Bill > SB2177

This bill amends the Illinois Adoption Act to modify the definition of an "unfit person" with respect to substance abuse or addiction. Specifically, the bill changes the existing language about habitual drunkenness or drug addiction to focus on substance abuse or addiction to alcohol or illegal drugs. Under the new provision, if evidence indicates a parent's past or current substance abuse, the court must review the parent's history and make a determination that the substance abuse is no longer a threat to the child's health and welfare. This change provides a more nuanced approach to evaluating parental fitness, allowing for the possibility of rehabilitation and recovery. The bill aims to ensure that parents struggling with substance abuse have an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to care for their children, while still prioritizing the child's safety and well-being. The changes will apply to petitions filed on or after January 1, 2025, giving parents and courts a clear timeline for implementing this new standard of review.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2177&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104