• Permanency Hearings: Overview

    • At the initial Permanency Hearing and subsequent Permanency Hearings, the court evaluates achievement on the case plan and sets permanency goals consistent with the child’s best interest, pursuant to 705 ILCS 405/2-28.
    • At these hearings, the court is looking to the future of the case (i.e., if the child has been made a ward of the court — now what? What goal are we working towards?)
  • Hon. Ericka Sanders
    Associate Judge, 4th Judicial Circuit

    The Importance of Permanency

    • Even small children recognize the uncertainty of placement.
    • Children struggle when they don't know what "forever" is going to look like.
    • The onus is on us to provide permanency as soon as it can be achieved.
  • Janel Freeman
    Guardian ad litem, 3rd Judicial Circuit

    Promoting Permanency

    • Permanency hearings are part of the process.
    • Examples to move a case forward.
    • Concerns of all parties.
    • Best interest recommendation.
  • Rachel Mast
    State's Attorney of Henderson County, 9th Judicial Circuit

    Permanency

    • Achieving permanency is the fundamental purpose of a juvenile courtroom.