In Re Adoption of Walgreen

Charles Walgreen III and his wife, Kathleen, filed a petition in the circuit court of Cook County to adopt two of their grandchildren, Tad Alexander Walgreen II and Brooke Julia Walgreen. The Walgreens’ petition, as amended, was premised on the claim that Loren, the children’s biological mother, was unfit within the meaning of sections 1(D) (k) and 1(D) (p) of the Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(k), (D)(p) (West 1992)).

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) sought leave to intervene and was allowed to do so. Following extensive proceedings, the circuit court entered…