How do I terminate my parental rights in Illinois?

Without an adoptive parent, the only way to terminate parental rights is through juvenile court. Parental rights can not be terminated by consent in juvenile court. A hearing is required by a juvenile court and that hearing must find evidence of abuse or neglect by the parent whose rights are being terminated.

How do I give up my rights to my child in Illinois?

Illinois provides a mechanism for parents who can no longer care for their child to surrender their child to the custody of the state. This is accomplished by submitting a Final and Irrevocable Surrender to an Agency for the Purposes of Adoption form to the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.

How long does a parent have to be absent to be abandonment in Illinois?

Child abandonment is defined in Illinois as any time that someone having physical custody or control of a child under age 13 “knowingly leaves that child” without supervision, or in the supervision of someone “irresponsible” (or underaged) for 24 hours or more.

What is considered abandonment in Illinois?

(a) A person commits child abandonment when he or she, as a parent, guardian, or other person having physical custody or control of a child, without regard for the mental or physical health, safety, or welfare of that child, knowingly leaves that child who is under the age of 13 without supervision by a responsible …

What does a prohibited steps order do?

In its simplest terms, a prohibited steps order is a legally binding order that prohibits someone (usually a parent) from exercising some elements of their parental responsibility.

What qualifies as abandonment in Illinois?

A person commits child abandonment when he or she acts without regard for the mental/physical health and safety of the child and knowingly leaves that child (under the age of 13) without supervision for 24 hours or more (supervision is defined as being in the care of a responsible person over the age of 14).

Is Parental Alienation illegal in Illinois?

If you have been a victim of parental alienation, you should know that you have certain rights under Illinois law. The alienation may even be cause for restriction of the other parent’s parental responsibilities or parenting time.