HB 5656

Abstract

Amends the Department of Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to make reasonable efforts and accommodations to grant visitation privileges to a non-custodial grandparent or great-grandparent of a child who is in the care and custody of the Department that is separate and apart from any visitation privileges granted to a parent of the child. Provides that the Department shall consider, but shall not be limited to, certain criteria in determining whether to grant visitation, including: (i) the wishes of the child, taking into account the child's maturity and ability to express reasoned and independent preferences as to visitation; (ii) the mental and physical health of the grandparent or great-grandparent; and (iii) the quantity of the visitation time requested and the potential adverse impact that visitation would have on the child's customary activities. Provides that the Department may deny a request for visitation after considering the specified criteria in addition to any other criteria the court deems necessary. Contains provisions concerning the automatic termination of visitation privileges and the Department's establishment of an appeal procedure to review a decision to deny visitation. Amends the Abused, Neglected or Dependent Minors Article of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. Provides that a court may grant visitation privileges to a non-custodial grandparent or great-grandparent of a child who is in the care and custody of the Department that is separate and apart from any visitation privileges granted to a parent of the child. Provides that the court shall consider certain criteria in determining whether to grant visitation and that the court may deny a request for visitation after considering the specified criteria in addition to any other criteria the court deems necessary.