People v. Phyllis J.

The State filed a petition against the respondent, Phyllis J. (mother), alleging that her minor children were abused or neglected. It subsequently filed a petition in the circuit court of Fulton County to terminate the mother’s parental rights under the Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/1 et seq. (West 1998)). In part, the petition alleged that the mother exhibited habitual drunkenness for at least one year immediately prior to the commencement of the unfitness proceedings (see 750 ILCS 50/ 1(D)(k) (West 1998)). The circuit court found that the State proved the mother unfit by clear and convincing…