West-Howard v. The Department of Children and Family Services

(Court opinion corrected 9/4/13.) DCFS issued final administrative decision to remove grandchildren from Respondent’s home. Court properly dismissed Respondent’s complaint for administrative review, as it was not filed within 35 days of date DCFS served a copy of its administrative decision. DCFS properly served Respondent’s attorney of record with its administrative decision, via certified mail, and DCFS was not required to also serve a copy upon Respondent personally. Thirty-five day filing requirement is jurisdictional. (STEIGMANN and KNECHT, concurring.)