UNIT II - ABUSED, NEGLECTED, OR DEPENDENT MINORS (ARTICLE II, 705 ILCS 405/2)

M. Placement (705 ILCS 405/2-27): If the court determines and puts into writing the factual basis supporting the determination that the parents or guardian of that minor (who has been made a ward of the court) are unfit or unable, for some reason other than financial circumstances alone, to ensure the health, safety, and best interests of the minor, it may direct the placement of him/her:

With a suitable relative or other person as legal custodian

In the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for subsidized guardianship.

Commit the minor to an agency for care or placement, except an institution under the authority of the Department of Corrections or of the Department of Children and Family Services.

An institution in which the court places a minor is considered a shelter care center. These centers must be unrestricted facilities per the requirements of the Juvenile Court Act, which does not allow for placement in secure childcare facilities.

When choosing placement, the Department of Children and Family Services will consider homes or agencies that hold the same religious beliefs as the minor and will make every effort to comply with his/her wishes and preferences. Any childcare facility that is chosen for placement must be licensed under D.C.F.S. regulations and no minor will be placed outside the state of Illinois, except with a parent. The least restrictive setting should be chosen for the minor and periodic reports are to be made to the court to determine if the placement should continue.

Any minor under the age of 18 who is subject under Article 2 of the Act may be placed in a secure child care facility for inpatient treatment if the court first finds that the minor has a mental illness or emotional disturbance that makes the minor likely to endanger him or herself or others. Before this occurs, a psychiatrist, clinical social worker, or clinical psychologist will examine the minor and will state in writing that he/she meets the conditions for such an admission.