UNIT I - GENERAL PROVISIONS
F. Rights of Parties to Proceedings (705 ILCS 405/1-5): Except as provided in certain sections of Articles 2, 3, 4, and 5, a minor who is subject to proceedings under Sections 2-22 (Abused, Neglected, Dependent), 3-23 (Minors Requiring Authoritative Intervention), 4-40 (Addicted), and 5-705 (Delinquent), and his/her parents, guardian, legal custodian or responsible relative who are parties respondent have the right to:
- Be present at all proceedings.
- Present evidence material to proceedings on their behalf.
- Cross-examine witnesses.
- Examine court files and records.
- Even though proceedings under this act are not intended to be adversarial in character, every minor shall be represented by legal counsel at every court appearance. Any party financially unable to employ counsel shall have a public defender appointed for him or her by the court.
- Be provided the same procedural rights as adults, except in certain circumstances when the Juvenile Court Act grants minors additional safeguards.
- Though not appointed guardian or legal custodian or otherwise made a party to the proceeding, any current or previously- appointed foster parent or relative caregiver, or representative of an agency or association interested in the minor has the right to be heard by the court, but does not thereby become a party to the proceeding.
- Nothing shall relieve the court of its responsibility to act in a just and speedy manner to reunify families where it is in the best interests of the minor and the child can be cared for at a home without endangering his/her health or safety.
- At the discretion of the court, the minor may be excluded from any part or parts of a hearing with the consent of a parent or parents, guardian, counsel, or a Guardian Ad Litem.
