Court found Respondents unfit to parent their two minor children, and that the minors' best interest favored terminating their parental rights. Even if admission of hearsay statements was erroneous, there was enough other evidence to support the court's neglect finding. State presented sufficient evidence that mother failed to make reasonable progress toward the return of the minors, and evidence showed that she was unable to parent the minors independently and continuously failed to appreciate risks.The concept of reasonable progress is judged by an objective standard, base upon the amount of progress measured from the conditions existing at the time custody was taken from the parent. The best interest factors show that the minors' best interest favored terminating mother's parental rights. (SCHMIDT, concurring; LYTTON, specially concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights