It’s a given truth that parents care about their children, even when they have problems of their own. But the needs of kids can take an accidental back seat during separation, divorce and other situations that demand a court case. This is one of the reasons that Illinois is making it easier for state officials to check up on children at risk with a set of new laws in 2020.
Child abuse is one of the largest concerns for parents and social workers. House Bill 909, passed in Springfield as the Children’s Advocacy-Interview Act, now allows interviewers to record sessions with children who are suspected abuse victims without the consent of parents or guardians. This may help uncover unconfirmed cases of abuse.
House Bill 3587 is the Adoption Post Placement Act, which makes some protective changes to the interviewing and surveying of adoptive parents and their homes. Support services for adoption and placement with guardians contains new requirements to make sure children’s caretakers and environments are up to par.
The new year also brought Senate Bill 218 into effect, which allows Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to begin the process of filing a petition to terminate parental rights when a custodial parent has been convicted of sex crimes. This can only be done through the State Attorney’s office to verify any charges against the parent.
Parents who are looking to take or keep custody of their children may seek the help of an attorney. Legal representation can help clarify parents’ and guardians’ rights as well as defend them in court.
