√ CHECK. WE DID THIS! HB5686 improves the guardianship process to better serve children
HB5686 amends the Probate Act to fix gaps that allow violations of parental rights and court authority.
At present, guardians can move children out of state without consent of the parent or the court, and without even providing notice to either. Parents have the right to know the whereabouts and well-being of their children. Parental rights and court authority are at risk when guardians move children out of state with no notice.
HB5686 Requires guardians to petition the court prior to removing children from Illinois for more than 30 days, with proper notice to the parents; requires guardians to inform the court of children’s current address within 30 days of any change of residence; requires the court to honor short-term guardian appointments made by parents unless the guardian is unfit, unable or unwilling to care for the children; clarifies that a short-term guardian form is not consent for a court order for guardianship; and balances the convenience of the guardian with the right of parents to know their children’s whereabouts, ultimately providing for the children’s best interests.
Please help support the important reforms in HB5686 by contacting your representatives!
Supported by:
Cabrini Green Legal Aid
CLAIM (Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers)
Chicago Legal Clinic
FCAN (Families’ and Children’s AIDS Network)
Family Defense Center
Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law
Uptown People’s Law Center