People v. Smith

This opinion illustrates the nightmarish problems faced by trial courts when determining child abuse cases.

Respondent Teresa Smith appeals from an order of the circuit court of Vermilion County adjudging her daughter N.S. an abused minor under section 2 — 3(2)(iii) of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (Ill. Rev. Stat. 1991, ch. 37, par. 802 — 3(2)(iii)) and placing her in the custody of her natural father, Edward Smith. We affirm.

On August 3, 1992, a petition for adjudication of wardship was filed by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), alleging that…