Illinois Supreme Court
Civil Court
Abuse and Neglect
After parents stipulated to finding of neglect as to their two children, ages 8 and 4, court terminated guardianship of maternal grandmother, finding that she, and parents, were unable to care for children. Grandmother had not challenged her removal as guardian, minors' placement with DCFS, or the finding that she was unable to care for minors. Grandmother appealed ruling dismissing her as a party and discharging her court-appointed counsel. Under Juvenile Court Act, a former guardian no longer has party status upon dismissal and is no longer entitled to court-appointed counsel. Court erred in considering best interests in determining necessary parties. (KILBRIDE, FREEMAN, GARMAN, KARMEIER, BURKE, and THEIS, concurring.)