Become an Illinois Bar Foundation ChampionBy John J. RekowskiApril 2025ISBA members who pledge to be a “Champion” are a major source of funding for the Illinois Bar Foundation. But what is a Champion really, and what’s in it for us?
Benefits of Intervention in Child Abuse and NeglectBy Jessica N. HudspethApril 2025Intervention in cases of child abuse and neglect can have an immeasurable impact on the child’s life. Early intervention in these cases provides the most benefit to not only the child but also their parents and/or caregivers. Early intervention could very well prevent immediate effects, such as aggression and behavior issues, from transitioning into juvenile delinquency.
DCFS Should Be Aware of Reactive Attachment DisorderBy Alan NovickApril 2025Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is a complex mental health condition that primarily affects children who have experienced significant neglect, abuse, or trauma in their early years. It is characterized by a consistent pattern of inhibited, emotionally withdrawn behavior toward adult caregivers, manifested by the child rarely or minimally seeking comfort or minimally responding to comfort when distressed.
Editor’s CommentBy Judge Bob Anderson, (ret.)April 2025An introduction to the first half of the issue from Newsletter Co-Editor Retired Judge Bob Anderson.
A Focus on Children’s RightsBy Elizabeth Clarke & Bridget SchottApril 2025An introduction to the second half of the issue from Newsletter Co-Editors Elizabeth Clarke and Bridget Schott.
LAWPAC Needs You!April 2025The Illinois Lawyers’ Political Action Committee (LAWPAC) needs your help to fulfill its mission to support the legislative goals of the ISBA and Illinois’ legal community.
People vs. Bias: Discretionary Juvenile Transfer and the Importance of HistoryBy Judge Chad S. BeckettApril 2025On the afternoon of November 17, 2021, outside Springfield’s Lamphier High School, a troubled 15-year-old female student stabbed two older teenage males as they boarded a bus home, wounding one and killing the other. Judge Beckett's article dives into the Fourth District Appellate Court's reversal in the Bias case. Bias is a cautionary tale for judges and juvenile justice partners as they make future decisions in extraordinary juvenile cases.
A Positive Outlook for the Child Welfare System: Proposed Bill Would Require Human Trafficking Training for State’s Attorneys and Child Welfare WorkersBy Jessica VisageApril 2025The Illinois Statewide Trauma-Informed Response to Human Trafficking Act was introduced to the Illinois 104th General Assembly. If adopted, it would require a number of different agencies to develop human trafficking training for their employees. SB2323 would require “trauma-informed human trafficking training for caseworkers, treatment providers, investigators, foster parents, and residential home personnel” and would require training on human trafficking and trauma-informed response for State’s Attorneys.
Reunification Therapy and How It Can Be Used to Help ChildrenBy Sean P. SullivanApril 2025It is the responsibility of attorneys looking to practice family law or become GAL’s to become familiar with the basics of child psychology and the various therapeutic approaches that can be utilized to help children in difficult or dangerous environments, like the unhealthy environment that prolonged separation from a parent can cause. Unfortunately, a situation that experienced family law practitioners and GAL’s face all too often. Reunification therapy is a therapeutic approach that is specifically designed to combat this very issue.
