Section Newsletters

Articles on Child Law

Amendments to 750 ILCS 5/607.6 By Erin Wilson & Paige Zilinskas Child Law, May 2022 On August 13, 2021, section 607.6 of the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act, which addresses court-ordered therapy,  was amended by House Bill 2741.
The Intersection of the Law, Vaccinations, and COVID-19 By Lisa L. Dunn Child Law, May 2022 Courts are now being asked to weigh in on difficul decisions regarding children and COVID-19.
Is Grandparent Visitation a Viable Cause of Action Under the IMDMA? By Sean P. Sullivan Child Law, May 2022 Many potential clients insist that they have a right to see their grandchildren because they are a grandparent. Illinois law does not provide that simply by virtue of being a grandparent someone has a right to demand visitation with a grandchild. However, grandparents may fall into the class of “non-parents” who may have standing to seek visitation with a minor child. 
The Trend Away From the ‘Every Other Weekend’ Parent By Amy Silberstein Child Law, May 2022 In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on a divorced parent with less parenting time having a more expanded parenting role and time schedule.
What Is the Difference Between a Guardian ad Litem, Child Representative, Parenting Coordinator, and Mediator? By Erin M. Wilson & Olivia K. Basu Child Law, May 2022 A look at the distinctions between the four major roles in family law proceedings: guardian ad litem, child representative, parenting coordinator, and mediator.
Child Abuse and Domestic Violence: A New Pilot Program By Vickie Smith Child Law, April 2022 For the past five years, the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence has been an active partner in a pilot project called the Domestic Violence Co-Location Project.
Child Welfare From a Judge’s Perspective By Emily Maurer Child Law, April 2022 An interview with Judge Christy Solverson, presiding circuit judge for the Jackson County Courthouse in Murphysboro.
Help Support Our Caseworkers By Judge Martin Mengarelli Child Law, April 2022 The most overlooked and underappreciated asset of a juvenile abuse case is the caseworker.
Illinois CASA Updates During Covid By Mari Christopherson Child Law, April 2022 The Illinois CASA network provides best interest volunteer advocacy to over 9,000 children who have experienced abuse and/or neglect through its network of 31 local offices working in 54 counties.
Case Law Update: Child Law Proceedings in the Pandemic By Susan M. Brazas Goldberg Child Law, January 2022 Over the past year, several court decisions have addressed claims of denial of due process resulting from court hearing being conducted via Zoom rather than in person.
Global Trends in Children’s Rights By Elizabeth Clarke Child Law, January 2022 Summaries of several global issues in juvenile justice.
Illinois Ending ‘Automatic’ Transfer in Practice—Juvenile Judges Now Make Most Transfer Decisions By Scott Main & Hallie M. Bezner Child Law, January 2022 A new report from the Illinois Juvenile Justice Commission documents the striking downturn in the use of “automatic” prosecution of children in adult court in Illinois.
New Legislation on Restorative Justice: National Restorative Justice Conference Chicago July 2022 By Mark D. Hassakis Child Law, January 2022 A new law, Public Act 102-100, effective July 2021, established a legal privilege for “anything said or done during the [restorative justice] practice, or in anticipation of or as a follow-up to the practice.”
Task Force Calls for Changes in Juvenile Detention Policies for Children Ages 10-12 By Sharita Forrest Child Law, January 2022 CONTACT: Sharita Forrest, Education editor 217-244-1072, slforres@illinois.edu CHAMPAIGN, Ill. — Peoria County Juvenile Detention Center superintendent Brian Brown had a hunch that his county’s detention rates might be disproportionately higher than those of similar-sized counties, but he didn’t have the data at his fingertips to make comparisons and advocate for needed reforms.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Update: Age of Protection in Illinois Extended From 18 to 21 By Hillary Richardson International and Immigration Law, November 2021 Public Act 102-0259, signed into law on August 6, 2021, protects vulnerable youth ages 18-21 by allowing them to access Illinois courts in a way that complies with federal immigration law.
Case Summary: Leroy K.D. v. Nicole B. By Cristina Rizen Child Law, October 2021 A summary and analysis of Leroy K.D. v. Nicole B.
First District Confirms that Child Rapist Does Not Have Parental Rights if Victim Mother Withdraws Her Consent By Kelly Thames Bennett Child Law, October 2021 A summary and analysis of In re Parentage of D.S.
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status Update: Age of Protection in Illinois Extended from 18 to 21 By Hillary Richardson Child Law, October 2021 Public Act 102-0259, signed into law on August 6, 2021, protects vulnerable youth ages 18-21 by allowing them to access Illinois courts in a way that complies with federal immigration law.
‘What Can Be Given Can Be Taken Away’: In re Parentage of D.S. By Sean P. Sullivan Child Law, October 2021 A summary and analysis of In re Parentage of D.S.
Compassion Fatigue: How to Stay Healthy When Working in Unhealthy Settings By Dr. Diana Uchiyama Elder Law, May 2021 An overview of compassion fatigue and practical tips for preventing it from happening to you.
New Methods in Interviewing/Representing Nonverbal Children: Best Practices By Jacalyn Birnbaum Family Law, May 2021 Best practices for representing nonverbal children.
Brace for Impact: How the Department of Children and Family Services Should Adopt Federal Aviation Administration Investigation Procedures By Mary Kate Roesch Child Law, March 2021 A look at the lessons the Department of Children and Family Services could learn from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Compassion Fatigue: How to Stay Healthy When Working in Unhealthy Settings By Dr. Diana Uchiyama Child Law, March 2021 An overview of compassion fatigue and practical tips for preventing it from happening to you.
DCFS Odds and Ends By Jared A. Giuffre Child Law, March 2021 A brief summary of how to handle cases under the Juvenile Court Act and administrative cases with the Department of Children and Family Services.
Illinois Association of Court Appointed Special Advocates Update By Mari Christopherson Child Law, March 2021 A look at how the Illinois court appointed special advocate network has grown and adapted during COVID-19.
Making Juvenile Justice ‘Just’ By Judge Ramon Ocasio, III Racial and Ethnic Minorities and the Law, March 2021 For members of the bar and the judiciary, current events have provided us with an opportunity to initiate and to contribute to a conversation about juvenile justice.
Making the Best Case for Your Client in a Case With DCFS By January Stramaglia Child Law, March 2021 Some basic measures to take when assisting clients whose cases include Department of Children and Family Services Investigations.
‘What Did She Know; And When Did She Know It?’: In re Z.L. By Sarah Holst Schryer Child Law, March 2021 A summary and analysis of a recent juvenile abuse and neglect case, In re Z.L.
Name Change for Minors: When Is It Allowed? By Kathleen M. Kraft Family Law, February 2021 A look at the two statutory bases upon which a minor's name may be changed.
2 comments (Most recent February 26, 2021)
Bring Your Clients Value and Don’t Get in Trouble Doing It By Angela Evans Child Law, January 2021 A divorce attorney's approach to resolving a domestic relations problem is crucial to the future emotional and financial health of the family.

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