Court entered order terminating Respondent father's parental rights as to his son.Most of the evidence presented at best interest hearing pertained to Respondent's fitness rather than to child and his current placement. Although casework and child's caregivers did not testify at best interest hearing, the best interest report was int he court file and was considered by court without objection. Court thus considered the best interest report and report was given its natural probative effect. Evidence was clear as to child's need for permanency. Child, age 3 at time of permanency review hearing, had been in foster care for more than 2/3 of his life. Court's finding that it was in child's best interest to terminate Respondent's parental rights was not against manifest weight of evidence. (McDADE and SCHMIDT, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights