People v. Lashawn F.

In this appeal we must determine the proper time frame during which a parent’s conduct will be assessed for purposes of deciding whether that parent is “unfit,” under the grounds set forth in section 1(D) (m) of the Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/l(D)(m) (West 2000)). The appellate court determined that the proper time frame is the nine-month period following the trial court’s adjudication of neglect, abuse, or dependency, and upheld the trial court’s finding of unfitness. 332 Ill. App. 3d 112. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm.

BACKGROUND

Respondent, Lashawn F., is the mother of two…