In re Joshua K., a Minor 

Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights
Citation
Case Number: 
No. 1-10-1407
Decision Date: 
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
Cook Co., 3d Div.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
QUINN
Court found that it was in best interest of minor that mother's parental rights be terminated, found that she was unfit, and found that she failed to make reasonable progress toward return home in first nine months following adjudication of neglect. Respondent repeatedly relapsed and was discharged from alcohol treatment programs for drinking during programs, and arrived intoxicated for visits with minor, during initial nine-month period. That Respondent remained sober for 14 months after a relapse after initial nine-month period is irrelevant to finding of failure to make reasonable progress. Court's finding that at time of best interests hearing Respondent was not in a position to have minor returned to her was not unfounded, as Respondent had three recent relapses. Foster mother's testimony that she wanted the minor's family to remain involved in his life does not preclude best interests finding of termination. (NEVILLE and STEELE, concurring.)