Child Law

The newsletter of the ISBA’s Section on Child Law

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2009 Articles

ABA debates role of child’s attorney in abuse and neglect proceedings By Michael G. Bergmann December 2009 The role of the child’s attorney in abuse and neglect proceedings was the topic of hot debates at the recent Annual Meeting of the American Bar Association (ABA), held in Chicago from July 30th to August 4th
Exciting changes to guardianship law: ISBA Legislative Proposal 96-15 By Margaret C. Benson September 2009 An overview of ISBA legislative proposal 96-15, designed to clearly define when granting and terminating a guardianship is appropriate. 
Exploring visitation rights and needs for children of non-marital families: Part I By Nicole Onorato & Karen Bowes March 2009 The first in a two-part series looking at how children from non-marital families can establish and maintain relationships with their parents.
Exploring visitation rights and needs for children of non-marital families: Part II By Nicole Onorato & Karen Bowes June 2009 The second in a two-part series looking at how children from non-marital families can protect their right to establish relationships with their parents.
GAL appointment, now what? By Laura Kern December 2009 You have just been appointed as a Guardian ad Litem in a Dissolution/Custody Case, an adoption case, a juvenile case, a guardianship case, now what?
The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services’ relationship with needy delinquent youths By Thomas Grippando March 2009 An examination of recent changes to Illinois law, as it applies to placement of delinquent minors into DCFS custody and guardianship.
The law and practice of youth participation in dependency cases By Amanda George Donnelly December 2009 Historically, active youth input and participation in dependency cases has been rare. 
Legislative report: Amendments to the Adoption and Juvenile Court Acts provide new permanency options, procedures By Linda S. Coon December 2009 The last session of the Illinois General Assembly saw new bills pass that provide new permanency options and procedures under the Adoption and Juvenile Court Acts
Legislative update September 2009 A summary of recent legislation of interest to child law practitioners.
Letter from the Chair By E. Julia Almeida September 2009 A message from Section Chair E. Julia Almeida.
A message from the Chair By Michael G. Bergmann June 2009 A message from Chair Michael Bergmann.
Next friends: Can the attorney for the minor act as next friend in emancipation proceedings? By Sean McCumber June 2009 The functions and powers of a next friend are the same as those of a guardian ad litem, and with the exception of on which side they represent the minor, the next friend or guardian ad litem is to represent the minor’s interest in the litigation.
Performance-based model for residential services By Catherine M. Ryan September 2009 A new law directs the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to work with representatives of residential service providers and other state agencies to develop a performance-based model for these services.
“Safe haven” adoptions By Don C. Hammer March 2009 If the practitioner receives a call from prospective adoptive parents, or from an agency, informing the practitioner that a baby had been abandoned pursuant to the Abandoned Newborn Infant Protection Act, what should the practitioner know and do?
“Third party” custody disputes in Illinois and the continuing “riddle” of non-parent “standing” By Lawrence Schlam March 2009 Third parties, such as step-parents or grandparents who have become “psychological” parents, are faced with an obstacle in Illinois not faced by parents when seeking to gain or retain custody of children.
The top 10 tips for representing juveniles By Mary F. Petruchius June 2009 10 tips to help assist the private practitioner in achieving true success with the juvenile client, not just the juvenile case.
Truancy—A view from Rockford By Kathryn Bischoff March 2009 Rockford's Municipal Truancy Ordinance, enacted in January 2007, makes it unlawful for a student who is subject to compulsory education laws (age six through 16) to miss one or more periods of the school day without valid cause.