People v. Detra W.

JUSTICE KARMEIER *

delivered the opinion of the court:

Gwynne E, a minor, has been a ward of the state since shortly after her birth. When Gwynne was just over a year and a half old, the State petitioned the circuit court of Cook County to terminate the parental rights of her biological parents and to appoint a guardian with the right to consent to her adoption. Following the requisite hearings, the State’s petition was allowed. Both biological parents appealed. The appellate court affirmed. 346 Ill. App. 3d 584. We granted the biological mother’s petition for leave to appeal. 177 Ill. 2d R.…