Illinois Appellate Court
Civil Court
Termination of Parental Rights
Court's finding that father was unfit to parent his minor child, now age 6, was not against manifest weight of evidence, as State presented clear and convincing evidence that father failed to make reasonable progress during the first 9-month period. Court erred in failing to admonish father as to his right to appeal the termination order, and also erred in later conveying to father that he had no right to obtain the record to pursue his appeal. Father was entitled to full and fair opportunity to develop and present his position on appeal. Delays, contrary to timelines in Juvenile Court Act and Rule 311(a)(5), left father and child in limbo for extended time.(SCHOSTOK and BURKE, concurring.)