Court entered order of termination of parental rights (TPR) to 3 of Respondent mother's children. Mother asserted that conducting part of the TPR trial on Zoom violated her rights to effective assistance of counsel, confrontation, and due process. Mother was represented by counsel and had opportunity to be present, to be heard, to present evidence, and to cross-examine witnesses against her. Important state interests in welfare of minors and safely resolving the case amidst a global pandemic are present and are served by conducting trial via Zoom rather than in person. Hearing complied with procedural due process and was in conformity with Rule 241. Court properly took steps to safeguard integrity of proceeds and parties' rights, by allowing mother to confer with counsel in breakout rooms, and ensuring that witnesses were alone and not referring to documents while testifying. (PUCINSKI and WALKER, concurring.)
Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights