24 hours of receipt, in the form and manner required by the Department. The Illinois State Police shall maintain a complete record and index of the orders of protection and make this data available to all local law enforcement agencies.

(4) After notice and opportunity for hearing afforded to a person subject to an order of protection, the order may be modified or extended for a further specified period or both or may be terminated if the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public will be served by the modification, extension, or termination.

(5) An order of protection may be sought at any time during the course of any proceeding conducted under this Act. Any person against whom an order of protection is sought may retain counsel to represent the person him or her at a hearing, and has rights to be present at the hearing, to be informed prior to the hearing in writing of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place, and time of the hearing, and to cross-examine witnesses called by the petitioner and to present witnesses and argument in opposition to the relief sought in the petition.

(6) Diligent efforts shall be made by the petitioner to serve any person or persons against whom any order of protection is sought with written notice of the contents of the petition seeking a protective order and of the date, place and time at which the hearing on the petition is to be held. When a protective order is being sought in conjunction with a shelter care or detention hearing, if the court finds that the person against whom the protective order is being sought has been notified of the hearing or that diligent efforts have been made to notify the person, the court may conduct a hearing. If a protective order is sought at any time other than in conjunction with a shelter care or detention hearing, the court may not conduct a hearing on the petition in the absence of the person against whom the order is sought unless the petitioner has notified the person by personal service at least 3 days before the hearing or has sent written notice by first class mail to the person's last known address at least 5 days before the hearing.

(7) A person against whom an order of protection is being sought who is neither a parent, guardian, or legal custodian or responsible relative as described in Section 1-5 of this Act or is not a party or respondent as defined in that Section shall not be entitled to the rights provided in that Section. The person does not have a right to appointed counsel or to be present at any hearing other than the hearing in which the order of protection is being sought or a hearing directly pertaining to that order. Unless the court orders otherwise, the person does not have a right to inspect the court file.

(8) All protective orders entered under this Section shall be in writing. Unless the person against whom the order was obtained was present in court when the order was issued, the sheriff, other law enforcement official, or special process server shall promptly serve that order upon that person and file proof of that service, in the manner provided for service of process in civil proceedings. The person against whom the protective order was obtained may seek a modification of the order by filing a written motion to modify the order within 7 days after actual receipt by the person of a copy of the order.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-735)

Sec. 5-735. Enforcement of orders of protective supervision or of protection.

(1) Orders of protective supervision and orders of protection may be enforced by citation to show cause for contempt of court by reason of any violation of the order and, where protection of the welfare of the minor so requires, by the issuance of a warrant to take the alleged violator into custody and bring the minor him or her before the court.

(2) In any case where an order of protection has been entered, the clerk of the court may issue to the petitioner, to the minor or to any other person affected by the order a certificate stating that an order of protection has been made by the court concerning those persons and setting forth its terms and requirements. The presentation of the certificate to any peace officer authorizes the officer him or her to take into custody a person charged with violating the terms of the order of protection, to bring the person before the court and, within the limits of the officer's his or her legal authority as a peace officer, otherwise to aid in securing the protection the order is intended to afford.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-740)

Sec. 5-740. Placement; legal custody or guardianship.

(1) If the court finds that the parents, guardian, or legal custodian of a minor adjudged a ward of the court are unfit or are unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor or are unwilling to do so, and that appropriate services aimed at family preservation and family reunification have been unsuccessful in rectifying the conditions which have led to a finding of unfitness or inability to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor, and that it is in the best interest of the minor to take the minor him or her from the custody of the minor's his or her parents, guardian or custodian, the court may:

(a) place the minor him or her in the custody of a suitable relative or other person;

(b) place the minor him or her under the guardianship of a probation officer;

(c) commit the minor him or her to an agency for care or placement, except an institution under the authority of the Department of Juvenile Justice or of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(d) commit the minor him or her to some licensed training school or industrial school; or

(e) commit the minor him or her to any appropriate institution having among its purposes the care of delinquent children, including a child protective facility maintained by a child protection district serving the county from which commitment is made, but not including any institution under the authority of the Department of Juvenile Justice or of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(2) When making such placement, the court, wherever possible, shall select a person holding the same religious belief as that of the minor or a private agency controlled by persons of like religious faith of the minor and shall require the Department of Children and Family Services to otherwise comply with Section 7 of the Children and Family Services Act in placing the child. In addition, whenever alternative plans for placement are available, the court shall ascertain and consider, to the extent appropriate in the particular case, the views and preferences of the minor.

(3) When a minor is placed with a suitable relative or other person, the court shall appoint the suitable relative or other person him or her the legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. When a minor is committed to any agency, the court shall appoint the proper officer or representative of the proper officer as legal custodian or guardian of the person of the minor. Legal custodians and guardians of the person of the minor have the respective rights and duties set forth in subsection (9) of Section 5-105 except as otherwise provided by order of court; but no guardian of the person may consent to adoption of the minor. An agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of the minor may place the minor him or her in any child care facility, but the facility must be licensed under the Child Care Act of 1969 or have been approved by the Department of Children and Family Services as meeting the standards established for such licensing. Like authority and restrictions shall be conferred by the court upon any probation officer who has been appointed guardian of the person of a minor.

(4) No placement by any probation officer or agency whose representative is appointed guardian of the person or legal custodian of a minor may be made in any out of State child care facility unless it complies with the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children.

(5) The clerk of the court shall issue to the guardian or legal custodian of the person a certified copy of the order of court, as proof of the guardian's or legal custodian's his or her authority. No other process is necessary as authority for the keeping of the minor.

(6) Legal custody or guardianship granted under this Section continues until the court otherwise directs, but not after the minor reaches the age of 21 years except as set forth in Section 5-750.

(Source: P.A. 99-628, eff. 1-1-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-745)

Sec. 5-745. Court review.

(1) The court may require any legal custodian or guardian of the person appointed under this Act, including the Department of Juvenile Justice for youth committed under Section 5-750 of this Act, to report periodically to the court or may cite the legal custodian or guardian him or her into court and require the legal custodian or guardian him or her, or the legal custodian's or guardian's his or her agency, to make a full and accurate report of the his or her or its doings of the legal custodian, guardian, or agency on in behalf of the minor, including efforts to secure post-release placement of the youth after release from the Department's facilities. The legal custodian or guardian, within 10 days after the citation, shall make the report, either in writing verified by affidavit or orally under oath in open court, or otherwise as the court directs. Upon the hearing of the report the court may remove the legal custodian or guardian and appoint another in the legal custodian's or guardian's his or her stead or restore the minor to the custody of the minor's his or her parents or former guardian or legal custodian.

(2) If the Department of Children and Family Services is appointed legal custodian or guardian of a minor under Section 5-740 of this Act, the Department of Children and Family Services shall file updated case plans with the court every 6 months. Every agency which has guardianship of a child shall file a supplemental petition for court review, or review by an administrative body appointed or approved by the court and further order within 18 months of the sentencing order and each 18 months thereafter. The petition shall state facts relative to the child's present condition of physical, mental and emotional health as well as facts relative to the minor's his or her present custodial or foster care. The petition shall be set for hearing and the clerk shall mail 10 days notice of the hearing by certified mail, return receipt requested, to the person or agency having the physical custody of the child, the minor and other interested parties unless a written waiver of notice is filed with the petition.

If the minor is in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, pursuant to an order entered under this Article, the court shall conduct permanency hearings as set out in subsections (1), (2), and (3) of Section 2-28 of Article II of this Act.

Rights of wards of the court under this Act are enforceable against any public agency by complaints for relief by mandamus filed in any proceedings brought under this Act.

(3) The minor or any person interested in the minor may apply to the court for a change in custody of the minor and the appointment of a new custodian or guardian of the person or for the restoration of the minor to the custody of the minor's his or her parents or former guardian or custodian. In the event that the minor has attained 18 years of age and the guardian or custodian petitions the court for an order terminating the minor's his or her guardianship or custody, guardianship or legal custody shall terminate automatically 30 days after the receipt of the petition unless the court orders otherwise. No legal custodian or guardian of the person may be removed without the legal custodian's or guardian's his or her consent until given notice and an opportunity to be heard by the court.

(4) If the minor is committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice under Section 5-750 of this Act, the Department shall notify the court in writing of the occurrence of any of the following:

(a) a critical incident involving a youth committed to the Department; as used in this paragraph (a), "critical incident" means any incident that involves a serious risk to the life, health, or well-being of the youth and includes, but is not limited to, an accident or suicide attempt resulting in serious bodily harm or hospitalization, psychiatric hospitalization, alleged or suspected abuse, or escape or attempted escape from custody, filed within 10 days of the occurrence;

(b) a youth who has been released by the Prisoner Review Board but remains in a Department facility solely because the youth does not have an approved aftercare release host site, filed within 10 days of the occurrence;

(c) a youth, except a youth who has been adjudicated a habitual or violent juvenile offender under Section 5-815 or 5-820 of this Act or committed for first degree murder, who has been held in a Department facility for over one consecutive year; or

(d) if a report has been filed under paragraph (c) of this subsection, a supplemental report shall be filed every 6 months thereafter. The notification required by this subsection (4) shall contain a brief description of the incident or situation and a summary of the youth's current physical, mental, and emotional health and the actions the Department took in response to the incident or to identify an aftercare release host site, as applicable. Upon receipt of the notification, the court may require the Department to make a full report under subsection (1) of this Section.

(5) With respect to any report required to be filed with the court under this Section, the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall provide a copy to the minor's court appointed guardian ad litem, if the Department has received written notice of the appointment, and to the minor's attorney, if the Department has received written notice of representation from the attorney. If the Department has a record that a guardian has been appointed for the minor and a record of the last known address of the minor's court appointed guardian, the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall send a notice to the guardian that the report is available and will be provided by the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman upon request. If the Department has no record regarding the appointment of a guardian for the minor, and the Department's records include the last known addresses of the minor's parents, the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall send a notice to the parents that the report is available and will be provided by the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman upon request.

(Source: P.A. 99-628, eff. 1-1-17; 99-664, eff. 1-1-17; 100-201, eff. 8-18-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-750)

Sec. 5-750. Commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this Section, when any delinquent has been adjudged a ward of the court under this Act, the court may commit the minor him or her to the Department of Juvenile Justice, if it finds that (a) the minor's his or her parents, guardian or legal custodian are unfit or are unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to care for, protect, train or discipline the minor, or are unwilling to do so, and the best interests of the minor and the public will not be served by placement under Section 5-740, or it is necessary to ensure the protection of the public from the consequences of criminal activity of the delinquent; and (b) commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice is the least restrictive alternative based on evidence that efforts were made to locate less restrictive alternatives to secure confinement and the reasons why efforts were unsuccessful in locating a less restrictive alternative to secure confinement. Before the court commits a minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice, it shall make a finding that secure confinement is necessary, following a review of the following individualized factors:

(A) Age of the minor.

(B) Criminal background of the minor.

(C) Review of results of any assessments of the minor, including child centered assessments such as the CANS.

(D) Educational background of the minor, indicating whether the minor has ever been assessed for a learning disability, and if so what services were provided as well as any disciplinary incidents at school.

(E) Physical, mental and emotional health of the minor, indicating whether the minor has ever been diagnosed with a health issue and if so what services were provided and whether the minor was compliant with services.

(F) Community based services that have been provided to the minor, and whether the minor was compliant with the services, and the reason the services were unsuccessful.

(G) Services within the Department of Juvenile Justice that will meet the individualized needs of the minor.

(1.5) Before the court commits a minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the court must find reasonable efforts have been made to prevent or eliminate the need for the minor to be removed from the home, or reasonable efforts cannot, at this time, for good cause, prevent or eliminate the need for removal, and removal from home is in the best interests of the minor, the minor's family, and the public.

(2) When a minor of the age of at least 13 years is adjudged delinquent for the offense of first degree murder, the court shall declare the minor a ward of the court and order the minor committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice until the minor's 21st birthday, without the possibility of aftercare release, furlough, or non-emergency authorized absence for a period of 5 years from the date the minor was committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, except that the time that a minor spent in custody for the instant offense before being committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be considered as time credited towards that 5 year period. Upon release from a Department facility, a minor adjudged delinquent for first degree murder shall be placed on aftercare release until the age of 21, unless sooner discharged from aftercare release or custodianship is otherwise terminated in accordance with this Act or as otherwise provided for by law. Nothing in this subsection (2) shall preclude the State's Attorney from seeking to prosecute a minor as an adult as an alternative to proceeding under this Act.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (2), the commitment of a delinquent to the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be for an indeterminate term which shall automatically terminate upon the delinquent attaining the age of 21 years or upon completion of that period for which an adult could be committed for the same act, whichever occurs sooner, unless the delinquent is sooner discharged from aftercare release or custodianship is otherwise terminated in accordance with this Act or as otherwise provided for by law.

(3.5) Every delinquent minor committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice under this Act shall be eligible for aftercare release without regard to the length of time the minor has been confined or whether the minor has served any minimum term imposed. Aftercare release shall be administered by the Department of Juvenile Justice, under the direction of the Director. Unless sooner discharged, the Department of Juvenile Justice shall discharge a minor from aftercare release upon completion of the following aftercare release terms:

(a) One and a half years from the date a minor is released from a Department facility, if the minor was committed for a Class X felony;

(b) One year from the date a minor is released from a Department facility, if the minor was committed for a Class 1 or 2 felony; and

(c) Six months from the date a minor is released from a Department facility, if the minor was committed for a Class 3 felony or lesser offense.

(4) When the court commits a minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice, it shall order the minor him or her conveyed forthwith to the appropriate reception station or other place designated by the Department of Juvenile Justice, and shall appoint the Director of Juvenile Justice legal custodian of the minor. The clerk of the court shall issue to the Director of Juvenile Justice a certified copy of the order, which constitutes proof of the Director's authority. No other process need issue to warrant the keeping of the minor.

(5) If a minor is committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, the clerk of the court shall forward to the Department:

(a) the sentencing order and copies of committing petition;

(b) all reports;

(c) the court's statement of the basis for ordering the disposition;

(d) any sex offender evaluations;

(e) any risk assessment or substance abuse treatment eligibility screening and assessment of the minor by an agent designated by the State to provide assessment services for the courts;

(f) the number of days, if any, which the minor has been in custody and for which the minor he or she is entitled to credit against the sentence, which information shall be provided to the clerk by the sheriff;

(g) any medical or mental health records or summaries of the minor;

(h) the municipality where the arrest of the minor occurred, the commission of the offense occurred, and the minor resided at the time of commission;

(h-5) a report detailing the minor's criminal history in a manner and form prescribed by the Department of Juvenile Justice;

(i) all additional matters which the court directs the clerk to transmit; and

(j) all police reports for sex offenses as defined by the Sex Offender Management Board Act.

(6) Whenever the Department of Juvenile Justice lawfully discharges from its custody and control a minor committed to it, the Director of Juvenile Justice shall petition the court for an order terminating the minor's his or her custodianship. The custodianship shall terminate automatically 30 days after receipt of the petition unless the court orders otherwise.

(7) If, while on aftercare release, a minor committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice who resides in this State is charged under the criminal laws of this State, the criminal laws of any other state, or federal law with an offense that could result in a sentence of imprisonment within the Department of Corrections, the penal system of any state, or the federal Bureau of Prisons, the commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice and all rights and duties created by that commitment are automatically suspended pending final disposition of the criminal charge. If the minor is found guilty of the criminal charge and sentenced to a term of imprisonment in the penitentiary system of the Department of Corrections, the penal system of any state, or the federal Bureau of Prisons, the commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice shall be automatically terminated. If the criminal charge is dismissed, the minor is found not guilty, or the minor completes a criminal sentence other than imprisonment within the Department of Corrections, the penal system of any state, or the federal Bureau of Prisons, the previously imposed commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice and the full aftercare release term shall be automatically reinstated unless custodianship is sooner terminated. Nothing in this subsection (7) shall preclude the court from ordering another sentence under Section 5-710 of this Act or from terminating the Department's custodianship while the commitment to the Department is suspended.

(Source: P.A. 101-159, eff. 1-1-20; 102-350, eff. 8-13-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-755)

Sec. 5-755. Duration of wardship and discharge of proceedings.

(1) All proceedings under this Act in respect of any minor for whom a petition was filed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1998 automatically terminate upon the minor his or her attaining the age of 21 years except that provided in Section 5-810.

(2) Whenever the court finds that the best interests of the minor and the public no longer require the wardship of the court, the court shall order the wardship terminated and all proceedings under this Act respecting that minor finally closed and discharged. The court may at the same time continue or terminate any custodianship or guardianship previously ordered but the termination must be made in compliance with Section 5-745.

(3) The wardship of the minor and any legal custodianship or guardianship respecting the minor for whom a petition was filed on or after the effective date of this amendatory Act of 1998 automatically terminates when the minor he or she attains the age of 21 years except as set forth in subsection (1) of this Section. The clerk of the court shall at that time record all proceedings under this Act as finally closed and discharged for that reason.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-7A-105)

Sec. 5-7A-105. Definitions. As used in this Article:

(a) "Approved electronic monitoring device" means a device approved by the supervising authority that is primarily intended to record or transmit information as to the minor's presence or nonpresence in the home. An approved electronic monitoring device may record or transmit: oral or wire communications or an auditory sound; visual images; or information regarding the minor's activities while inside the offender's home. These devices are subject to the required consent as set forth in Section 5-7A-125 of this Article. An approved electronic monitoring device may be used to record a conversation between the participant and the monitoring device, or the participant and the person supervising the participant solely for the purpose of identification and not for the purpose of eavesdropping or conducting any other illegally intrusive monitoring.

(b) "Excluded offenses" means any act if committed by an adult would constitute first degree murder, escape, aggravated criminal sexual assault, criminal sexual assault, aggravated battery with a firearm, bringing or possessing a firearm, ammunition, or explosive in a penal institution, any "Super-X" drug offense or calculated criminal drug conspiracy or streetgang criminal drug conspiracy, or any predecessor or successor offenses with the same or substantially the same elements, or any inchoate offenses relating to the foregoing offenses.

(c) "Home detention" means the confinement of a minor adjudicated delinquent or subject to an adjudicatory hearing under Article V for an act that if committed by an adult would be an offense to the minor's his or her place of residence under the terms and conditions established by the supervising authority.

(d) "Participant" means a minor placed into an electronic monitoring program.

(e) "Supervising authority" means the Department of Juvenile Justice, probation supervisory authority, sheriff, superintendent of a juvenile detention center, or any other officer or agency charged with authorizing and supervising home detention.

(f) "Super-X drug offense" means a violation of clause (a)(1)(B), (C), or (D) of Section 401; clause (a)(2)(B), (C), or (D) of Section 401; clause (a)(3)(B), (C), or (D) of Section 401; or clause (a)(7)(B), (C), or (D) of Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act.

(Source: P.A. 96-293, eff. 1-1-10.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-7A-115)

Sec. 5-7A-115. Program description. The supervising authority may promulgate rules that prescribe reasonable guidelines under which an electronic monitoring and home detention program shall operate. These rules shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(A) The participant shall remain within the interior premises or within the property boundaries of the participant's his or her residence at all times during the hours designated by the supervising authority. Such instances of approved absences from the home may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) working or employment approved by the court or traveling to or from approved employment;

(2) unemployed and seeking employment approved for the participant by the court;

(3) undergoing medical, psychiatric, mental health treatment, counseling, or other treatment programs approved for the participant by the court;

(4) attending an educational institution or a program approved for the participant by the court;

(5) attending a regularly scheduled religious service at a place of worship;

(6) participating in community work release or community service programs approved for the participant by the supervising authority; or

(7) for another compelling reason consistent with the public interest, as approved by the supervising authority.

(B) The participant shall admit any person or agent designated by the supervising authority into the participant's his or her residence at any time for purposes of verifying the participant's compliance with the conditions of the participant's his or her detention.

(C) The participant shall make the necessary arrangements to allow for any person or agent designated by the supervising authority to visit the participant's place of education or employment at any time, based upon the approval of the educational institution or employer or both, for the purpose of verifying the participant's compliance with the conditions of the participant's his or her detention.

(D) The participant shall acknowledge and participate with the approved electronic monitoring device as designated by the supervising authority at any time for the purpose of verifying the participant's compliance with the conditions of the participant's his or her detention.

(E) The participant shall maintain the following:

(1) a working telephone in the participant's home;

(2) a monitoring device in the participant's home or on the participant's person, or both; and

(3) a monitoring device in the participant's home and on the participant's person in the absence of a telephone.

(F) The participant shall obtain approval from the supervising authority before the participant changes residence or the schedule described in paragraph (A) of this Section.

(G) The participant shall not commit another act that if committed by an adult would constitute a crime during the period of home detention ordered by the court.

(H) Notice to the participant that violation of the order for home detention may subject the participant to an adjudicatory hearing for escape as described in Section 5-7A-120.

(I) The participant shall abide by other conditions as set by the supervising authority.

(Source: P.A. 100-201, eff. 8-18-17; 100-431, eff. 8-25-17.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-810)

Sec. 5-810. Extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecutions.

(1) (a) If the State's Attorney files a petition, at any time prior to commencement of the minor's trial, to designate the proceeding as an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution and the petition alleges the commission by a minor 13 years of age or older of any offense which would be a felony if committed by an adult, and, if the juvenile judge assigned to hear and determine petitions to designate the proceeding as an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution determines that there is probable cause to believe that the allegations in the petition and motion are true, there is a rebuttable presumption that the proceeding shall be designated as an extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding.

(b) The judge shall enter an order designating the proceeding as an extended jurisdiction juvenile proceeding unless the judge makes a finding based on clear and convincing evidence that sentencing under the Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections would not be appropriate for the minor based on an evaluation of the following factors:

(i) the age of the minor;

(ii) the history of the minor, including:

(A) any previous delinquent or criminal history of the minor,

(B) any previous abuse or neglect history of the minor, and

(C) any mental health, physical and/or educational history of the minor;

(iii) the circumstances of the offense, including:

(A) the seriousness of the offense,

(B) whether the minor is charged through accountability,

(C) whether there is evidence the offense was committed in an aggressive and premeditated manner,

(D) whether there is evidence the offense caused serious bodily harm,

(E) whether there is evidence the minor possessed a deadly weapon;

(iv) the advantages of treatment within the juvenile justice system including whether there are facilities or programs, or both, particularly available in the juvenile system;

(v) whether the security of the public requires sentencing under Chapter V of the Unified Code of Corrections:

(A) the minor's history of services, including the minor's willingness to participate meaningfully in available services;

(B) whether there is a reasonable likelihood that the minor can be rehabilitated before the expiration of the juvenile court's jurisdiction;

(C) the adequacy of the punishment or services.

In considering these factors, the court shall give greater weight to the seriousness of the alleged offense, and the minor's prior record of delinquency than to other factors listed in this subsection.

(2) Procedures for extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecutions. The State's Attorney may file a written motion for a proceeding to be designated as an extended juvenile jurisdiction prior to commencement of trial. Notice of the motion shall be in compliance with Section 5-530. When the State's Attorney files a written motion that a proceeding be designated an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution, the court shall commence a hearing within 30 days of the filing of the motion for designation, unless good cause is shown by the prosecution or the minor as to why the hearing could not be held within this time period. If the court finds good cause has been demonstrated, then the hearing shall be held within 60 days of the filing of the motion. The hearings shall be open to the public unless the judge finds that the hearing should be closed for the protection of any party, victim or witness. If the Juvenile Judge assigned to hear and determine a motion to designate an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution determines that there is probable cause to believe that the allegations in the petition and motion are true the court shall grant the motion for designation. Information used by the court in its findings or stated in or offered in connection with this Section may be by way of proffer based on reliable information offered by the State or the minor. All evidence shall be admissible if it is relevant and reliable regardless of whether it would be admissible under the rules of evidence.

(3) Trial. A minor who is subject of an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution has the right to trial by jury. Any trial under this Section shall be open to the public.

(4) Sentencing. If an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution under subsection (1) results in a guilty plea, a verdict of guilty, or a finding of guilt, the court shall impose the following:

(i) one or more juvenile sentences under Section 5-710; and

(ii) an adult criminal sentence in accordance with the provisions of Section 5-4.5-105 of the Unified Code of Corrections, the execution of which shall be stayed on the condition that the offender not violate the provisions of the juvenile sentence.

Any sentencing hearing under this Section shall be open to the public.

(5) If, after an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution trial, a minor is convicted of a lesser-included offense or of an offense that the State's Attorney did not designate as an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution, the State's Attorney may file a written motion, within 10 days of the finding of guilt, that the minor be sentenced as an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution offender. The court shall rule on this motion using the factors found in paragraph (1)(b) of Section 5-805. If the court denies the State's Attorney's motion for sentencing under the extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution provision, the court shall proceed to sentence the minor under Section 5-710.

(6) When it appears that a minor convicted in an extended jurisdiction juvenile prosecution under subsection (1) has violated the conditions of the minor's his or her sentence, or is alleged to have committed a new offense upon the filing of a petition to revoke the stay, the court may, without notice, issue a warrant for the arrest of the minor. After a hearing, if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the minor committed a new offense, the court shall order execution of the previously imposed adult criminal sentence. After a hearing, if the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the minor committed a violation of the minor's his or her sentence other than by a new offense, the court may order execution of the previously imposed adult criminal sentence or may continue the minor him or her on the existing juvenile sentence with or without modifying or enlarging the conditions. Upon revocation of the stay of the adult criminal sentence and imposition of that sentence, the minor's extended jurisdiction juvenile status shall be terminated. The on-going jurisdiction over the minor's case shall be assumed by the adult criminal court and juvenile court jurisdiction shall be terminated and a report of the imposition of the adult sentence shall be sent to the Illinois Department of State Police.

(7) Upon successful completion of the juvenile sentence the court shall vacate the adult criminal sentence.

(8) Nothing in this Section precludes the State from filing a motion for transfer under Section 5-805.

(Source: P.A. 99-258, eff. 1-1-16.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-815)

Sec. 5-815. Habitual Juvenile Offender.

(a) Definition. Any minor having been twice adjudicated a delinquent minor for offenses which, had the minor he or she been prosecuted as an adult, would have been felonies under the laws of this State, and who is thereafter adjudicated a delinquent minor for a third time shall be adjudged an Habitual Juvenile Offender where:

1. the third adjudication is for an offense occurring after adjudication on the second; and

2. the second adjudication was for an offense occurring after adjudication on the first; and

3. the third offense occurred after January 1, 1980; and

4. the third offense was based upon the commission of or attempted commission of the following offenses: first degree murder, second degree murder or involuntary manslaughter; criminal sexual assault or aggravated criminal sexual assault; aggravated or heinous battery involving permanent disability or disfigurement or great bodily harm to the victim; burglary of a home or other residence intended for use as a temporary or permanent dwelling place for human beings; home invasion; robbery or armed robbery; or aggravated arson.

Nothing in this Section shall preclude the State's Attorney from seeking to prosecute a minor as an adult as an alternative to prosecution as a an habitual juvenile offender.

A continuance under supervision authorized by Section 5-615 of this Act shall not be permitted under this Section.

(b) Notice to minor. The State shall serve upon the minor written notice of intention to prosecute under the provisions of this Section within 5 judicial days of the filing of any delinquency petition, adjudication upon which would mandate the minor's disposition as a an Habitual Juvenile Offender.

(c) Petition; service. A notice to seek adjudication as a an Habitual Juvenile Offender shall be filed only by the State's Attorney.

The petition upon which such Habitual Juvenile Offender notice is based shall contain the information and averments required for all other delinquency petitions filed under this Act and its service shall be according to the provisions of this Act.

No prior adjudication shall be alleged in the petition.

(d) Trial. Trial on such petition shall be by jury unless the minor demands, in open court and with advice of counsel, a trial by the court without jury.

Except as otherwise provided herein, the provisions of this Act concerning delinquency proceedings generally shall be applicable to Habitual Juvenile Offender proceedings.

(e) Proof of prior adjudications. No evidence or other disclosure of prior adjudications shall be presented to the court or jury during any adjudicatory hearing provided for under this Section unless otherwise permitted by the issues properly raised in such hearing. In the event the minor who is the subject of these proceedings elects to testify on the minor's his or her own behalf, it shall be competent to introduce evidence, for purposes of impeachment, that the minor he or she has previously been adjudicated a delinquent minor upon facts which, had the minor he been tried as an adult, would have resulted in the minor's his conviction of a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement. Introduction of such evidence shall be according to the rules and procedures applicable to the impeachment of an adult defendant by prior conviction.

After an admission of the facts in the petition or adjudication of delinquency, the State's Attorney may file with the court a verified written statement signed by the State's Attorney concerning any prior adjudication of an offense set forth in subsection (a) of this Section which offense would have been a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement had the minor been tried as an adult.

The court shall then cause the minor to be brought before it; shall inform the minor him or her of the allegations of the statement so filed, and of the minor's his or her right to a hearing before the court on the issue of such prior adjudication and of the minor's his right to counsel at such hearing; and unless the minor admits such adjudication, the court shall hear and determine such issue, and shall make a written finding thereon.

A duly authenticated copy of the record of any such alleged prior adjudication shall be prima facie evidence of such prior adjudication or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement.

Any claim that a previous adjudication offered by the State's Attorney is not a former adjudication of an offense which, had the minor been prosecuted as an adult, would have resulted in the minor's his conviction of a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement, is waived unless duly raised at the hearing on such adjudication, or unless the State's Attorney's proof shows that such prior adjudication was not based upon proof of what would have been a felony.

(f) Disposition. If the court finds that the prerequisites established in subsection (a) of this Section have been proven, it shall adjudicate the minor a Habitual Juvenile Offender and commit the minor him or her to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time as provided in subsection (3) of Section 5-750, subject to the target release date provisions as provided in subsection (c) of Section 3-2.5-85 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(Source: P.A. 102-350, eff. 8-13-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-820)

Sec. 5-820. Violent Juvenile Offender.

(a) Definition. A minor having been previously adjudicated a delinquent minor for an offense which, had the minor he or she been prosecuted as an adult, would have been a Class 2 or greater felony involving the use or threat of physical force or violence against an individual or a Class 2 or greater felony for which an element of the offense is possession or use of a firearm, and who is thereafter adjudicated a delinquent minor for a second time for any of those offenses shall be adjudicated a Violent Juvenile Offender if:

(1) The second adjudication is for an offense occurring after adjudication on the first; and

(2) The second offense occurred on or after January 1, 1995.

(b) Notice to minor. The State shall serve upon the minor written notice of intention to prosecute under the provisions of this Section within 5 judicial days of the filing of a delinquency petition, adjudication upon which would mandate the minor's disposition as a Violent Juvenile Offender.

(c) Petition; service. A notice to seek adjudication as a Violent Juvenile Offender shall be filed only by the State's Attorney.

The petition upon which the Violent Juvenile Offender notice is based shall contain the information and averments required for all other delinquency petitions filed under this Act and its service shall be according to the provisions of this Act.

No prior adjudication shall be alleged in the petition.

(d) Trial. Trial on the petition shall be by jury unless the minor demands, in open court and with advice of counsel, a trial by the court without a jury.

Except as otherwise provided in this Section, the provisions of this Act concerning delinquency proceedings generally shall be applicable to Violent Juvenile Offender proceedings.

(e) Proof of prior adjudications. No evidence or other disclosure of prior adjudications shall be presented to the court or jury during an adjudicatory hearing provided for under this Section unless otherwise permitted by the issues properly raised in that hearing. In the event the minor who is the subject of these proceedings elects to testify on the minor's his or her own behalf, it shall be competent to introduce evidence, for purposes of impeachment, that the minor he or she has previously been adjudicated a delinquent minor upon facts which, had the minor been tried as an adult, would have resulted in the minor's conviction of a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement. Introduction of such evidence shall be according to the rules and procedures applicable to the impeachment of an adult defendant by prior conviction.

After an admission of the facts in the petition or adjudication of delinquency, the State's Attorney may file with the court a verified written statement signed by the State's Attorney concerning any prior adjudication of an offense set forth in subsection (a) of this Section that would have been a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement had the minor been tried as an adult.

The court shall then cause the minor to be brought before it; shall inform the minor of the allegations of the statement so filed, of the minor's his or her right to a hearing before the court on the issue of the prior adjudication and of the minor's his or her right to counsel at the hearing; and unless the minor admits the adjudication, the court shall hear and determine the issue, and shall make a written finding of the issue.

A duly authenticated copy of the record of any alleged prior adjudication shall be prima facie evidence of the prior adjudication or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement.

Any claim that a previous adjudication offered by the State's Attorney is not a former adjudication of an offense which, had the minor been prosecuted as an adult, would have resulted in the minor's his or her conviction of a Class 2 or greater felony involving the use or threat of force or violence, or a firearm, a felony or of any offense that involved dishonesty or false statement is waived unless duly raised at the hearing on the adjudication, or unless the State's Attorney's proof shows that the prior adjudication was not based upon proof of what would have been a felony.

(f) Disposition. If the court finds that the prerequisites established in subsection (a) of this Section have been proven, it shall adjudicate the minor a Violent Juvenile Offender and commit the minor to the Department of Juvenile Justice for a period of time as provided in subsection (3) of Section 5-750, subject to the target release date provisions in subsection (c) of Section 3-2.5-85 of the Unified Code of Corrections.

(g) Nothing in this Section shall preclude the State's Attorney from seeking to prosecute a minor as a habitual juvenile offender or as an adult as an alternative to prosecution as a Violent Juvenile Offender.

(h) A continuance under supervision authorized by Section 5-615 of this Act shall not be permitted under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 102-350, eff. 8-13-21.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-901)

Sec. 5-901. Court file.

(1) The Court file with respect to proceedings under this Article shall consist of the petitions, pleadings, victim impact statements, process, service of process, orders, writs and docket entries reflecting hearings held and judgments and decrees entered by the court. The court file shall be kept separate from other records of the court.

(a) The file, including information identifying the victim or alleged victim of any sex offense, shall be disclosed only to the following parties when necessary for discharge of their official duties:

(i) A judge of the circuit court and members of the staff of the court designated by the judge;

(ii) Parties to the proceedings and their attorneys;

(iii) Victims and their attorneys, except in cases of multiple victims of sex offenses in which case the information identifying the nonrequesting victims shall be redacted;

(iv) Probation officers, law enforcement officers or prosecutors or their staff;

(v) Adult and juvenile Prisoner Review Boards.

(b) The Court file redacted to remove any information identifying the victim or alleged victim of any sex offense shall be disclosed only to the following parties when necessary for discharge of their official duties:

(i) Authorized military personnel;

(ii) Persons engaged in bona fide research, with the permission of the judge of the juvenile court and the chief executive of the agency that prepared the particular recording: provided that publication of such research results in no disclosure of a minor's identity and protects the confidentiality of the record;

(iii) The Secretary of State to whom the Clerk of the Court shall report the disposition of all cases, as required in Section 6-204 or Section 6-205.1 of the Illinois Vehicle Code. However, information reported relative to these offenses shall be privileged and available only to the Secretary of State, courts, and police officers;

(iv) The administrator of a bonafide substance abuse student assistance program with the permission of the presiding judge of the juvenile court;

(v) Any individual, or any public or private agency or institution, having custody of the juvenile under court order or providing educational, medical or mental health services to the juvenile or a court-approved advocate for the juvenile or any placement provider or potential placement provider as determined by the court.

(2) (Reserved).

(3) A minor who is the victim or alleged victim in a juvenile proceeding shall be provided the same confidentiality regarding disclosure of identity as the minor who is the subject of record. Information identifying victims and alleged victims of sex offenses, shall not be disclosed or open to public inspection under any circumstances. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the victim or alleged victim of any sex offense from voluntarily disclosing this his or her identity.

(4) Relevant information, reports and records shall be made available to the Department of Juvenile Justice when a juvenile offender has been placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(4.5) Relevant information, reports and records, held by the Department of Juvenile Justice, including social investigation, psychological and medical records, of any juvenile offender, shall be made available to any county juvenile detention facility upon written request by the Superintendent or Director of that juvenile detention facility, to the Chief Records Officer of the Department of Juvenile Justice where the subject youth is or was in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice and is subsequently ordered to be held in a county juvenile detention facility.

(5) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (5), juvenile court records shall not be made available to the general public but may be inspected by representatives of agencies, associations and news media or other properly interested persons by general or special order of the court. The State's Attorney, the minor, the minor's his or her parents, guardian and counsel shall at all times have the right to examine court files and records.

(a) The court shall allow the general public to have access to the name, address, and offense of a minor who is adjudicated a delinquent minor under this Act under either of the following circumstances:

(i) The adjudication of delinquency was based upon the minor's commission of first degree murder, attempt to commit first degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, or criminal sexual assault; or

(ii) The court has made a finding that the minor was at least 13 years of age at the time the act was committed and the adjudication of delinquency was based upon the minor's commission of: (A) an act in furtherance of the commission of a felony as a member of or on behalf of a criminal street gang, (B) an act involving the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, (C) an act that would be a Class X felony offense under or the minor's second or subsequent Class 2 or greater felony offense under the Cannabis Control Act if committed by an adult, (D) an act that would be a second or subsequent offense under Section 402 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act if committed by an adult, (E) an act that would be an offense under Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act if committed by an adult, or (F) an act that would be an offense under the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act if committed by an adult.

(b) The court shall allow the general public to have access to the name, address, and offense of a minor who is at least 13 years of age at the time the offense is committed and who is convicted, in criminal proceedings permitted or required under Section 5-805, under either of the following circumstances:

(i) The minor has been convicted of first degree murder, attempt to commit first degree murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, or criminal sexual assault,

(ii) The court has made a finding that the minor was at least 13 years of age at the time the offense was committed and the conviction was based upon the minor's commission of: (A) an offense in furtherance of the commission of a felony as a member of or on behalf of a criminal street gang, (B) an offense involving the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, (C) a Class X felony offense under the Cannabis Control Act or a second or subsequent Class 2 or greater felony offense under the Cannabis Control Act, (D) a second or subsequent offense under Section 402 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, (E) an offense under Section 401 of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, or (F) an offense under the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act.

(6) Nothing in this Section shall be construed to limit the use of an adjudication of delinquency as evidence in any juvenile or criminal proceeding, where it would otherwise be admissible under the rules of evidence, including, but not limited to, use as impeachment evidence against any witness, including the minor if the minor he or she testifies.

(7) Nothing in this Section shall affect the right of a Civil Service Commission or appointing authority examining the character and fitness of an applicant for a position as a law enforcement officer to ascertain whether that applicant was ever adjudicated to be a delinquent minor and, if so, to examine the records or evidence which were made in proceedings under this Act.

(8) Following any adjudication of delinquency for a crime which would be a felony if committed by an adult, or following any adjudication of delinquency for a violation of Section 24-1, 24-3, 24-3.1, or 24-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012, the State's Attorney shall ascertain whether the minor respondent is enrolled in school and, if so, shall provide a copy of the sentencing order to the principal or chief administrative officer of the school. Access to such juvenile records shall be limited to the principal or chief administrative officer of the school and any school counselor designated by the principal or chief administrative officer him or her.

(9) Nothing contained in this Act prevents the sharing or disclosure of information or records relating or pertaining to juveniles subject to the provisions of the Serious Habitual Offender Comprehensive Action Program when that information is used to assist in the early identification and treatment of habitual juvenile offenders.

(10) (Reserved).

(11) The Clerk of the Circuit Court shall report to the Illinois State Police, in the form and manner required by the Illinois State Police, the final disposition of each minor who has been arrested or taken into custody before the minor's his or her 18th birthday for those offenses required to be reported under Section 5 of the Criminal Identification Act. Information reported to the Illinois State Police under this Section may be maintained with records that the Illinois State Police files under Section 2.1 of the Criminal Identification Act.

(12) Information or records may be disclosed to the general public when the court is conducting hearings under Section 5-805 or 5-810.

(13) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to juvenile court records of a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 102-197, eff. 7-30-21; 102-320, eff. 8-6-21; 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-813, eff. 5-13-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-905)

Sec. 5-905. Law enforcement records.

(1) Law Enforcement Records. Inspection and copying of law enforcement records maintained by law enforcement agencies that relate to a minor who has been investigated, arrested, or taken into custody before the minor's his or her 18th birthday shall be restricted to the following and when necessary for the discharge of their official duties:

(a) A judge of the circuit court and members of the staff of the court designated by the judge;

(b) Law enforcement officers, probation officers or prosecutors or their staff, or, when necessary for the discharge of its official duties in connection with a particular investigation of the conduct of a law enforcement officer, an independent agency or its staff created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers;

(c) The minor, the minor's parents or legal guardian and their attorneys, but only when the juvenile has been charged with an offense;

(d) Adult and Juvenile Prisoner Review Boards;

(e) Authorized military personnel;

(f) Persons engaged in bona fide research, with the permission of the judge of juvenile court and the chief executive of the agency that prepared the particular recording: provided that publication of such research results in no disclosure of a minor's identity and protects the confidentiality of the record;

(g) Individuals responsible for supervising or providing temporary or permanent care and custody of minors pursuant to orders of the juvenile court or directives from officials of the Department of Children and Family Services or the Department of Human Services who certify in writing that the information will not be disclosed to any other party except as provided under law or order of court;

(h) The appropriate school official only if the agency or officer believes that there is an imminent threat of physical harm to students, school personnel, or others who are present in the school or on school grounds.

(A) Inspection and copying shall be limited to law enforcement records transmitted to the appropriate school official or officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest by a local law enforcement agency under a reciprocal reporting system established and maintained between the school district and the local law enforcement agency under Section 10-20.14 of the School Code concerning a minor enrolled in a school within the school district who has been arrested or taken into custody for any of the following offenses:

(i) any violation of Article 24 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(ii) a violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act;

(iii) a violation of the Cannabis Control Act;

(iv) a forcible felony as defined in Section 2-8 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012;

(v) a violation of the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act;

(vi) a violation of Section 1-2 of the Harassing and Obscene Communications Act;

(vii) a violation of the Hazing Act; or

(viii) a violation of Section 12-1, 12-2, 12-3, 12-3.05, 12-3.1, 12-3.2, 12-3.4, 12-3.5, 12-5, 12-7.3, 12-7.4, 12-7.5, 25-1, or 25-5 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or the Criminal Code of 2012.

The information derived from the law enforcement records shall be kept separate from and shall not become a part of the official school record of that child and shall not be a public record. The information shall be used solely by the appropriate school official or officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest to aid in the proper rehabilitation of the child and to protect the safety of students and employees in the school. If the designated law enforcement and school officials deem it to be in the best interest of the minor, the student may be referred to in-school or community based social services if those services are available. "Rehabilitation services" may include interventions by school support personnel, evaluation for eligibility for special education, referrals to community-based agencies such as youth services, behavioral healthcare service providers, drug and alcohol prevention or treatment programs, and other interventions as deemed appropriate for the student.

(B) Any information provided to appropriate school officials whom the school has determined to have a legitimate educational or safety interest by local law enforcement officials about a minor who is the subject of a current police investigation that is directly related to school safety shall consist of oral information only, and not written law enforcement records, and shall be used solely by the appropriate school official or officials to protect the safety of students and employees in the school and aid in the proper rehabilitation of the child. The information derived orally from the local law enforcement officials shall be kept separate from and shall not become a part of the official school record of the child and shall not be a public record. This limitation on the use of information about a minor who is the subject of a current police investigation shall in no way limit the use of this information by prosecutors in pursuing criminal charges arising out of the information disclosed during a police investigation of the minor. For purposes of this paragraph, "investigation" means an official systematic inquiry by a law enforcement agency into actual or suspected criminal activity;

(i) The president of a park district. Inspection and copying shall be limited to law enforcement records transmitted to the president of the park district by the Illinois State Police under Section 8-23 of the Park District Code or Section 16a-5 of the Chicago Park District Act concerning a person who is seeking employment with that park district and who has been adjudicated a juvenile delinquent for any of the offenses listed in subsection (c) of Section 8-23 of the Park District Code or subsection (c) of Section 16a-5 of the Chicago Park District Act.

(2) Information identifying victims and alleged victims of sex offenses, shall not be disclosed or open to public inspection under any circumstances. Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the victim or alleged victim of any sex offense from voluntarily disclosing this his or her identity.

(2.5) If the minor is a victim of aggravated battery, battery, attempted first degree murder, or other non-sexual violent offense, the identity of the victim may be disclosed to appropriate school officials, for the purpose of preventing foreseeable future violence involving minors, by a local law enforcement agency pursuant to an agreement established between the school district and a local law enforcement agency subject to the approval by the presiding judge of the juvenile court.

(3) Relevant information, reports and records shall be made available to the Department of Juvenile Justice when a juvenile offender has been placed in the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(4) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit the inspection or disclosure to victims and witnesses of photographs contained in the records of law enforcement agencies when the inspection or disclosure is conducted in the presence of a law enforcement officer for purposes of identification or apprehension of any person in the course of any criminal investigation or prosecution.

(5) The records of law enforcement officers, or of an independent agency created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers, concerning all minors under 18 years of age must be maintained separate from the records of adults and may not be open to public inspection or their contents disclosed to the public except by order of the court or when the institution of criminal proceedings has been permitted under Section 5-130 or 5-805 or required under Section 5-130 or 5-805 or such a person has been convicted of a crime and is the subject of pre-sentence investigation or when provided by law.

(6) Except as otherwise provided in this subsection (6), law enforcement officers, and personnel of an independent agency created by ordinance and charged by a unit of local government with the duty of investigating the conduct of law enforcement officers, may not disclose the identity of any minor in releasing information to the general public as to the arrest, investigation or disposition of any case involving a minor. Any victim or parent or legal guardian of a victim may petition the court to disclose the name and address of the minor and the minor's parents or legal guardian, or both. Upon a finding by clear and convincing evidence that the disclosure is either necessary for the victim to pursue a civil remedy against the minor or the minor's parents or legal guardian, or both, or to protect the victim's person or property from the minor, then the court may order the disclosure of the information to the victim or to the parent or legal guardian of the victim only for the purpose of the victim pursuing a civil remedy against the minor or the minor's parents or legal guardian, or both, or to protect the victim's person or property from the minor.

(7) Nothing contained in this Section shall prohibit law enforcement agencies when acting in their official capacity from communicating with each other by letter, memorandum, teletype or intelligence alert bulletin or other means the identity or other relevant information pertaining to a person under 18 years of age. The information provided under this subsection (7) shall remain confidential and shall not be publicly disclosed, except as otherwise allowed by law.

(8) No person shall disclose information under this Section except when acting in the person's his or her official capacity and as provided by law or order of court.

(9) The changes made to this Section by Public Act 98-61 apply to law enforcement records of a minor who has been arrested or taken into custody on or after January 1, 2014 (the effective date of Public Act 98-61).

(Source: P.A. 98-61, eff. 1-1-14; 98-756, eff. 7-16-14; 99-298, eff. 8-6-15.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-910)

Sec. 5-910. Social, psychological and medical records.

(1) The social investigation, psychological and medical records of any juvenile offender shall be privileged and shall not be disclosed except:

(a) upon the written consent of the former juvenile or, if the juvenile offender is under 18 years of age, by the parent of the juvenile; or

(b) upon a determination by the head of the treatment facility, who has the records, that disclosure to another individual or facility providing treatment to the minor is necessary for the further treatment of the juvenile offender; or

(c) when any court having jurisdiction of the juvenile offender orders disclosure; or

(d) when requested by any attorney representing the juvenile offender, but the records shall not be further disclosed by the attorney unless approved by the court or presented as admissible evidence; or

(e) upon a written request of a juvenile probation officer in regard to an alleged juvenile offender when the information is needed for screening and assessment purposes, for preparation of a social investigation or presentence investigation, or placement decisions; but the records shall not be further disclosed by the probation officer unless approved by the court; or

(f) when the State's Attorney requests a copy of the social investigation for use at a sentencing hearing or upon written request of the State's Attorney for psychological or medical records when the minor contests the minor's his fitness for trial or relies on an affirmative defense of intoxication or insanity.

(2) Willful violation of this Section is a Class C misdemeanor.

(3) Nothing in this Section shall operate to extinguish any rights of a juvenile offender established by attorney-client, physician-patient, psychologist-client or social worker-client privileges except as otherwise provided by law.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-915)

Sec. 5-915. Expungement of juvenile law enforcement and juvenile court records.

(0.05) (Blank).

(0.1) (a) The Illinois State Police and all law enforcement agencies within the State shall automatically expunge, on or before January 1 of each year, except as described in paragraph (c) of subsection (0.1), all juvenile law enforcement records relating to events occurring before an individual's 18th birthday if:

(1) one year or more has elapsed since the date of the arrest or law enforcement interaction documented in the records;

(2) no petition for delinquency or criminal charges were filed with the clerk of the circuit court relating to the arrest or law enforcement interaction documented in the records; and

(3) 6 months have elapsed since the date of the arrest without an additional subsequent arrest or filing of a petition for delinquency or criminal charges whether related or not to the arrest or law enforcement interaction documented in the records.

(b) If the law enforcement agency is unable to verify satisfaction of conditions (2) and (3) of this subsection (0.1), records that satisfy condition (1) of this subsection (0.1) shall be automatically expunged if the records relate to an offense that if committed by an adult would not be an offense classified as a Class 2 felony or higher, an offense under Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 1961 or Criminal Code of 2012, or an offense under Section 12-13, 12-14, 12-14.1, 12-15, or 12-16 of the Criminal Code of 1961.

(c) If the juvenile law enforcement record was received through a public submission to a statewide student confidential reporting system administered by the Illinois State Police, the record will be maintained for a period of 5 years according to all other provisions in subsection (0.1).

(0.15) If a juvenile law enforcement record meets paragraph (a) of subsection (0.1) of this Section, a juvenile law enforcement record created:

(1) prior to January 1, 2018, but on or after January 1, 2013 shall be automatically expunged prior to January 1, 2020;

(2) prior to January 1, 2013, but on or after January 1, 2000, shall be automatically expunged prior to January 1, 2023; and

(3) prior to January 1, 2000 shall not be subject to the automatic expungement provisions of this Act.

Nothing in this subsection (0.15) shall be construed to restrict or modify an individual's right to have the person's his or her juvenile law enforcement records expunged except as otherwise may be provided in this Act.

(0.2) (a) Upon dismissal of a petition alleging delinquency or upon a finding of not delinquent, the successful termination of an order of supervision, or the successful termination of an adjudication for an offense which would be a Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, or a petty or business offense if committed by an adult, the court shall automatically order the expungement of the juvenile court records and juvenile law enforcement records. The clerk shall deliver a certified copy of the expungement order to the Illinois State Police and the arresting agency. Upon request, the State's Attorney shall furnish the name of the arresting agency. The expungement shall be completed within 60 business days after the receipt of the expungement order.

(b) If the chief law enforcement officer of the agency, or the chief law enforcement officer's his or her designee, certifies in writing that certain information is needed for a pending investigation involving the commission of a felony, that information, and information identifying the juvenile, may be retained until the statute of limitations for the felony has run. If the chief law enforcement officer of the agency, or the chief law enforcement officer's his or her designee, certifies in writing that certain information is needed with respect to an internal investigation of any law enforcement office, that information and information identifying the juvenile may be retained within an intelligence file until the investigation is terminated or the disciplinary action, including appeals, has been completed, whichever is later. Retention of a portion of a juvenile's law enforcement record does not disqualify the remainder of a juvenile's his or her record from immediate automatic expungement.

(0.3) (a) Upon an adjudication of delinquency based on any offense except a disqualified offense, the juvenile court shall automatically order the expungement of the juvenile court and law enforcement records 2 years after the juvenile's case was closed if no delinquency or criminal proceeding is pending and the person has had no subsequent delinquency adjudication or criminal conviction. The clerk shall deliver a certified copy of the expungement order to the Illinois State Police and the arresting agency. Upon request, the State's Attorney shall furnish the name of the arresting agency. The expungement shall be completed within 60 business days after the receipt of the expungement order. In this subsection (0.3), "disqualified offense" means any of the following offenses: Section 8-1.2, 9-1, 9-1.2, 9-2, 9-2.1, 9-3, 9-3.2, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-3.1, 10-4, 10-5, 10-9, 11-1.20, 11-1.30, 11-1.40, 11-1.50, 11-1.60, 11-6, 11-6.5, 12-2, 12-3.05, 12-3.3, 12-4.4a, 12-5.02, 12-6.2, 12-6.5, 12-7.1, 12-7.5, 12-20.5, 12-32, 12-33, 12-34, 12-34.5, 18-1, 18-2, 18-3, 18-4, 18-6, 19-3, 19-6, 20-1, 20-1.1, 24-1.2, 24-1.2-5, 24-1.5, 24-3A, 24-3B, 24-3.2, 24-3.8, 24-3.9, 29D-14.9, 29D-20, 30-1, 31-1a, 32-4a, or 33A-2 of the Criminal Code of 2012, or subsection (b) of Section 8-1, paragraph (4) of subsection (a) of Section 11-14.4, subsection (a-5) of Section 12-3.1, paragraph (1), (2), or (3) of subsection (a) of Section 12-6, subsection (a-3) or (a-5) of Section 12-7.3, paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a) of Section 12-7.4, subparagraph (i) of paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 12-9, subparagraph (H) of paragraph (3) of subsection (a) of Section 24-1.6, paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Section 25-1, or subsection (a-7) of Section 31-1 of the Criminal Code of 2012.

(b) If the chief law enforcement officer of the agency, or the chief law enforcement officer's his or her designee, certifies in writing that certain information is needed for a pending investigation involving the commission of a felony, that information, and information identifying the juvenile, may be retained in an intelligence file until the investigation is terminated or for one additional year, whichever is sooner. Retention of a portion of a juvenile's juvenile law enforcement record does not disqualify the remainder of a juvenile's his or her record from immediate automatic expungement.

(0.4) Automatic expungement for the purposes of this Section shall not require law enforcement agencies to obliterate or otherwise destroy juvenile law enforcement records that would otherwise need to be automatically expunged under this Act, except after 2 years following the subject arrest for purposes of use in civil litigation against a governmental entity or its law enforcement agency or personnel which created, maintained, or used the records. However, these juvenile law enforcement records shall be considered expunged for all other purposes during this period and the offense, which the records or files concern, shall be treated as if it never occurred as required under Section 5-923.

(0.5) Subsection (0.1) or (0.2) of this Section does not apply to violations of traffic, boating, fish and game laws, or county or municipal ordinances.

(0.6) Juvenile law enforcement records of a plaintiff who has filed civil litigation against the governmental entity or its law enforcement agency or personnel that created, maintained, or used the records, or juvenile law enforcement records that contain information related to the allegations set forth in the civil litigation may not be expunged until after 2 years have elapsed after the conclusion of the lawsuit, including any appeal.

(0.7) Officer-worn body camera recordings shall not be automatically expunged except as otherwise authorized by the Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act.

(1) Whenever a person has been arrested, charged, or adjudicated delinquent for an incident occurring before a person's his or her 18th birthday that if committed by an adult would be an offense, and that person's juvenile law enforcement and juvenile court records are not eligible for automatic expungement under subsection (0.1), (0.2), or (0.3), the person may petition the court at any time for expungement of juvenile law enforcement records and juvenile court records relating to the incident and, upon termination of all juvenile court proceedings relating to that incident, the court shall order the expungement of all records in the possession of the Illinois State Police, the clerk of the circuit court, and law enforcement agencies relating to the incident, but only in any of the following circumstances:

(a) the minor was arrested and no petition for delinquency was filed with the clerk of the circuit court;

(a-5) the minor was charged with an offense and the petition or petitions were dismissed without a finding of delinquency;

(b) the minor was charged with an offense and was found not delinquent of that offense;

(c) the minor was placed under supervision under Section 5-615, and the order of supervision has since been successfully terminated; or

(d) the minor was adjudicated for an offense which would be a Class B misdemeanor, Class C misdemeanor, or a petty or business offense if committed by an adult.

(1.5) The Illinois State Police shall allow a person to use the Access and Review process, established in the Illinois State Police, for verifying that the person's his or her juvenile law enforcement records relating to incidents occurring before the person's his or her 18th birthday eligible under this Act have been expunged.

(1.6) (Blank).

(1.7) (Blank).

(1.8) (Blank).

(2) Any person whose delinquency adjudications are not eligible for automatic expungement under subsection (0.3) of this Section may petition the court to expunge all juvenile law enforcement records relating to any incidents occurring before the person's his or her 18th birthday which did not result in proceedings in criminal court and all juvenile court records with respect to any adjudications except those based upon first degree murder or an offense under Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012 if the person is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act at the time the person he or she petitions the court for expungement; provided that 2 years have elapsed since all juvenile court proceedings relating to the person him or her have been terminated and the person's his or her commitment to the Department of Juvenile Justice under this Act has been terminated.

(2.5) If a minor is arrested and no petition for delinquency is filed with the clerk of the circuit court at the time the minor is released from custody, the youth officer, if applicable, or other designated person from the arresting agency, shall notify verbally and in writing to the minor or the minor's parents or guardians that the minor shall have an arrest record and shall provide the minor and the minor's parents or guardians with an expungement information packet, information regarding this State's expungement laws including a petition to expunge juvenile law enforcement and juvenile court records obtained from the clerk of the circuit court.

(2.6) If a minor is referred to court, then, at the time of sentencing, dismissal of the case, or successful completion of supervision, the judge shall inform the delinquent minor of the minor's his or her rights regarding expungement and the clerk of the circuit court shall provide an expungement information packet to the minor, written in plain language, including information regarding this State's expungement laws and a petition for expungement, a sample of a completed petition, expungement instructions that shall include information informing the minor that (i) once the case is expunged, it shall be treated as if it never occurred, (ii) the minor he or she may apply to have petition fees waived, (iii) once the minor he or she obtains an expungement, the minor he or she may not be required to disclose that the minor he or she had a juvenile law enforcement or juvenile court record, and (iv) if petitioning the minor he or she may file the petition on the minor's his or her own or with the assistance of an attorney. The failure of the judge to inform the delinquent minor of the minor's his or her right to petition for expungement as provided by law does not create a substantive right, nor is that failure grounds for: (i) a reversal of an adjudication of delinquency; (ii) a new trial; or (iii) an appeal.

(2.7) (Blank).

(2.8) (Blank).

(3) (Blank).

(3.1) (Blank).

(3.2) (Blank).

(3.3) (Blank).

(4) (Blank).

(5) (Blank).

(5.5) Whether or not expunged, records eligible for automatic expungement under subdivision (0.1)(a), (0.2)(a), or (0.3)(a) may be treated as expunged by the individual subject to the records.

(6) (Blank).

(6.5) The Illinois State Police or any employee of the Illinois State Police shall be immune from civil or criminal liability for failure to expunge any records of arrest that are subject to expungement under this Section because of inability to verify a record. Nothing in this Section shall create Illinois State Police liability or responsibility for the expungement of juvenile law enforcement records it does not possess.

(7) (Blank).

(7.5) (Blank).

(8) The expungement of juvenile law enforcement or juvenile court records under subsection (0.1), (0.2), or (0.3) of this Section shall be funded by appropriation by the General Assembly for that purpose.

(9) (Blank).

(10) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21; 102-558, eff. 8-20-21; 102-752, eff. 1-1-23; revised 8-23-22.)

(705 ILCS 405/5-920)

Sec. 5-920. Petitions for expungement.

(a) The petition for expungement for subsections (1) and (2) of Section 5-915 may include multiple offenses on the same petition and shall be substantially in the following form:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ......, ILLINOIS

........ JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN THE INTEREST OF ) NO. ) ) ...................) (Name of Petitioner)

PETITION TO EXPUNGE JUVENILE RECORDS

(Section 5-915 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Subsections

1 and 2)) Now comes ............., petitioner, and respectfully requests that this Honorable Court enter an order expunging all juvenile law enforcement and court records of petitioner and in support thereof states that: Petitioner was arrested on ..... by the ....... Police Department for the offense or offenses of ......., and:

(Check All That Apply:)

( ) a. no petition or petitions were filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. ( ) b. was charged with ...... and was found not delinquent of the offense or offenses. ( ) c. a petition or petitions were filed and the petition or petitions were dismissed without a finding of delinquency on ..... ( ) d. on ....... placed under supervision pursuant to Section 5-615 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 and such order of supervision successfully terminated on ........ ( ) e. was adjudicated for the offense or offenses, which would have been a Class B misdemeanor, a Class C misdemeanor, or a petty offense or business offense if committed by an adult. ( ) f. was adjudicated for a Class A misdemeanor or felony, except first degree murder or an offense under Article 11 of the Criminal Code of 2012 if the person is required to register under the Sex Offender Registration Act, and 2 years have passed since the case was closed.

Petitioner .... has .... has not been arrested on charges in this or any county other than the charges listed above. If petitioner has been arrested on additional charges, please list the charges below:

Charge(s): ...... Arresting Agency or Agencies: ........... Disposition/Result: (choose from a. through f., above): .....

WHEREFORE, the petitioner respectfully requests this Honorable Court to (1) order all law enforcement agencies to expunge all records of petitioner to this incident or incidents, and (2) to order the Clerk of the Court to expunge all records concerning the petitioner regarding this incident or incidents.

......................

Petitioner (Signature)

..........................

Petitioner's Street Address

.....................

City, State, Zip Code

.............................

Petitioner's Telephone Number

Pursuant to the penalties of perjury under the Code of Civil Procedure, 735 ILCS 5/1-109, I hereby certify that the statements in this petition are true and correct, or on information and belief I believe the same to be true.

......................

Petitioner (Signature)

(b) The chief judge of the circuit in which an arrest was made or a charge was brought or any judge of that circuit designated by the chief judge may, upon verified petition of a person who is the subject of an arrest or a juvenile court proceeding under subsection (1) or (2) of Section 5-915, order the juvenile law enforcement records or official court file, or both, to be expunged from the official records of the arresting authority, the clerk of the circuit court and the Illinois Department of State Police. The person whose juvenile law enforcement record, juvenile court record, or both, are to be expunged shall petition the court using the appropriate form containing the person's his or her current address and shall promptly notify the clerk of the circuit court of any change of address. Notice of the petition shall be served upon the State's Attorney or prosecutor charged with the duty of prosecuting the offense, the Illinois Department of State Police, and the arresting agency or agencies by the clerk of the circuit court. If an objection is filed within 45 days of the notice of the petition, the clerk of the circuit court shall set a date for hearing after the 45-day objection period. At the hearing, the court shall hear evidence on whether the expungement should or should not be granted. Unless the State's Attorney or prosecutor, the Illinois Department of State Police, or an arresting agency objects to the expungement within 45 days of the notice, the court may enter an order granting expungement. The clerk shall forward a certified copy of the order to the Illinois Department of State Police and deliver a certified copy of the order to the arresting agency.

(c) The Notice of Expungement shall be in substantially the following form:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ....., ILLINOIS

.... JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN THE INTEREST OF ) NO. ) ) ...................) (Name of Petitioner)

NOTICE TO: State's Attorney TO: Arresting Agency

................ ................

................ ................

TO: Illinois State Police

.....................

.....................

ATTENTION: Expungement

You are hereby notified that on ....., at ....., in courtroom ..., located at ..., before the Honorable ..., Judge, or any judge sitting in the Judge's his/her stead, I shall then and there present a Petition to Expunge Juvenile Records in the above-entitled matter, at which time and place you may appear.

......................

Petitioner's Signature

...........................

Petitioner's Street Address

.....................

City, State, Zip Code

.............................

Petitioner's Telephone Number

PROOF OF SERVICE On the ....... day of ......, 20..., I on oath state that I served this notice and true and correct copies of the above-checked documents by: (Check One:) delivering copies personally to each entity to whom they are directed; or by mailing copies to each entity to whom they are directed by depositing the same in the U.S. Mail, proper postage fully prepaid, before the hour of 5:00 p.m., at the United States Postal Depository located at .................

.........................................

Signature

Clerk of the Circuit Court or Deputy Clerk

Printed Name of Delinquent Minor/Petitioner: .... Address: ........................................ Telephone Number: ...............................

(d) The Order of Expungement shall be in substantially the following form:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ....., ILLINOIS

.... JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN THE INTEREST OF ) NO. ) ) ...................) (Name of Petitioner)

DOB ................ Arresting Agency/Agencies ......

ORDER OF EXPUNGEMENT

(Section 5-920 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Subsection

c))

This matter having been heard on the petitioner's motion and the court being fully advised in the premises does find that the petitioner is indigent or has presented reasonable cause to waive all costs in this matter, IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that:

( ) 1. Clerk of Court and Illinois Department of State Police costs are hereby waived in this matter.

( ) 2. The Illinois State Police Bureau of Identification and the following law enforcement agencies expunge all records of petitioner relating to an arrest dated ...... for the offense of ......

Law Enforcement Agencies:

.........................

.........................

( ) 3. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of the Circuit Court expunge all records regarding the above-captioned case.

ENTER: ......................

JUDGE DATED: ....... Name:

Attorney for:

Address: City/State/Zip:

Attorney Number:

(e) The Notice of Objection shall be in substantially the following form:

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF ....., ILLINOIS

....................... JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

IN THE INTEREST OF ) NO. ) ) ...................) (Name of Petitioner)

NOTICE OF OBJECTION TO:(Attorney, Public Defender, Minor)

.................................

.................................

TO:(Illinois State Police)

.................................

................................. TO:(Clerk of the Court)

.................................

.................................

TO:(Judge)

.................................

.................................

TO:(Arresting Agency/Agencies)

.................................

................................. ATTENTION: You are hereby notified that an objection has been filed by the following entity regarding the above-named minor's petition for expungement of juvenile records: ( ) State's Attorney's Office;

( ) Prosecutor (other than State's Attorney's Office) charged with the duty of prosecuting the offense sought to be expunged;

( ) Department of Illinois State Police; or

( ) Arresting Agency or Agencies.

The agency checked above respectfully requests that this case be continued and set for hearing on whether the expungement should or should not be granted.

DATED: ....... Name: Attorney For:

Address: City/State/Zip:

Telephone:

Attorney No.:

FOR USE BY CLERK OF THE COURT PERSONNEL ONLY

This matter has been set for hearing on the foregoing objection, on ...... in room ...., located at ....., before the Honorable ....., Judge, or any judge sitting in the Judge's his/her stead. (Only one hearing shall be set, regardless of the number of Notices of Objection received on the same case).

A copy of this completed Notice of Objection containing the court date, time, and location, has been sent via regular U.S. Mail to the following entities. (If more than one Notice of Objection is received on the same case, each one must be completed with the court date, time and location and mailed to the following entities):

( ) Attorney, Public Defender or Minor;

( ) State's Attorney's Office; ( ) Prosecutor (other than State's Attorney's Office) charged with the duty of prosecuting the offense sought to be expunged; ( ) Department of Illinois State Police; and ( ) Arresting agency or agencies.

Date: ...... Initials of Clerk completing this section: .....

(Source: P.A. 100-1162, eff. 12-20-18.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-1) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-1)

Sec. 6-1. Probation departments; functions and duties.

(1) The chief judge of each circuit shall make provision for probation services for each county in the chief judge's his or her circuit. The appointment of officers to probation or court services departments and the administration of such departments shall be governed by the provisions of the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(2) Every county or every group of counties constituting a probation district shall maintain a court services or probation department subject to the provisions of the Probation and Probation Officers Act. For the purposes of this Act, such a court services or probation department has, but is not limited to, the following powers and duties:

(a) When authorized or directed by the court, to receive, investigate and evaluate complaints indicating dependency, requirement of authoritative intervention, addiction or delinquency within the meaning of Sections 2-3, 2-4, 3-3, 4-3, or 5-105, respectively; to determine or assist the complainant in determining whether a petition should be filed under Sections 2-13, 3-15, 4-12, or 5-520 or whether referral should be made to an agency, association or other person or whether some other action is advisable; and to see that the indicating filing, referral or other action is accomplished. However, no such investigation, evaluation or supervision by such court services or probation department is to occur with regard to complaints indicating only that a minor may be a chronic or habitual truant.

(a-1) To confer in a preliminary conference, with a view to adjusting suitable cases without the filing of a petition as provided for in Section 2-12 or Section 5-305.

(b) When a petition is filed under Section 2-13, 3-15, 4-15, or 5-520, to make pre-adjudicatory investigations and formulate recommendations to the court when the court has authorized or directed the department to do so.

(b-1) When authorized or directed by the court, and with the consent of the party respondents and the State's Attorney, to confer in a pre-adjudicatory conference, with a view to adjusting suitable cases as provided for in Section 2-12 or Section 5-305.

(c) To counsel and, by order of the court, to supervise minors referred to the court; to conduct indicated programs of casework, including referrals for medical and mental health service, organized recreation and job placement for wards of the court and, when appropriate, for members of the family of a ward; to act as liaison officer between the court and agencies or associations to which minors are referred or through which they are placed; when so appointed, to serve as guardian of the person of a ward of the court; to provide probation supervision and protective supervision ordered by the court; and to provide like services to wards and probationers of courts in other counties or jurisdictions who have lawfully become local residents.

(d) To arrange for placements pursuant to court order.

(e) To assume administrative responsibility for such detention, shelter care and other institutions for minors as the court may operate.

(f) To maintain an adequate system of case records, statistical records, and financial records related to juvenile detention and shelter care and to make reports to the court and other authorized persons, and to the Supreme Court pursuant to the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(g) To perform such other services as may be appropriate to effectuate the purposes of this Act or as may be directed by any order of court made under this Act.

(3) The court services or probation department in any probation district or county having less than 1,000,000 inhabitants, or any personnel of the department, may be required by the circuit court to render services to the court in other matters as well as proceedings under this Act.

(4) In any county or probation district, a probation department may be established as a separate division of a more inclusive department of court services, with any appropriate divisional designation. The organization of any such department of court services and the appointment of officers and other personnel must comply with the Probation and Probation Officers Act.

(5) For purposes of this Act only, probation officers appointed to probation or court services departments shall be considered peace officers. In the exercise of their official duties, probation officers, sheriffs, and police officers may, anywhere within the State, arrest any minor who is in violation of any of the conditions of the minor's his or her probation, continuance under supervision, or informal supervision, and it shall be the duty of the officer making the arrest to take the minor before the court having jurisdiction over the minor for further action.

(Source: P.A. 101-81, eff. 7-12-19.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-3) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-3)

Sec. 6-3. Court Services Departments; counties over 1,000,000.

(1) Any county having more than 1,000,000 inhabitants shall maintain a Court Services Department, which shall be under the authority and supervision of the chief judge of the circuit or of some other judge designated by the chief judge him.

(2) The functions and duties of probation personnel of the Court Services Department include, but are not limited to, those described in Section 6-1. Neither the Court Services Department nor any of its personnel must supervise the probation of any person over 18 years of age convicted under the criminal laws, except that the court may order the Department to supervise the probation of an adult convicted of the crime of contributing to the dependency and neglect of children or of contributing to the delinquency of children.

(3) The Court Services Department in any such county shall provide psychiatric clinical services relating to the purposes of this Act when so requested, authorized or ordered by the court. The Department may be required by the circuit court to render psychiatric clinical services to the court in other matters as well as in proceedings under this Act.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-4) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-4)

Sec. 6-4. Psychiatric Departments; counties under 1,000,000. (1) Any county having less than 1,000,000 inhabitants or any group of counties constituting a probation district may maintain a Psychiatric Department to render clinical services requested, authorized or ordered by the court. The Psychiatric Department may be required by the circuit court to render services to the court in other matters as well as in proceedings under this Act. In any county or probation district the Psychiatric Department may be established as a separate division of a more inclusive psychiatric department or of a comprehensive department of court services, with any appropriate divisional designation.

(2) The chief judge of the circuit court shall appoint a professionally qualified person as Director of the Psychiatric Department established for any county or probation district in the circuit, to serve at the chief judge's his pleasure, and may authorize the Director to appoint such other personnel of the Department as the chief judge from time to time may determine are needed, to serve at the pleasure of the Director. The Director shall have general charge of the Department under the supervision of the chief judge or of some other judge designated by the chief judge for that purpose.

(3) Appointments to any professional position in the Psychiatric Department must be made in accordance with standards prescribed by the chief judge in consultation with an advisory committee of the chief judge's his selection, composed of persons of recognized and outstanding ability in the practice of psychiatry or psychology or in the teaching or practice of social service and public welfare work.

(Source: P.A. 85-601.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-7) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-7)

Sec. 6-7. Financial responsibility of counties. (1) Each county board shall provide in its annual appropriation ordinance or annual budget, as the case may be, a reasonable sum for payments for the care and support of minors, and for payments for court appointed counsel in accordance with orders entered under this Act in an amount which in the judgment of the county board may be needed for that purpose. Such appropriation or budget item constitutes a separate fund into which shall be paid not only the moneys appropriated by the county board, but also all reimbursements by parents and other persons and by the State.

(2) No county may be charged with the care and support of any minor who is not a resident of the county unless the minor's his parents or guardian are unknown or the minor's place of residence cannot be determined.

(3) No order upon the county for care and support of a minor may be entered until the president or chairman of the county board has had due notice that such a proceeding is pending.

(Source: P.A. 85-1235; 85-1443; 86-820.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-8) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-8)

Sec. 6-8. Orders on county for care and support.

(1) Whenever a minor has been ordered held in detention or placed in shelter care under Sections 2-7, 3-9, 4-6 or 5-410, the court may order the county to make monthly payments from the fund established pursuant to Section 6-7 in an amount necessary for the minor's his care and support, but not for a period in excess of 90 days.

(2) Whenever a ward of the court is placed under Section 2-27, 3-28, 4-25 or 5-740, the court may order the county to make monthly payments from the fund established pursuant to Section 6-7 in an amount necessary for the minor's his care and support to the guardian of the person or legal custodian appointed under this Act, or to the agency which such guardian or custodian represents.

(3) The court may, when the health or condition of any minor subject to this Act requires it, order the minor placed in a public hospital, institution or agency for treatment or special care, or in a private hospital, institution or agency which will receive the minor him without charge to the public authorities. If such treatment or care cannot be procured without charge, the court may order the county to pay an amount for such treatment from the fund established pursuant to Section 6-7. If the placement is to a hospital or institution, the amount to be paid shall not exceed that paid by the county department of public aid for the care of minors under like conditions, or, if an agency, not more than that established by the Department of Children and Family Services for the care of minors under like conditions. On like order, the county shall pay, from the fund established pursuant to Section 6-7, medical, surgical, dental, optical and other fees and expenses which the court finds are not within the usual scope of charges for the care and support of any minor provided for under this Section.

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-9) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-9)

Sec. 6-9. Enforcement of liability of parents and others.

(1) If parentage is at issue in any proceeding under this Act, other than cases involving those exceptions to the definition of parent set out in item (11) in Section 1-3, then the Illinois Parentage Act of 2015 shall apply and the court shall enter orders consistent with that Act. If it appears at any hearing that a parent or any other person named in the petition, liable under the law for the support of the minor, is able to contribute to the minor's his or her support, the court shall enter an order requiring that parent or other person to pay the clerk of the court, or to the guardian or custodian appointed under Sections 2-27, 3-28, 4-25 or 5-740, a reasonable sum from time to time for the care, support and necessary special care or treatment, of the minor. If the court determines at any hearing that a parent or any other person named in the petition, liable under the law for the support of the minor, is able to contribute to help defray the costs associated with the minor's detention in a county or regional detention center, the court shall enter an order requiring that parent or other person to pay the clerk of the court a reasonable sum for the care and support of the minor. The court may require reasonable security for the payments. Upon failure to pay, the court may enforce obedience to the order by a proceeding as for contempt of court.

If it appears that the person liable for the support of the minor is able to contribute to legal fees for representation of the minor, the court shall enter an order requiring that person to pay a reasonable sum for the representation, to the attorney providing the representation or to the clerk of the court for deposit in the appropriate account or fund. The sum may be paid as the court directs, and the payment thereof secured and enforced as provided in this Section for support.

If it appears at the detention or shelter care hearing of a minor before the court under Section 5-501 that a parent or any other person liable for support of the minor is able to contribute to the minor's his or her support, that parent or other person shall be required to pay a fee for room and board at a rate not to exceed $10 per day established, with the concurrence of the chief judge of the judicial circuit, by the county board of the county in which the minor is detained unless the court determines that it is in the best interest and welfare of the minor to waive the fee. The concurrence of the chief judge shall be in the form of an administrative order. Each week, on a day designated by the clerk of the circuit court, that parent or other person shall pay the clerk for the minor's room and board. All fees for room and board collected by the circuit court clerk shall be disbursed into the separate county fund under Section 6-7.

Upon application, the court shall waive liability for support or legal fees under this Section if the parent or other person establishes that the parent or other person he or she is indigent and unable to pay the incurred liability, and the court may reduce or waive liability if the parent or other person establishes circumstances showing that full payment of support or legal fees would result in financial hardship to the person or the person's his or her family.

(2) When a person so ordered to pay for the care and support of a minor is employed for wages, salary or commission, the court may order the person him to make the support payments for which the person he is liable under this Act out of the person's his wages, salary or commission and to assign so much thereof as will pay the support. The court may also order the person him to make discovery to the court as to the person's his place of employment and the amounts earned by the person him. Upon the person's his failure to obey the orders of court the person he may be punished as for contempt of court.

(3) If the minor is a recipient of public aid under the Illinois Public Aid Code, the court shall order that payments made by a parent or through assignment of the parent's his wages, salary or commission be made directly to (a) the Department of Healthcare and Family Services if the minor is a recipient of aid under Article V of the Code, (b) the Department of Human Services if the minor is a recipient of aid under Article IV of the Code, or (c) the local governmental unit responsible for the support of the minor if the minor he is a recipient under Articles VI or VII of the Code. The order shall permit the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, or the local governmental unit, as the case may be, to direct that subsequent payments be made directly to the guardian or custodian of the minor, or to some other person or agency in the minor's behalf, upon removal of the minor from the public aid rolls; and upon such direction and removal of the minor from the public aid rolls, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Human Services, or local governmental unit, as the case requires, shall give written notice of such action to the court. Payments received by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Human Services, or local governmental unit are to be covered, respectively, into the General Revenue Fund of the State Treasury or General Assistance Fund of the governmental unit, as provided in Section 10-19 of the Illinois Public Aid Code.

(Source: P.A. 99-85, eff. 1-1-16.)

(705 ILCS 405/6-10) (from Ch. 37, par. 806-10)

Sec. 6-10. State reimbursement of funds.

(a) Before the 15th day of each month, the clerk of the court shall itemize all payments received by the clerk him under Section 6-9 during the preceding month and shall pay such amounts to the county treasurer. Before the 20th day of each month, the county treasurer shall file with the Department of Children and Family Services an itemized statement of the amount of money for the care and shelter of a minor placed in shelter care under Sections 2-7, 3-9, 4-6 or 5-410 or placed under Sections 2-27, 3-28, 4-25 or 5-740 before July 1, 1980 and after June 30, 1981, paid by the county during the last preceding month pursuant to court order entered under Section 6-8, certified by the court, and an itemized account of all payments received by the clerk of the court under Section 6-9 during the preceding month and paid over to the county treasurer, certified by the county treasurer. The Department of Children and Family Services shall examine and audit the monthly statement and account, and upon finding them correct, shall voucher for payment to the county a sum equal to the amount so paid out by the county less the amount received by the clerk of the court under Section 6-9 and paid to the county treasurer but not more than an amount equal to the current average daily rate paid by the Department of Children and Family Services for similar services pursuant to Section 5a of Children and Family Services Act, approved June 4, 1963, as amended. Reimbursement to the counties under this Section for care and support of minors in licensed child caring institutions must be made by the Department of Children and Family Services only for care in those institutions which have filed with the Department a certificate affirming that they admit minors on the basis of need without regard to race or ethnic origin.

(b) The county treasurer may file with the Department of Children and Family Services an itemized statement of the amount of money paid by the county during the last preceding month pursuant to court order entered under Section 6-8, certified by the court, and an itemized account of all payments received by the clerk of the court under Section 6-9 during the preceding month and paid over to the county treasurer, certified by the county treasurer. The Department of Children and Family Services shall examine and audit the monthly statement and account, and upon finding them correct, shall voucher for payment to the county a sum equal to the amount so paid out by the county less the amount received by the clerk of the court under Section 6-9 and paid to the county treasurer. Subject to appropriations for that purpose, the State shall reimburse the county for the care and shelter of a minor placed in detention as a result of any new provisions that are created by the Juvenile Justice Reform Provisions of 1998 (Public Act 90-590).

(Source: P.A. 90-590, eff. 1-1-99; 91-357, eff. 7-29-99.)

Section 68. The Unified Code of Corrections is amended by changing the heading of Article 2.7 of Chapter III and Sections 3-2.7-1, 3-2.7-5, 3-2.7-10, 3-2.7-15, 3-2.7-20, 3-2.7-25, 3-2.7-30, 3-2.7-35, 3-2.7-40, 3-2.7-50, and 3-2.7-55 as follows:

(730 ILCS 5/Ch. III Art. 2.7 heading)

ARTICLE 2.7. DEPARTMENT OF JUVENILE JUSTICE

INDEPENDENT JUVENILE OMBUDSPERSON OMBUDSMAN

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-1)

Sec. 3-2.7-1. Short title. This Article may be cited as the Department of Juvenile Justice Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman Law.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-5)

Sec. 3-2.7-5. Purpose. The purpose of this Article is to create within the Department of Juvenile Justice the Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman for the purpose of securing the rights of youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, including youth released on aftercare before final discharge.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-10)

Sec. 3-2.7-10. Definitions. In this Article, unless the context requires otherwise:

"Department" means the Department of Juvenile Justice.

"Immediate family or household member" means the spouse, child, parent, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild, whether of the whole blood or half blood or by adoption, or a person who shares a common dwelling.

"Juvenile justice system" means all activities by public or private agencies or persons pertaining to youth involved in or having contact with the police, courts, or corrections.

"Office" means the Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman.

"Ombudsperson Ombudsman" means the Department of Juvenile Justice Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman.

"Youth" means any person committed by court order to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice, including youth released on aftercare before final discharge.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-15)

Sec. 3-2.7-15. Appointment of Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman. The Governor shall appoint the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman with the advice and consent of the Senate for a term of 4 years, with the first term expiring February 1, 2017. A person appointed as Ombudsperson Ombudsman may be reappointed to one or more subsequent terms. A vacancy shall occur upon resignation, death, or removal. The Ombudsperson Ombudsman may only be removed by the Governor for incompetency, malfeasance, neglect of duty, or conviction of a felony. If the Senate is not in session or is in recess when an appointment subject to its confirmation is made, the Governor shall make a temporary appointment which shall be subject to subsequent Senate approval. The Ombudsperson Ombudsman may employ deputies to perform, under the direction of the Ombudsperson Ombudsman, the same duties and exercise the same powers as the Ombudsperson Ombudsman, and may employ other support staff as deemed necessary. The Ombudsperson Ombudsman and deputies must:

(1) be over the age of 21 years;

(2) have a bachelor's or advanced degree from an accredited college or university; and

(3) have relevant expertise in areas such as the juvenile justice system, investigations, or civil rights advocacy as evidenced by experience in the field or by academic background.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-20)

Sec. 3-2.7-20. Conflicts of interest. A person may not serve as Ombudsperson Ombudsman or as a deputy if the person or the person's immediate family or household member:

(1) is or has been employed by the Department of Juvenile Justice or Department of Corrections within one year prior to appointment, other than as Ombudsperson Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsperson Ombudsman;

(2) participates in the management of a business entity or other organization receiving funds from the Department of Juvenile Justice;

(3) owns or controls, directly or indirectly, any interest in a business entity or other organization receiving funds from the Department of Juvenile Justice;

(4) uses or receives any amount of tangible goods, services, or funds from the Department of Juvenile Justice, other than as Ombudsperson Ombudsman or Deputy Ombudsperson Ombudsman; or

(5) is required to register as a lobbyist for an organization that interacts with the juvenile justice system.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-25)

Sec. 3-2.7-25. Duties and powers.

(a) The Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall function independently within the Department of Juvenile Justice with respect to the operations of the Office in performance of the Ombudsperson's his or her duties under this Article and shall report to the Governor. The Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall adopt rules and standards as may be necessary or desirable to carry out the Ombudsperson's his or her duties. Funding for the Office shall be designated separately within Department funds. The Department shall provide necessary administrative services and facilities to the Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman.

(b) The Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall have the following duties:

(1) review and monitor the implementation of the rules and standards established by the Department of Juvenile Justice and evaluate the delivery of services to youth to ensure that the rights of youth are fully observed;

(2) provide assistance to a youth or family whom the Ombudsperson Ombudsman determines is in need of assistance, including advocating with an agency, provider, or other person in the best interests of the youth;

(3) investigate and attempt to resolve complaints made by or on behalf of youth, other than complaints alleging criminal behavior or violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act, if the Office determines that the investigation and resolution would further the purpose of the Office, and:

(A) a youth committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice or the youth's family is in need of assistance from the Office; or

(B) a systemic issue in the Department of Juvenile Justice's provision of services is raised by a complaint;

(4) review or inspect periodically the facilities and procedures of any facility in which a youth has been placed by the Department of Juvenile Justice to ensure that the rights of youth are fully observed; and

(5) be accessible to and meet confidentially and regularly with youth committed to the Department and serve as a resource by informing them of pertinent laws, rules, and policies, and their rights thereunder.

(c) The following cases shall be reported immediately to the Director of Juvenile Justice and the Governor:

(1) cases of severe abuse or injury of a youth;

(2) serious misconduct, misfeasance, malfeasance, or serious violations of policies and procedures concerning the administration of a Department of Juvenile Justice program or operation;

(3) serious problems concerning the delivery of services in a facility operated by or under contract with the Department of Juvenile Justice;

(4) interference by the Department of Juvenile Justice with an investigation conducted by the Office; and

(5) other cases as deemed necessary by the Ombudsperson Ombudsman.

(d) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Ombudsperson Ombudsman may not investigate alleged criminal behavior or violations of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act. If the Ombudsperson Ombudsman determines that a possible criminal act has been committed, or that special expertise is required in the investigation, the Ombudsperson he or she shall immediately notify the Illinois State Police. If the Ombudsperson Ombudsman determines that a possible violation of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act has occurred, the Ombudsperson he or she shall immediately refer the incident to the Office of the Governor's Executive Inspector General for investigation. If the Ombudsperson Ombudsman receives a complaint from a youth or third party regarding suspected abuse or neglect of a child, the Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall refer the incident to the Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline or to the Illinois State Police as mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. Any investigation conducted by the Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall not be duplicative and shall be separate from any investigation mandated by the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. All investigations conducted by the Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall be conducted in a manner designed to ensure the preservation of evidence for possible use in a criminal prosecution.

(e) In performance of the Ombudsperson's his or her duties, the Ombudsperson Ombudsman may:

(1) review court files of youth;

(2) recommend policies, rules, and legislation designed to protect youth;

(3) make appropriate referrals under any of the duties and powers listed in this Section;

(4) attend internal administrative and disciplinary hearings to ensure the rights of youth are fully observed and advocate for the best interest of youth when deemed necessary; and

(5) perform other acts, otherwise permitted or required by law, in furtherance of the purpose of the Office.

(f) To assess if a youth's rights have been violated, the Ombudsperson Ombudsman may, in any matter that does not involve alleged criminal behavior, contact or consult with an administrator, employee, youth, parent, expert, or any other individual in the course of the Ombudsperson's his or her investigation or to secure information as necessary to fulfill the Ombudsperson's his or her duties.

(Source: P.A. 102-538, eff. 8-20-21.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-30)

Sec. 3-2.7-30. Duties of the Department of Juvenile Justice.

(a) The Department of Juvenile Justice shall allow any youth to communicate with the Ombudsperson Ombudsman or a deputy at any time. The communication:

(1) may be in person, by phone, by mail, or by any other means deemed appropriate in light of security concerns; and

(2) is confidential and privileged.

(b) The Department shall allow the Ombudsperson Ombudsman and deputies full and unannounced access to youth and Department facilities at any time. The Department shall furnish the Ombudsperson Ombudsman and deputies with appropriate meeting space in each facility in order to preserve confidentiality.

(c) The Department shall allow the Ombudsperson Ombudsman and deputies to participate in professional development opportunities provided by the Department of Juvenile Justice as practical and to attend appropriate professional training when requested by the Ombudsperson Ombudsman.

(d) The Department shall provide the Ombudsperson Ombudsman copies of critical incident reports involving a youth residing in a facility operated by the Department. Critical incidents include, but are not limited to, severe injuries that result in hospitalization, suicide attempts that require medical intervention, sexual abuse, and escapes.

(e) The Department shall provide the Ombudsperson Ombudsman with reasonable advance notice of all internal administrative and disciplinary hearings regarding a youth residing in a facility operated by the Department.

(f) The Department of Juvenile Justice may not discharge, demote, discipline, or in any manner discriminate or retaliate against a youth or an employee who in good faith makes a complaint to the Office of the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman or cooperates with the Office.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-35)

Sec. 3-2.7-35. Reports. The Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall provide to the General Assembly and the Governor, no later than January 1 of each year, a summary of activities done in furtherance of the purpose of the Office for the prior fiscal year. The summaries shall contain data both aggregated and disaggregated by individual facility and describe:

(1) the work of the Ombudsperson Ombudsman;

(2) the status of any review or investigation undertaken by the Ombudsperson Ombudsman, but may not contain any confidential or identifying information concerning the subjects of the reports and investigations; and

(3) any recommendations that the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman has relating to a systemic issue in the Department of Juvenile Justice's provision of services and any other matters for consideration by the General Assembly and the Governor.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-40)

Sec. 3-2.7-40. Complaints. The Office of Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall promptly and efficiently act on complaints made by or on behalf of youth filed with the Office that relate to the operations or staff of the Department of Juvenile Justice. The Office shall maintain information about parties to the complaint, the subject matter of the complaint, a summary of the results of the review or investigation of the complaint, including any resolution of or recommendations made as a result of the complaint. The Office shall make information available describing its procedures for complaint investigation and resolution. When applicable, the Office shall notify the complaining youth that an investigation and resolution may result in or will require disclosure of the complaining youth's identity. The Office shall periodically notify the complaint parties of the status of the complaint until final disposition.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-50)

Sec. 3-2.7-50. Promotion and awareness of Office. The Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman shall promote awareness among the public and youth of:

(1) the rights of youth committed to the Department;

(2) the purpose of the Office;

(3) how the Office may be contacted;

(4) the confidential nature of communications; and

(5) the services the Office provides.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14; 99-78, eff. 7-20-15.)

(730 ILCS 5/3-2.7-55)

Sec. 3-2.7-55. Access to information of governmental entities. The Department of Juvenile Justice shall provide the Independent Juvenile Ombudsperson Ombudsman unrestricted access to all master record files of youth under Section 3-5-1 of this Code. Access to educational, social, psychological, mental health, substance abuse, and medical records shall not be disclosed except as provided in Section 5-910 of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987, the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Confidentiality Act, the School Code, and any applicable federal laws that govern access to those records.

(Source: P.A. 98-1032, eff. 8-25-14.)

Section 70. The Emancipation of Minors Act is amended by changing Sections 2, 3-2, 4, 7, and 9 as follows:

(750 ILCS 30/2) (from Ch. 40, par. 2202)

Sec. 2. Purpose and policy. The purpose of this Act is to provide a means by which a mature minor who has demonstrated the ability and capacity to manage the minor's his own affairs and to live wholly or partially independent of the minor's his parents or guardian, may obtain the legal status of an emancipated person with power to enter into valid legal contracts.

This Act is not intended to interfere with the integrity of the family or the rights of parents and their children. No order of complete or partial emancipation may be entered under this Act if there is any objection by the minor. An order of complete or partial emancipation may be entered under this Act if there is an objection by the minor's parents or guardian only if the court finds, in a hearing, that emancipation would be in the minor's best interests. This Act does not limit or exclude any other means either in statute or case law by which a minor may become emancipated.

(g) Beginning January 1, 2019, and annually thereafter through January 1, 2024, the Department of Human Services shall submit annual reports to the General Assembly regarding homeless minors older than 16 years of age but less than 18 years of age referred to a youth transitional housing program for whom parental consent to enter the program is not obtained. The report shall include the following information:

(1) the number of homeless minors referred to youth transitional housing programs;

(2) the number of homeless minors who were referred but a licensed youth transitional housing program was not able to provide housing and services, and what subsequent steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the homeless minors were referred to an appropriate and available alternative placement;

(3) the number of homeless minors who were referred but determined to be ineligible for a youth transitional housing program and the reason why the homeless minors were determined to be ineligible, and what subsequent steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the homeless minors were referred to an appropriate and available alternative placement; and

(4) the number of homeless minors who voluntarily left the program and who were dismissed from the program while they were under the age of 18, and what subsequent steps, if any, were taken to ensure that the homeless minors were referred to an appropriate and available alternative placement.

(Source: P.A. 100-162, eff. 1-1-18; 101-135, eff. 7-26-19.)

(750 ILCS 30/3-2) (from Ch. 40, par. 2203-2)

Sec. 3-2. Mature minor. "Mature minor" means a person 16 years of age or over and under the age of 18 years who has demonstrated the ability and capacity to manage the minor's his own affairs and to live wholly or partially independent of the minor's his parents or guardian.

(Source: P.A. 81-833.)

(750 ILCS 30/4) (from Ch. 40, par. 2204)

Sec. 4. Jurisdiction. The circuit court in the county where the minor resides, is found, owns property, or in which a court action affecting the interests of the minor is pending, may, upon the filing of a petition on behalf of the minor by the minor's his next friend, parent or guardian and after any hearing or notice to all persons as set forth in Sections 7, 8, and 9 of this Act, enter a finding that the minor is a mature minor and order complete or partial emancipation of the minor. The court in its order for partial emancipation may specifically limit the rights and responsibilities of the minor seeking emancipation.

(Source: P.A. 100-162, eff. 1-1-18.)

(750 ILCS 30/7) (from Ch. 40, par. 2207)

Sec. 7. Petition. The petition for emancipation shall be verified and shall set forth: (1) the age of the minor; (2) that the minor is a resident of Illinois at the time of the filing of the petition, or owns real estate in Illinois, or has an interest or is a party in any case pending in Illinois; (3) the cause for which the minor seeks to obtain partial or complete emancipation; (4) the names of the minor's parents, and the address, if living; (5) the names and addresses of any guardians or custodians appointed for the minor; (6) that the minor is a mature minor who has demonstrated the ability and capacity to manage the minor's his own affairs and (7) that the minor has lived wholly or partially independent of the minor's his parents or guardian.

(Source: P.A. 100-162, eff. 1-1-18.)

(750 ILCS 30/9) (from Ch. 40, par. 2209)

Sec. 9. Hearing on petition.

(a) Mature minor. Before proceeding to a hearing on the petition for emancipation of a mature minor the court shall advise all persons present of the nature of the proceedings, and their rights and responsibilities if an order of emancipation should be entered.

If, after the hearing, the court determines that the minor is a mature minor who is of sound mind and has the capacity and maturity to manage the minor's his own affairs including the minor's his finances, and that the best interests of the minor and the minor's his family will be promoted by declaring the minor an emancipated minor, the court shall enter a finding that the minor is an emancipated minor within the meaning of this Act, or that the mature minor is partially emancipated with such limitations as the court by order deems appropriate. No order of complete or partial emancipation may be entered under this Act if there is any objection by the minor. An order of complete or partial emancipation may be entered under this Act if there is an objection by the minor's parents or guardian only if the court finds, in a hearing, that emancipation would be in the minor's best interests.

(b) (Blank).

(Source: P.A. 100-162, eff. 1-1-18; 101-135, eff. 7-26-19.)

Section 995. No acceleration or delay. Where this Act makes changes in a statute that is represented in this Act by text that is not yet or no longer in effect (for example, a Section represented by multiple versions), the use of that text does not accelerate or delay the taking effect of (i) the changes made by this Act or (ii) provisions derived from any other Public Act.

Section 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect 60 days after becoming law.