In re J.A.

Respondent appealed from the circuit court’s disposition orders returning her minor children to the care of their father. Respondent argued that the circuit court’s extensive questioning of the minors’ case worker and its statement after the completion of testimony at the dispositional hearing that it was inclined to rule in the father’s favor demonstrated bias against the respondent. The appellate court affirmed, finding that the court’s questioning was neutral and open-ended and designed to elicit further information and that the trial court did not impermissibly assume the role of an advocate for any party or show any bias toward the respondent in its questioning or comments. (NAVARRO and OCASIO, concurring)