In re Abel C.

Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Abuse and Neglect
Citation
Case Number: 
2013 IL App (2d) 130263
Decision Date: 
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
District: 
2d Dist.
Division/County: 
Winnebago Co.
Holding: 
Remanded.
Justice: 
McLAREN
(Court opinion modified 10/3/13.) DCFS took seven-day-old infant into protective custody, and State then filed petition alleging neglect due to injurious environment. Respondent mother refused appointed counsel, and was pro se in adjudicatory hearing. Court properly allowed mother to proceed pro se, as court thoroughly explained procedures for hearing, and advised her of her continuing right to counsel. Remanded for trial court to enter clear and sufficient findings of fact, and express factual basis supporting court's finding of neglect. (JORGENSEN and HUDSON, concurring.)