In re D.M.

Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights
Citation
Case Number: 
2020 IL App (1st) 200103
Decision Date: 
Monday, August 10, 2020
District: 
1st Dist.
Division/County: 
Cook Co., 1st Div.
Holding: 
Affirmed.
Justice: 
GRIFFIN

Respondent father appealed court's denial of his motion for continuance made jut before trial to terminate his parental rights. Respondent visited minor only one time, for 45 minutes, during the 3 years case was ongoing, although a court order provided for visitation. Caseworkers repeatedly rated his progress as unsatisfactory, and he failed to keep in contact with his attorneys. Court provided Respondent with an opportunity to be heard, but he decided not to be present for trial and for other important stages of the case. Respondent failed to take steps to assert or protect his rights, and has failed to show that his due process rights were violated. (PIERCE n WALKER, concurring.)