Court Approval of Minors' SettlementsBy Hon. Ron SpearsNovember 2012Column, Page 613Should judicial approval be required for even small damage awards for minors?
Radon testing required at least once every three years in day care centers. PA 097-0981November 2012Illinois Law Update, Page 580Illinois lawmakers have amended the Child Care Act of 1969 by adding section 5.8. 225 ILCS 10/5.8. Beginning January 1, 2013, licensed day care centers, licensed day care homes, and licensed group day care homes must be tested for radon at least once every three years in accordance with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency.
Mandated reporting requirements have been expanded to include new types of professionals. PA 097-0711September 2012Illinois Law Update, Page 464In the wake of the Penn State scandal, the Illinois General Assembly has amended the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act (325 ILCS 5/4) to expand the types of professionals required to report child abuse and neglect. Added to the list of professionals are higher education institution personnel, athletic program or facility personnel, and early intervention providers.
New warning requirements for child-related articles and jewelry containing lead. PA 097-0612.November 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 556The Lead Poisoning Prevention Act has been amended to (i) narrow its definition of child care articles and toys containing paint, (ii) change the minimum statement required to appear on children's products, and (iii) define body piercing jewelry and worn jewelry covered by the Act (410 ILCS 45/6).
Absolute immunity for child repsBy Helen W. GunnarssonOctober 2011Lawpulse, Page 490Immunity from liability is absolute for child representatives working within the scope of their court-appointed duties.
DCFS may not employ sexually dangerous persons. PA 097-0103October 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 496The Children and Family Services Act has been amended to prohibit the Department of Children and Family Services from employing sexually dangerous persons.
Juvenile Court Act gives court authority to determine independent basis of abuse or neglectApril 2011Illinois Law Update, Page 180On February 4, 2011, the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District, affirmed a decision of the Circuit Court of Cook County, holding that the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (705 ILCS 405/1-1 et seq) confers upon the court authority to determine that "'an independent basis of abuse, neglect, or dependency' exists, without strictly adhering to the procedural requirements for neglect petitions in Article II of the Act." K.D. at *1, quoting 705 ILCS 405/5-710 (1)(a)(iv).
No statute of limitation for child pornography cases.March 2010Illinois Law Update, Page 128Illinois lawmakers amended the Criminal Code of 1961 to allow prosecution of child pornography offenses to be undertaken "at any time."
A Critical Look at the Shaken Baby SyndromeBy Roger H. Kelly and Zachary M. BravosApril 2009Article, Page 200Recent research shows that factors other than abuse may be the cause of damage thought to result from shaking, the authors argue.
Sale of Tobacco to Minors Act amended. PA 095-0905November 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 554Illinois lawmakers amended the Sale of Tobacco to Minors Act by prohibiting the sale of "loose" cigarettes "not contained within a sealed container" to minors, and making it a crime for minors to use false identification to obtain cigarettes and other tobacco products. 720 ILCS 675/1.
Criminal Code of 1961 amended. PA 095-0849October 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 504Effective January 1, 2009, the Criminal Code of 1961 is revised by adding a Cyber-bullying Law which provides penalties for harassment through electronic communication mediums. 720 ILCS 5/12-7.5.
You've been appointed GAL-now what?By Helen W. GunnarssonSeptember 2008Lawpulse, Page 438Might you be a minor child's court appointed guardian ad litem? If so, here are some pointers from a colleague who's been there.
Adult DUI offenders who transport minors - what is the law?By Helen W. GunnarssonFebruary 2008Lawpulse, Page 66A recent Journal article inspires a debate about whether the statute it discussed is still in effect and a call for the legislature to clear up the confusion.
Missing Persons Identification Act created. PA 095-0192February 2008Illinois Law Update, Page 72Act provides law enforcement guidelines and requires all law enforcement agencies to accept "without delay" any report of a missing person.
Definition of neglected child expanded. PA 095-0443November 2007Illinois Law Update, Page 576The Illinois General Assembly has amended Section 3 of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act. 325 ILCS 5/3.
So you wanna be a child rep...?By Helen W. GunnarssonJuly 2007Lawpulse, Page 342How do you get appointed? How much can you earn? What about appointees who don't do the job?
New rules promulgated regarding Indian Child Welfare ServicesJune 2007Illinois Law Update, Page 292The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has repealed the previous version of 89 Ill Adm Code 307 and has added new sections that now comprise part 307 of title 89.
