• Adjudication Hearings: Overview

    At this hearing, the court determines whether the child is abused, neglected, or dependent by a preponderance of the evidence standard, pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/2-21.

    The court does this by looking backwards — reviewing the facts and circumstances that lead up to the Petition being filed, as alleged within the Petition.

    • Grounds for Neglect/Abuse 705 ILCS 405/2-3
    • Grounds for Dependency 705 ILCS 405/2-4

    By statute, this hearing should be held within 90 days of Temporary Custody.

  • Hon. Ericka Sanders
    Associate Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit

    What is an Adjudication Hearing?

    • Determine whether a child has been abused or neglected.
    • Timelines, even after Adjudication.