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IL App (1st) 250207","paragraph_id":"para_1"},{"text":"Third Division","paragraph_id":"para_2"},{"text":"June 3, 2026","paragraph_id":"para_3"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_4"},{"text":"In re Z.I. and K.G., )","paragraph_id":"para_5"},{"text":"Minors-Appellees )","paragraph_id":"para_6"},{"text":")","paragraph_id":"para_7"},{"text":"(The People of the State of Illinois, )","paragraph_id":"para_8"},{"text":"Petitioner-Appellee, )","paragraph_id":"para_9"},{"text":")","paragraph_id":"para_10"},{"text":"v. )","paragraph_id":"para_11"},{"text":")","paragraph_id":"para_12"},{"text":"Yanicee M., )","paragraph_id":"para_13"},{"text":"Respondent-Appellant). )","paragraph_id":"para_14"},{"text":"Appeal from the Circuit Court","paragraph_id":"para_15"},{"text":"of Cook County.","paragraph_id":"para_16"},{"text":"Nos. 24 JA 300","paragraph_id":"para_17"},{"text":"24 JA 301","paragraph_id":"para_18"},{"text":"The Honorable","paragraph_id":"para_19"},{"text":"Demetrios G. Kottaras,","paragraph_id":"para_20"},{"text":"Judge Presiding.","paragraph_id":"para_21"},{"text":"______________________________________________________________________________","paragraph_id":"para_22"},{"text":"JUSTICE REYES delivered the judgment of the court, with opinion.","paragraph_id":"para_23"},{"text":"Presiding Justice Martin and Justice Lampkin concurred in the judgment and","paragraph_id":"para_24"},{"text":"opinion.","paragraph_id":"para_25"},{"text":"OPINION","paragraph_id":"para_26"},{"text":"¶ 1 Respondent Yanicee M. is the natural mother of minors K.G., born on August 10, 2017,","paragraph_id":"para_27"},{"text":"and Z.I., born on January 27, 2024. In a December 19, 2024, order following a continued","paragraph_id":"para_28"},{"text":"hearing, the juvenile court adjudicated both K.G. and Z.I. to be abused and neglected under the","paragraph_id":"para_29"},{"text":"Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (705 ILCS 405/2-3 (West 2024)). On January 6, 2025, a","paragraph_id":"para_30"},{"text":"dispositional hearing followed wherein the juvenile court found respondent unable to care for,","paragraph_id":"para_31"},{"text":"protect, train, or discipline the minor children. The juvenile court terminated temporary","paragraph_id":"para_32"},{"text":"custody and appointed a guardian with the right to placement.","paragraph_id":"para_33"},{"text":"¶ 2 Respondent now brings this appeal of the adjudication order, declining to challenge the","paragraph_id":"para_34"},{"text":"dispositional ruling or proceedings or the overall sufficiency of the evidence. For the following","paragraph_id":"para_35"},{"text":"reasons, we affirm the adjudication order.","paragraph_id":"para_36"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_37"},{"text":"2","paragraph_id":"para_38"},{"text":"¶ 3 BACKGROUND","paragraph_id":"para_39","court_paragraph":2},{"text":"¶ 4 The minors in this appeal are K.G., an eight-year-old girl born in 2017, and Z.I., a two-","paragraph_id":"para_40"},{"text":"year-old girl born in 2024. Respondent is the natural mother of both minors. K.G.’s natural","paragraph_id":"para_41"},{"text":"father is Kh. G., and Z.I.’s natural father is K.I. Neither father is a party to this appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_42"},{"text":"¶ 5 The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) became involved in","paragraph_id":"para_43"},{"text":"this case as a result of an April 10, 2024, incident in which respondent brought Z.I., then two","paragraph_id":"para_44"},{"text":"months old, to the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital (Comer) for injuries","paragraph_id":"para_45"},{"text":"related to a report of a fall from a bed at the minor’s maternal grandmother’s residence.","paragraph_id":"para_46"},{"text":"Hospital staff noted a bruising pattern on Z.I.’s right cheek with linear marks, as well as a","paragraph_id":"para_47"},{"text":"bruise and scratch outside the left eye, which had a subconjunctival hemorrhage (a blood vessel","paragraph_id":"para_48"},{"text":"rupture which causes a red spot in the white part of the eye), and further bruising on the jaw.","paragraph_id":"para_49"},{"text":"After clinicians were unable to draw blood from Z.I. for lab testing, respondent and K.I. left","paragraph_id":"para_50"},{"text":"the hospital with Z.I. A hospital social worker was at this time notified and made a plan with","paragraph_id":"para_51"},{"text":"the attending physician to notify DCFS if respondent did not return with Z.I. within 30 minutes.","paragraph_id":"para_52"},{"text":"They also noted concern that Z.I.’s injuries were consistent with nonaccidental trauma. After","paragraph_id":"para_53"},{"text":"numerous unanswered calls to both respondent and K.I., respondent eventually answered and","paragraph_id":"para_54"},{"text":"returned with Z.I. to the hospital. DCFS, however, had been already notified as more than an","paragraph_id":"para_55"},{"text":"hour had passed. Upon their return, respondent and K.I. spoke to DCFS. Z.I. was discharged","paragraph_id":"para_56"},{"text":"that evening after Z.I. received a normal head CT scan and preliminary skeletal survey.","paragraph_id":"para_57"},{"text":"¶ 6 The following morning, April 11, 2024, the family was called back to the hospital as a","paragraph_id":"para_58"},{"text":"radiologist had noted on a subsequent reading of Z.I.’s skeletal survey multiple bilateral rib","paragraph_id":"para_59"},{"text":"fractures in various stages of healing. Combined with the subconjunctival hemorrhage in Z.I.’s","paragraph_id":"para_60"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_61"},{"text":"3","paragraph_id":"para_62"},{"text":"left eye and her patterned facial bruising, the nature of these injuries caused the hospital staff","paragraph_id":"para_63","court_paragraph":3},{"text":"to once again notify DCFS and the hospital social worker. The hospital staff also requested a","paragraph_id":"para_64"},{"text":"consultation from the hospital’s Child Advocacy and Protective Services (CAPS) team, which","paragraph_id":"para_65"},{"text":"was completed on April 12. On this same date, DCFS took protective custody of Z.I. and K.G.","paragraph_id":"para_66"},{"text":"On April 16, 2024, the State filed petitions for adjudication of wardship.","paragraph_id":"para_67"},{"text":"¶ 7 The petition for K.G. alleged that she was neglected pursuant to section 2-3(1)(b) of","paragraph_id":"para_68"},{"text":"the Act (id. § 2-3(1)(b)) as a minor whose environment was injurious to her welfare and abused","paragraph_id":"para_69"},{"text":"pursuant to section 2-3(2)(ii) of the Act (id. § 2-3(2)(ii)) in that her parent or another individual","paragraph_id":"para_70"},{"text":"in her same family or household created a substantial risk of physical injury to her. The petition","paragraph_id":"para_71"},{"text":"for Z.I. contained the same section 2-3(1)(b) and 2-3(2)(ii) allegations and further alleged","paragraph_id":"para_72"},{"text":"abuse pursuant to section 2-3(2)(i) of the Act (id. § 2-3(2)(i)) for infliction of physical injury","paragraph_id":"para_73"},{"text":"by nonaccidental means which caused impairment. The facts presented in support of the","paragraph_id":"para_74"},{"text":"petition for Z.I. included her presentation at Comer with multiple bilateral healing rib fractures","paragraph_id":"para_75"},{"text":"in different stages of healing, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and patterned facial bruising. The","paragraph_id":"para_76"},{"text":"petition also alleged that the parents had no plausible explanation for Z.I.’s injuries and that","paragraph_id":"para_77"},{"text":"the hospital personnel believed Z.I.’s injuries were due to physical abuse.","paragraph_id":"para_78"},{"text":"¶ 8 The juvenile court conducted a temporary custody hearing and found probable cause","paragraph_id":"para_79"},{"text":"that both minors were abused and neglected. Immediate and urgent necessity was found to","paragraph_id":"para_80"},{"text":"exist to support removal from the home for both minors according to temporary custody orders","paragraph_id":"para_81"},{"text":"entered on April 18, 2024, which granted the DCFS guardianship administrator temporary","paragraph_id":"para_82"},{"text":"custody with the right to consent to major medical care and placement authority.","paragraph_id":"para_83"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_84"},{"text":"4","paragraph_id":"para_85"},{"text":"¶ 9 Adjudication Hearing","paragraph_id":"para_86","court_paragraph":4},{"text":"¶ 10 An adjudication hearing commenced on December 17, 2024, however, prior to","paragraph_id":"para_87"},{"text":"adjudication, the juvenile court heard respondent’s motion for continuance, which had been","paragraph_id":"para_88"},{"text":"filed five days prior on December 12, 2024. In the motion, respondent’s counsel stated that he","paragraph_id":"para_89"},{"text":"had “undertaken to consult with an expert in anticipation of trial and *** made efforts to","paragraph_id":"para_90"},{"text":"complete this consultation in a timely manner, to determine if the expert’s testimony will be","paragraph_id":"para_91"},{"text":"necessary for [respondent] to present her defense, and otherwise to be prepared.” The motion","paragraph_id":"para_92"},{"text":"revealed that “despite counsel’s best efforts to secure a consultation earlier,” a “substantive","paragraph_id":"para_93"},{"text":"consultation” with this unnamed potential expert had been scheduled for December 16, 2024—","paragraph_id":"para_94"},{"text":"the day before the adjudication hearing. The motion also explained counsel’s belief that the","paragraph_id":"para_95"},{"text":"State would seek to introduce hospital records at adjudication containing medical opinions,","paragraph_id":"para_96"},{"text":"terminology, and conclusions regarding Z.I.’s injuries, thereby rendering a medical expert","paragraph_id":"para_97"},{"text":"“potentially material and necessary.” To address this, respondent’s counsel requested “further","paragraph_id":"para_98"},{"text":"time to consult the expert and prepare a trial strategy.”","paragraph_id":"para_99"},{"text":"¶ 11 Respondent’s counsel attached an affidavit in support of the motion, detailing his","paragraph_id":"para_100"},{"text":"efforts to consult with a potential expert since July 2024, his leave of absence from the public","paragraph_id":"para_101"},{"text":"defender’s office from mid-September to early December 2024, his scheduling of a","paragraph_id":"para_102"},{"text":"consultation with the expert in November 2024, the expert’s subsequent cancellation before","paragraph_id":"para_103"},{"text":"that consultation, and the expert’s rescheduling the consultation to December 16, 2024—the","paragraph_id":"para_104"},{"text":"day before the adjudication hearing was set to commence. Respondent’s counsel wrote that,","paragraph_id":"para_105"},{"text":"“[a]s of the time of the filing of this motion, counsel has not heard back from the potential","paragraph_id":"para_106"},{"text":"expert” in response to his inquiry into the expert’s availability to testify as a witness at","paragraph_id":"para_107"},{"text":"adjudication.","paragraph_id":"para_108"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_109"},{"text":"5","paragraph_id":"para_110"},{"text":"¶ 12 At the hearing, respondent’s counsel revealed that Dr. Evan Matshes was the expert","paragraph_id":"para_111","court_paragraph":5},{"text":"witness he had discussed in the motion and affidavit and that he had “made efforts to consult","paragraph_id":"para_112"},{"text":"with him; and then to secure his report and to disclose him the way you’re supposed to do in","paragraph_id":"para_113"},{"text":"time for a trial today,” but that “[d]espite [counsel’s] efforts that wasn’t able to happen.”","paragraph_id":"para_114"},{"text":"Counsel argued that he believed Dr. Matshes was a material witness, but that he needed to","paragraph_id":"para_115"},{"text":"speak with Dr. Matshes again to confirm the materiality of his testimony. Respondent’s counsel","paragraph_id":"para_116"},{"text":"also argued that “pursuant to [respondent’s] due process rights to confront the witnesses,” the","paragraph_id":"para_117"},{"text":"juvenile court should grant a continuance to allow respondent a chance to cross-examine Dr.","paragraph_id":"para_118"},{"text":"Kimberly Schwartz, an attending physician of the Comer CAPS team who had evaluated Z.I.","paragraph_id":"para_119"},{"text":"at the hospital and found her injuries to be consistent with multiple episodes of physical abuse.","paragraph_id":"para_120"},{"text":"Lastly, respondent’s counsel argued that the medical records relating to Dr. Schwartz’s","paragraph_id":"para_121"},{"text":"consultation were inadmissible hearsay, outside the scope of the Act’s business record","paragraph_id":"para_122"},{"text":"exception, as they were advanced to prove a legal conclusion of abuse or neglect.","paragraph_id":"para_123"},{"text":"¶ 13 In response, the State noted that respondent had been in receipt of the Comer medical","paragraph_id":"para_124"},{"text":"records since June 2024, supplemented with radiology records on September 5, 2024, and","paragraph_id":"para_125"},{"text":"additional requested records on November 7, 2024. The State further noted that respondent’s","paragraph_id":"para_126"},{"text":"counsel had failed to disclose the expert’s identity at the August 2024 case management","paragraph_id":"para_127"},{"text":"conference (CMC) and subsequently failed to request leave of court to amend the resulting","paragraph_id":"para_128"},{"text":"CMC order or add another expert.","paragraph_id":"para_129"},{"text":"¶ 14 Respondent’s counsel argued that he had transmitted the necessary case materials to","paragraph_id":"para_130"},{"text":"the State within the discovery period, but he had not at that time possessed the ability to","paragraph_id":"para_131"},{"text":"determine whether this potential expert was material, contending that, “when [Dr. Matshes]","paragraph_id":"para_132"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_133"},{"text":"6","paragraph_id":"para_134"},{"text":"was supposed to get this to me in late November still within the timeline to amend the [CMC],","paragraph_id":"para_135","court_paragraph":6},{"text":"he cancelled on me unexpectedly.”","paragraph_id":"para_136"},{"text":"¶ 15 The juvenile court inquired whether respondent’s counsel had amended or sought to","paragraph_id":"para_137"},{"text":"supplement the CMC order to include Dr. Matshes, and respondent’s counsel answered, “I","paragraph_id":"para_138"},{"text":"would be seeking to do that today.” Respondent’s counsel further requested a Health Insurance","paragraph_id":"para_139"},{"text":"Portability and Accountability Act order for discovery of genetic records taken by the Mayo","paragraph_id":"para_140"},{"text":"Clinic at the request of respondent, who had suspected that Z.I. may have a genetic","paragraph_id":"para_141"},{"text":"predisposition to osteogenesis imperfecta, which could explain a susceptibility to bone","paragraph_id":"para_142"},{"text":"fractures. The court then interjected, “So on the day of trial you’re asking for a continuance","paragraph_id":"para_143"},{"text":"announcing that you have an expert. Has your expert prepared a report?” Respondent’s counsel","paragraph_id":"para_144"},{"text":"answered in the negative, and the court admonished respondent’s counsel for failing to","paragraph_id":"para_145"},{"text":"properly request to supplement or amend the CMC order, secure an expert report before the","paragraph_id":"para_146"},{"text":"date of the adjudication hearing, or file an emergency motion for continuance, despite knowing","paragraph_id":"para_147"},{"text":"that there was a possibility he would solicit this witness’s testimony for the hearing.","paragraph_id":"para_148"},{"text":"¶ 16 Respondent’s counsel acknowledged that co-counsel at the public defender’s office had","paragraph_id":"para_149"},{"text":"been assisting with the case while he was out on leave and that the subject of the expert “may","paragraph_id":"para_150"},{"text":"have been discussed” in his absence. Respondent’s counsel also acknowledged that he had","paragraph_id":"para_151"},{"text":"been aware of the possibility of Dr. Matshes’s expert testimony since November but had","paragraph_id":"para_152"},{"text":"chosen not to file a motion or emergency motion for continuance at that time.","paragraph_id":"para_153"},{"text":"¶ 17 The court denied the motion for continuance, stating:","paragraph_id":"para_154"},{"text":"“I believe you have had more than ample opportunities to seek a continuance if in","paragraph_id":"para_155"},{"text":"fact you so chose to have this expert. *** I’m looking at how this was handled and your","paragraph_id":"para_156"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_157"},{"text":"7","paragraph_id":"para_158"},{"text":"approach; and I do not find that your methodology or your protocol was in a practical","paragraph_id":"para_159","court_paragraph":7},{"text":"manner.","paragraph_id":"para_160"},{"text":"You had more than ample opportunities to disclose an expert; and, without a report","paragraph_id":"para_161"},{"text":"to seek a continuance prior to the day of trial and by telling me that this was filed a few","paragraph_id":"para_162"},{"text":"days ago, I don’t believe this is adequate notice and subpoenaing the expert of the State","paragraph_id":"para_163"},{"text":"that you believe would be necessary when the State chose to go forward with","paragraph_id":"para_164"},{"text":"documents that have been properly certified and delegated when there was no notice","paragraph_id":"para_165"},{"text":"that they would in any way be challenged[.]”","paragraph_id":"para_166"},{"text":"¶ 18 The court later requested that respondent’s counsel make what was an apparent","paragraph_id":"para_167"},{"text":"informal offer of proof for the motion for continuance. Counsel stated that Dr. Matshes would","paragraph_id":"para_168"},{"text":"testify that he was a forensic pathologist and licensed to practice medicine and that he did not","paragraph_id":"para_169"},{"text":"believe there to be a reasonable degree of medical certainty in the records to draw a conclusion","paragraph_id":"para_170"},{"text":"of physical abuse as Dr. Schwartz had for Z.I. Specifically, respondent’s counsel stated that","paragraph_id":"para_171"},{"text":"Dr. Matshes would call attention to the CAPS consultation note’s lack of “differential","paragraph_id":"para_172"},{"text":"diagnoses” to rule out potential accidental causes of Z.I.’s injuries, such as “bone disease,","paragraph_id":"para_173"},{"text":"metabolic conditions, [and] genetic conditions for circumstances like birth trauma.”","paragraph_id":"para_174"},{"text":"¶ 19 The State then presented the medical evidence taken by Dr. Schwartz as","paragraph_id":"para_175"},{"text":"“uncontroverted medical evidence,” as it argued was found permissible to form a basis for an","paragraph_id":"para_176"},{"text":"adjudicatory finding of abuse and neglect in In re J.C., 2011 IL App (1st) 111374, ¶¶ 11, 20.","paragraph_id":"para_177"},{"text":"¶ 20 Ruling that “[t]he prior finding is to stand” on respondent’s motion for continuance,","paragraph_id":"para_178"},{"text":"the juvenile court then proceeded to the adjudication hearing. The State called as its first","paragraph_id":"para_179"},{"text":"witnesses Adrienne Hudson and Mesha Chandler, both DCFS workers assigned to the case.","paragraph_id":"para_180"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_181"},{"text":"8","paragraph_id":"para_182"},{"text":"¶ 21 Hudson testified that in April 2024 she was employed as an investigator with DCFS’s","paragraph_id":"para_183","court_paragraph":8},{"text":"Division of Child Protection (DCP), and she was assigned the Z.I./K.G. case on April 10, 2024,","paragraph_id":"para_184"},{"text":"when respondent had first brought Z.I. to Comer. Hudson stated that the case was first assigned","paragraph_id":"para_185"},{"text":"to her “for cuts, welts, and bruises” on the two-month-old child, Z.I., and that “the bruising","paragraph_id":"para_186"},{"text":"were [sic] inconsistent with the, another story of the incident.” Hudson testified that the","paragraph_id":"para_187"},{"text":"additional concern regarding Z.I.’s nine unexplained bone fractures was added to her","paragraph_id":"para_188"},{"text":"investigation on April 11, 2024.","paragraph_id":"para_189"},{"text":"¶ 22 Hudson visited Z.I. and respondent at Comer Hospital on April 10, explained the","paragraph_id":"para_190"},{"text":"reasons for her involvement, and elicited a timeline of events leading up to Z.I.’s injuries from","paragraph_id":"para_191"},{"text":"respondent. Respondent stated to Hudson that she was at her maternal grandmother’s home on","paragraph_id":"para_192"},{"text":"April 9, 2024, and was cooking in the kitchen with the grandmother with Z.I. resting in her car","paragraph_id":"para_193"},{"text":"seat in the same room, when K.G., unbeknownst to respondent, removed her sister from her","paragraph_id":"para_194"},{"text":"seat and carried her upstairs to the bedroom. Respondent then reported hearing a thud,","paragraph_id":"para_195"},{"text":"prompting her to run upstairs where she observed K.G. holding a crying Z.I. In respondent’s","paragraph_id":"para_196"},{"text":"account to Hudson, K.G. then explained that she had placed Z.I. on the edge of the bed, from","paragraph_id":"para_197"},{"text":"which she had proceeded to fall. Respondent also informed Hudson that K.G. had on previous","paragraph_id":"para_198"},{"text":"occasions picked up Z.I., and that the six-year-old had expressed wanting to help with her baby","paragraph_id":"para_199"},{"text":"sister. Respondent told Hudson that she did not observe any bruises or marks on Z.I. that day,","paragraph_id":"para_200"},{"text":"but on the following day, April 10, she noticed bruising on Z.I.’s cheek and brought her to","paragraph_id":"para_201"},{"text":"Comer.","paragraph_id":"para_202"},{"text":"¶ 23 Respondent told Hudson that she became upset with the hospital staff’s treatment of","paragraph_id":"para_203"},{"text":"Z.I., noting that “they were poking the baby” and “taking too long.” She then left Comer,","paragraph_id":"para_204"},{"text":"dropped K.G. at her maternal grandmother’s home, and reportedly had intentions to take Z.I.","paragraph_id":"para_205"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_206"},{"text":"9","paragraph_id":"para_207"},{"text":"to another hospital. Respondent told Hudson that she later returned to Comer with Z.I. after","paragraph_id":"para_208","court_paragraph":9},{"text":"being instructed to do so.","paragraph_id":"para_209"},{"text":"¶ 24 After this point, Hudson met with respondent and Z.I. at the hospital and observed","paragraph_id":"para_210"},{"text":"bruising on Z.I.’s left and right cheeks and a scratch near the corner of Z.I.’s left eye. Hudson","paragraph_id":"para_211"},{"text":"also testified that she conversed with K.G. over the phone the following day, April 11. K.G.","paragraph_id":"para_212"},{"text":"informed Hudson that on April 9, 2024, she had taken Z.I. out of her car seat in the kitchen and","paragraph_id":"para_213"},{"text":"brought her upstairs, laid her on the edge of the bed next to a pillow, and went to use the","paragraph_id":"para_214"},{"text":"bathroom. As she exited the bathroom, she observed Z.I. lying on the floor on her back. K.G.","paragraph_id":"para_215"},{"text":"then picked Z.I. up, at which point respondent entered the room.","paragraph_id":"para_216"},{"text":"¶ 25 Hudson met K.G. in person on April 11, 2024, and requested she repeat her account of","paragraph_id":"para_217"},{"text":"what transpired on April 9. K.G.’s account was consistent with the one she had transmitted","paragraph_id":"para_218"},{"text":"over the phone, except that she also noted this time that her aunt had entered the room at the","paragraph_id":"para_219"},{"text":"same time as respondent after Z.I. fell from the bed.","paragraph_id":"para_220"},{"text":"¶ 26 In response to cross-examination, Hudson testified that she inquired whether K.G. felt","paragraph_id":"para_221"},{"text":"afraid of her mother, and K.G. answered that she did not. Hudson also testified that she did not","paragraph_id":"para_222"},{"text":"have concerns regarding K.G.’s physical condition, behavior, or appearance at the time of this","paragraph_id":"para_223"},{"text":"conversation. On redirect examination, the State inquired whether, based on Hudson’s 15 years","paragraph_id":"para_224"},{"text":"of DCP experience, she had concern that a six-year-old was able to take a two-and-a-half-","paragraph_id":"para_225"},{"text":"month-old infant out of her car seat and upstairs without going noticed. Hudson answered that","paragraph_id":"para_226"},{"text":"she was indeed concerned that no one had noticed when K.G. removed Z.I. from her car seat.","paragraph_id":"para_227"},{"text":"¶ 27 The State then called Chandler, another DCP worker employed at DCFS in April 2024.","paragraph_id":"para_228"},{"text":"Chandler testified that she was assigned to the investigation around April 11, 2024, picking up","paragraph_id":"para_229"},{"text":"after Hudson. After reviewing Hudson’s notes, Chandler spoke to respondent and explained","paragraph_id":"para_230"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_231"},{"text":"10","paragraph_id":"para_232"},{"text":"the need for the DCFS investigation. Chandler heard an account of events from respondent,","paragraph_id":"para_233","court_paragraph":10},{"text":"which was largely consistent with the account she had provided Hudson. Respondent also","paragraph_id":"para_234"},{"text":"explained to Chandler why she had left the hospital prematurely on April 10, telling Chandler","paragraph_id":"para_235"},{"text":"that Z.I. “was in distress from constantly getting poked with needles.” Chandler was the DCFS","paragraph_id":"para_236"},{"text":"worker who instructed respondent to return to Comer with Z.I., and she testified that","paragraph_id":"para_237"},{"text":"respondent had reported that she was at a funeral at the time of her call. Chandler testified that","paragraph_id":"para_238"},{"text":"respondent disagreed with her at first and maintained that she was going to bring Z.I. to another","paragraph_id":"para_239"},{"text":"hospital, but she eventually agreed to return to Comer.","paragraph_id":"para_240"},{"text":"¶ 28 Chandler met with respondent in person on April 12, 2024. Respondent again related","paragraph_id":"para_241"},{"text":"to Chandler her account of the events of April 9—that she was cooking in the kitchen when","paragraph_id":"para_242"},{"text":"K.G. removed Z.I. from her car seat, took her upstairs, lay her on the bed, and Z.I. then fell","paragraph_id":"para_243"},{"text":"from the bed. After hearing a “thud,” respondent ran upstairs and found the infant on the floor","paragraph_id":"para_244"},{"text":"as K.G. emerged from the bathroom. Respondent informed Chandler that K.G. “always picks","paragraph_id":"para_245"},{"text":"[Z.I.] up,” and that she previously instructed K.G. against it. Chandler also met with K.G. on","paragraph_id":"para_246"},{"text":"April 12, 2024, and K.G.’s account was similar to that which she provided Hudson. K.G.","paragraph_id":"para_247"},{"text":"reported feeling safe with her mother and demonstrated to Chandler with a baby doll how she","paragraph_id":"para_248"},{"text":"carried Z.I. up the stairs on April 9. She told Chandler that she loved playing with Z.I. and that","paragraph_id":"para_249"},{"text":"respondent had previously instructed her not to pick up her sister.","paragraph_id":"para_250"},{"text":"¶ 29 After Chandler staffed the case with her supervisor, a decision was made to take","paragraph_id":"para_251"},{"text":"protective custody of both girls due to the unexplained multiple rib fractures revealed on Z.I.’s","paragraph_id":"para_252"},{"text":"exams on April 11, 2024.","paragraph_id":"para_253"},{"text":"¶ 30 Following Chandler’s testimony, the State requested admission of three documentary","paragraph_id":"para_254"},{"text":"exhibits, the first of which contained certified medical records from Z.I.’s treatment at Comer.","paragraph_id":"para_255"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_256"},{"text":"11","paragraph_id":"para_257"},{"text":"Respondent’s counsel objected to the exhibits’ admission to the extent that they would be used","paragraph_id":"para_258","court_paragraph":11},{"text":"“to support a medical opinion or diagnosis contained therein.” Respondent’s counsel read from","paragraph_id":"para_259"},{"text":"the section of the Act that authorizes this type of evidence, section 2-18(4)(a), which creates a","paragraph_id":"para_260"},{"text":"juvenile law equivalent of the business record hearsay exception. The Act, respondent’s","paragraph_id":"para_261"},{"text":"counsel argued, allowed for the admission of medical notes which “indicate factual conditions","paragraph_id":"para_262"},{"text":"that could be observed when a certain examination took place and how a body part or","paragraph_id":"para_263"},{"text":"something appeared,” but not for the purpose of providing substantive support for “medical","paragraph_id":"para_264"},{"text":"conclusions, opinions, and diagnoses.” The State contested this interpretation, maintaining that","paragraph_id":"para_265"},{"text":"the records were properly certified and fell under a “regularly and routinely” cited exception","paragraph_id":"para_266"},{"text":"of the Act for “medical records that have medical information in them regarding the relevance","paragraph_id":"para_267"},{"text":"of the case and the treatment of the minor.” The court overruled respondent’s objection and","paragraph_id":"para_268"},{"text":"admitted the exhibit into evidence. The second and third exhibits, containing Comer medical","paragraph_id":"para_269"},{"text":"records for K.G. and subsequent Comer medical records for Z.I., were admitted without","paragraph_id":"para_270"},{"text":"objection.","paragraph_id":"para_271"},{"text":"¶ 31 The State then published excerpts of a “Child Advocacy Protection Team Telephone","paragraph_id":"para_272"},{"text":"Note” authored by Dr. Schwartz at 12:37 p.m. on April 24, 2024. Respondent’s counsel","paragraph_id":"para_273"},{"text":"renewed her pretrial objection to this evidence, arguing that the “due process of law protected","paragraph_id":"para_274"},{"text":"by the fifteenth amendment [sic] of the United States Constitution and Article (1) of the Illinois","paragraph_id":"para_275"},{"text":"Constitution includes the right to confront the witness against you in civil proceedings.” The","paragraph_id":"para_276"},{"text":"court overruled the objection, noting first that this was “not a criminal matter,” and second that","paragraph_id":"para_277"},{"text":"“all parties have the opportunity and subpoena power to bring in any and all witnesses that","paragraph_id":"para_278"},{"text":"have been disclosed on the [CMC].”","paragraph_id":"para_279"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_280"},{"text":"12","paragraph_id":"para_281"},{"text":"¶ 32 Dr. Schwartz’s note explained, contrary to a suggestion from respondent, that the","paragraph_id":"para_282","court_paragraph":12},{"text":"bilateral rib fractures observed on Z.I.’s scans were not consistent with birth injuries due to","paragraph_id":"para_283"},{"text":"prolonged delivery, as Z.I. was already 10 weeks old at the time of her presentation at Comer,","paragraph_id":"para_284"},{"text":"and any birth-related rib fractures would have been fully healed by 6 to 8 weeks.","paragraph_id":"para_285"},{"text":"“Furthermore,” the note read, “I attempted to explain that subconjunctival hemorrhage is not","paragraph_id":"para_286"},{"text":"seen with constipation with babies. It is a concerning injury.” Additionally, Dr. Schwartz’s","paragraph_id":"para_287"},{"text":"note observed that respondent “continues to share belief that the spiraling parallel lines that","paragraph_id":"para_288"},{"text":"extended around [Z.I.’s] face were not a partial slap mark as I had indicated but came from her","paragraph_id":"para_289"},{"text":"hardwood floors.” The note continued:","paragraph_id":"para_290"},{"text":"“I explained [to respondent] that, when a fast moving, flexible object such as a hand or","paragraph_id":"para_291"},{"text":"wire or belt contacts skin, it sometimes breaks the capillaries around the points of","paragraph_id":"para_292"},{"text":"impact so that the observed bruising is actually the capillaries between the fingers.","paragraph_id":"para_293"},{"text":"Mother believes that the lines are related to the hard wood floor and from falling off","paragraph_id":"para_294"},{"text":"the bed. I explained that my team performs consults related to bed falls multiple times","paragraph_id":"para_295"},{"text":"per week and that this is not the pattern of injury observed in those cases.”","paragraph_id":"para_296"},{"text":"¶ 33 The State proceeded to publish the comprehensive consultation note from Comer’s","paragraph_id":"para_297"},{"text":"CAPS team documented on April 12, 2024, reading, “[E]xam and history revealed an infant","paragraph_id":"para_298"},{"text":"with right cheek bruising of three parallel lines with spiraling between them consistent with a","paragraph_id":"para_299"},{"text":"partial slap mark and multiple healing rib fractures,” and “[a]n infant fall from a bed is a","paragraph_id":"para_300"},{"text":"common accidental injury which can have some injury, but not the injuries that are identified","paragraph_id":"para_301"},{"text":"in [Z.I.].” The consultation note represented that “[t]he fall from the bed is not a plausible","paragraph_id":"para_302"},{"text":"explanation for the pattern spiraling slap mark on the right cheek, nor the healing rib fractures","paragraph_id":"para_303"},{"text":"[which] in my medical opinion represents more than one episode of child abuse.” The medical","paragraph_id":"para_304"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_305"},{"text":"13","paragraph_id":"para_306"},{"text":"diagnosis given for Z.I.’s injuries was “[c]hild physical abuse, multiple healing rib fractures,","paragraph_id":"para_307","court_paragraph":13},{"text":"subconjuntival [sic] hemorrhage pattern, facial bruising.” Dr. Schwartz’s “Final Diagnostic","paragraph_id":"para_308"},{"text":"Impression” read, “There are a total of thirteen rib fractures that occurred at least two different","paragraph_id":"para_309"},{"text":"times. In my medical opinion, this case represents more than one episode of physical abuse.”","paragraph_id":"para_310"},{"text":"¶ 34 The State then published photographs of Z.I.’s injuries contained in the hospital","paragraph_id":"para_311"},{"text":"records, including close-ups of her right cheek revealing the patterned bruising and the left-","paragraph_id":"para_312"},{"text":"eye subconjunctival hemorrhage and abrasion.","paragraph_id":"para_313"},{"text":"¶ 35 Respondent’s counsel renewed her request for a continuance to bring Dr. Schwartz and","paragraph_id":"para_314"},{"text":"Dr. Matshes in for testimony, requesting a March hearing date. The juvenile court denied the","paragraph_id":"para_315"},{"text":"request, continuing the matter to the preselected second hearing date of December 19, 2024,","paragraph_id":"para_316"},{"text":"and directing respondent’s counsel to call respondent and any other witnesses at that time.","paragraph_id":"para_317"},{"text":"¶ 36 On December 19, the adjudication proceedings resumed, and respondent testified.","paragraph_id":"para_318"},{"text":"Respondent explained her employment as a certified nursing assistant and home care aide and","paragraph_id":"para_319"},{"text":"her living situation as of April 2024, when she lived in Gary, Indiana, and spent intermittent","paragraph_id":"para_320"},{"text":"nights at her mother’s and grandmother’s homes in Chicago. Respondent testified that she was","paragraph_id":"para_321"},{"text":"at her mother’s house on April 9, 2024, and that she had believed Z.I. to be asleep in her car","paragraph_id":"para_322"},{"text":"seat in the kitchen where she was cooking, when she heard a “thud” upstairs followed by Z.I.’s","paragraph_id":"para_323"},{"text":"cry. She realized that Z.I. was missing from her car seat and ran upstairs, past her sister who","paragraph_id":"para_324"},{"text":"had also heard the noise, and into the bedroom where she found K.G. holding Z.I. and","paragraph_id":"para_325"},{"text":"attempting to quiet her. K.G. then explained to respondent that Z.I. had fallen when she went","paragraph_id":"para_326"},{"text":"to the bathroom. Respondent testified that, “[Z.I.] was crying, but once I held her she stopped","paragraph_id":"para_327"},{"text":"crying and I didn’t notice anything [physically].” Respondent then finished cooking and","paragraph_id":"para_328"},{"text":"returned that evening with Z.I. and K.G. to her home in Gary. Respondent testified that she","paragraph_id":"para_329"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_330"},{"text":"14","paragraph_id":"para_331"},{"text":"took Z.I.’s blood pressure and temperature and examined her body for bruises before she went","paragraph_id":"para_332","court_paragraph":14},{"text":"to sleep. She described the infant’s disposition at that time as “happy” and “calm.”","paragraph_id":"para_333"},{"text":"¶ 37 Respondent testified that the following day, April 10, 2024, she was at work when she","paragraph_id":"para_334"},{"text":"received a FaceTime call from K.I., who was watching Z.I. that morning and had noticed marks","paragraph_id":"para_335"},{"text":"on the infant’s cheek. Over the FaceTime call, respondent observed “dark lines” on Z.I.’s cheek","paragraph_id":"para_336"},{"text":"and decided she would bring Z.I. to the hospital after her shift ended at 7 p.m. At Comer, the","paragraph_id":"para_337"},{"text":"treating medical staff informed respondent that they would perform a CT scan and X-ray, and","paragraph_id":"para_338"},{"text":"they also tried to insert an intravenous catheter (IV) for Z.I. Respondent testified that the","paragraph_id":"para_339"},{"text":"medical staff were unable to insert the IV after three failed attempts, taking approximately one","paragraph_id":"para_340"},{"text":"hour, and she observed that Z.I. was “kind of in distress.” Respondent then decided to leave","paragraph_id":"para_341"},{"text":"the hospital with Z.I., even though Z.I. had yet to undergo the CT scan. Respondent testified","paragraph_id":"para_342"},{"text":"that she was interested in the results of a CT scan as she had concerns that Z.I. had injured her","paragraph_id":"para_343"},{"text":"head and thought it might also explain her facial bruising. Respondent testified that she left","paragraph_id":"para_344"},{"text":"Comer around 11 or 11:15 p.m. and thereafter went to drop K.G. at her mother’s house. She","paragraph_id":"para_345"},{"text":"testified that she was “trying to go to the University of Illinois” to have Z.I. examined at a","paragraph_id":"para_346"},{"text":"different hospital than Comer. It was at that time, respondent testified, that a personnel member","paragraph_id":"para_347"},{"text":"from Comer called her to bring Z.I. back “so we can make sure the baby is not bleeding in her","paragraph_id":"para_348"},{"text":"brain.” Respondent testified that she then brought Z.I. “right back,” returning to Comer at","paragraph_id":"para_349"},{"text":"around 12 or 12:20 a.m. Z.I. was taken for new X-ray scans and a CT scan and was","paragraph_id":"para_350"},{"text":"subsequently discharged.","paragraph_id":"para_351"},{"text":"¶ 38 Respondent testified that the following day, April 11, 2024, she attended a funeral for","paragraph_id":"para_352"},{"text":"her best friend, which lasted from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. She left the service early and retrieved Z.I.","paragraph_id":"para_353"},{"text":"to return to Comer after having received a call from the hospital instructing her to do so.","paragraph_id":"para_354"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_355"},{"text":"15","paragraph_id":"para_356"},{"text":"Respondent testified that she was informed during that phone call that Z.I. had nine healing","paragraph_id":"para_357","court_paragraph":15},{"text":"fractures. She testified that she had never before had any concern that Z.I. had bone fractures,","paragraph_id":"para_358"},{"text":"but she had noticed constipation for which she had previously brought Z.I. to the hospital","paragraph_id":"para_359"},{"text":"around February 11, 2024, and received a suppository to treat the condition. Respondent also","paragraph_id":"para_360"},{"text":"testified that “when I touched [Z.I.’s] side and she was always twitching and I thought it was","paragraph_id":"para_361"},{"text":"because she was constipated.”","paragraph_id":"para_362"},{"text":"¶ 39 On cross-examination, respondent explained that she did not direct K.I. to bring Z.I. to","paragraph_id":"para_363"},{"text":"the hospital immediately when he first expressed concern regarding the marks on Z.I.’s face","paragraph_id":"para_364"},{"text":"the morning of April 10 as he was not licensed to drive. She later testified that she knew no","paragraph_id":"para_365"},{"text":"one else who could bring Z.I. to the hospital at that time, and she made no attempts to contact","paragraph_id":"para_366"},{"text":"paramedics or medical transport options. Respondent testified that she had observed K.G.","paragraph_id":"para_367"},{"text":"carrying Z.I. on two prior occasions and explained to her how it was unsafe behavior. On the","paragraph_id":"para_368"},{"text":"day of the injury, respondent testified, Z.I. was in the same room as her—the kitchen of her","paragraph_id":"para_369"},{"text":"mother’s home—and was in her car seat, unbuckled. Respondent testified that she chose not","paragraph_id":"para_370"},{"text":"to bring Z.I. to the hospital immediately after the fall because she “noticed that she stopped","paragraph_id":"para_371"},{"text":"crying” and “[s]he was still smiling after I grabbed her.” Respondent further testified that she","paragraph_id":"para_372"},{"text":"knew from her line of work that it could often be difficult to insert an IV into an infant’s arm,","paragraph_id":"para_373"},{"text":"and according to respondent, Z.I. was not responsive to calming tactics that the medical team","paragraph_id":"para_374"},{"text":"tried in the hospital. Respondent felt that Z.I. was in distress, at which point she left with Z.I.","paragraph_id":"para_375"},{"text":"before Z.I. could receive a CT scan. Respondent testified that she planned to take Z.I. to the","paragraph_id":"para_376"},{"text":"University of Illinois Hospital after leaving Comer but never did as she “got stopped.”","paragraph_id":"para_377"},{"text":"¶ 40 On redirect examination, respondent testified that she had made the judgment that the","paragraph_id":"para_378"},{"text":"University of Illinois Hospital would treat Z.I. more quickly based on her experience working","paragraph_id":"para_379"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_380"},{"text":"16","paragraph_id":"para_381"},{"text":"at both hospitals. She also testified that she had believed her 23-year-old sister to have had Z.I.","paragraph_id":"para_382","court_paragraph":16},{"text":"when she first noticed her missing from the car seat in the kitchen on April 9.","paragraph_id":"para_383"},{"text":"¶ 41 During closing argument, the State clarified that it was not requesting perpetrator","paragraph_id":"para_384"},{"text":"findings, as Z.I. had multiple other caregivers at the time she was in respondent’s custody. The","paragraph_id":"para_385"},{"text":"State again cited J.C., 2011 IL App (1st) 111374, ¶¶ 11, 20, for the contention that","paragraph_id":"para_386"},{"text":"uncontroverted evidence of child physical abuse is sufficient for an adjudication of abuse.","paragraph_id":"para_387"},{"text":"Respondent’s counsel contested this interpretation of J.C., positing that the “uncontroverted or","paragraph_id":"para_388"},{"text":"unrebutted medical testimony *** does not relieve them of their burden.”","paragraph_id":"para_389"},{"text":"¶ 42 In reviewing the evidence supporting findings of abuse and neglect, the State called","paragraph_id":"para_390"},{"text":"attention to its exhibit 3, in which Z.I.’s medical records indicated that, at respondent’s request,","paragraph_id":"para_391"},{"text":"Comer ordered genetic testing from Mayo Clinic to rule out the possibility of an osteogenesis","paragraph_id":"para_392"},{"text":"imperfecta diagnosis. Z.I.’s results were negative, making the disease a “much less likely”","paragraph_id":"para_393"},{"text":"cause of her injuries.","paragraph_id":"para_394"},{"text":"¶ 43 The juvenile court adjudicated both K.G. and Z.I. neglected due to an injurious","paragraph_id":"para_395"},{"text":"environment per section 2-3(1)(b) of the Act and abused due to substantial risk of injury","paragraph_id":"para_396"},{"text":"pursuant to section 2-3(2)(ii) of the Act. The juvenile court also found Z.I. to have been","paragraph_id":"para_397"},{"text":"physically abused pursuant to section 2-3(2)(i) of the Act but did not identify a perpetrator. In","paragraph_id":"para_398"},{"text":"its ruling, the court noted that Z.I. had been left unbuckled in her car seat while respondent was","paragraph_id":"para_399"},{"text":"cooking and that both she and K.G. were young enough to be dependent on the adults in charge","paragraph_id":"para_400"},{"text":"of their care. The court questioned the feasibility of K.G.’s ability to lift Z.I. or the lack of","paragraph_id":"para_401"},{"text":"evidence supporting that account. Noting that the medical evidence was uncontroverted, the","paragraph_id":"para_402"},{"text":"court held that Dr. Schwartz’s consultation note was properly admitted under the business","paragraph_id":"para_403"},{"text":"record exception of the Act. The court emphasized the unrebutted evidence of Z.I.’s multiple","paragraph_id":"para_404"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_405"},{"text":"17","paragraph_id":"para_406"},{"text":"bilateral rib fractures at different stages of healing, stating that “[v]arious stages of healing","paragraph_id":"para_407","court_paragraph":17},{"text":"causes a tremendous red flag to the baby.” The court ruled that the preponderance of evidence","paragraph_id":"para_408"},{"text":"supported the conclusion that these fractures, coupled with Z.I.’s subconjunctival hemorrhage","paragraph_id":"para_409"},{"text":"and bilateral facial bruising, were consistent with non-accidental injury and could not be","paragraph_id":"para_410"},{"text":"attributed to “a simple fall from the bed.”","paragraph_id":"para_411"},{"text":"¶ 44 Dispositional and Permanency Hearings","paragraph_id":"para_412"},{"text":"¶ 45 A dispositional hearing was conducted on January 6, 2025. The State called a single","paragraph_id":"para_413"},{"text":"witness, Denise Dejunae Nutall (Nutall), who was the assigned caseworker since the case was","paragraph_id":"para_414"},{"text":"opened. Nutall explained the minors’ current placements. K.G. was living with her paternal","paragraph_id":"para_415"},{"text":"grandmother, excelling in first grade, engaged in weekly individual therapy with the agency,","paragraph_id":"para_416"},{"text":"and had last had a supervised visit with her mother in November 2024. Z.I. was developing on","paragraph_id":"para_417"},{"text":"target and living in a new placement with her maternal grandmother after moving from an","paragraph_id":"para_418"},{"text":"initial fictive kin placement for which respondent had raised several concerns. The minors had","paragraph_id":"para_419"},{"text":"visits with each other multiple times a week.","paragraph_id":"para_420"},{"text":"¶ 46 Nutall testified that respondent had been assessed for individual therapy, substance","paragraph_id":"para_421"},{"text":"abuse evaluation and treatment, random drug screenings, domestic violence and parenting","paragraph_id":"para_422"},{"text":"classes, and parenting coaching. Respondent was reportedly participating regularly in","paragraph_id":"para_423"},{"text":"individual therapy, had completed the substance abuse assessment (but not the recommended","paragraph_id":"para_424"},{"text":"75 hours of outpatient service for marijuana usage), completed one random drug screening of","paragraph_id":"para_425"},{"text":"multiple requested, attended two domestic violence sessions, and completed parenting classes.","paragraph_id":"para_426"},{"text":"¶ 47 After arguments, the juvenile court made the minors wards of the court and appointed","paragraph_id":"para_427"},{"text":"the DCFS guardianship administrator as guardian with right to placement. The juvenile court","paragraph_id":"para_428"},{"text":"found respondent unable to care for, protect, train, or discipline both minors pursuant to section","paragraph_id":"para_429"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_430"},{"text":"18","paragraph_id":"para_431"},{"text":"2-27 of the Act (705 ILCS 405/2-27(1)(d) (West 2024)). The court found that respondent had","paragraph_id":"para_432","court_paragraph":18},{"text":"made some progress, and it established a permanency goal of return home in 12 months for","paragraph_id":"para_433"},{"text":"both minors.","paragraph_id":"para_434"},{"text":"¶ 48 Respondent filed this timely appeal on February 4, 2025.","paragraph_id":"para_435"},{"text":"¶ 49 ANALYSIS","paragraph_id":"para_436"},{"text":"¶ 50 In this appeal, respondent asserts that the juvenile court abused its discretion in refusing","paragraph_id":"para_437"},{"text":"to grant a continuance to allow her to present expert testimony countering the Comer CAPS","paragraph_id":"para_438"},{"text":"team’s physical abuse findings. Respondent also asserts that her due process right to confront","paragraph_id":"para_439"},{"text":"witnesses was violated when the juvenile court denied her request for a continuance to allow","paragraph_id":"para_440"},{"text":"her to subpoena the State’s key medical witness, Dr. Schwartz. Furthermore, respondent","paragraph_id":"para_441"},{"text":"contends that the CAPS consultation note describing the medical findings of physical abuse","paragraph_id":"para_442"},{"text":"for Z.I. was improperly admitted under the Act’s business record exception, as it was a","paragraph_id":"para_443"},{"text":"document prepared in anticipation of juvenile court proceedings. Respondent appeals only","paragraph_id":"para_444"},{"text":"these aspects of the adjudication order, raising no challenges to the dispositional order. As","paragraph_id":"para_445"},{"text":"respondent’s appeal does not address the overall sufficiency of the evidence supporting the","paragraph_id":"para_446"},{"text":"juvenile court’s adjudication findings, our review is limited to the procedural issues she","paragraph_id":"para_447"},{"text":"identifies in the hearings which gave rise to these conclusions.","paragraph_id":"para_448"},{"text":"¶ 51 As a preliminary matter, we observe that this is an accelerated appeal pursuant to","paragraph_id":"para_449"},{"text":"Illinois Supreme Court Rule 311(a) (eff. July 1, 2018), which addresses the disposition of child","paragraph_id":"para_450"},{"text":"custody and related appeals. Rule 311(a)(5) provides that an appellate court shall issue its","paragraph_id":"para_451"},{"text":"decision within 150 days after the filing of the notice of appeal “[e]xcept for good cause","paragraph_id":"para_452"},{"text":"shown.” Ill. S. Ct. R. 311(a)(5) (eff. July 1, 2018). As the notice of appeal was filed on February","paragraph_id":"para_453"},{"text":"4, 2025, the 150-day period would have typically expired on July 7, 2025, following the Fourth","paragraph_id":"para_454"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_455"},{"text":"19","paragraph_id":"para_456"},{"text":"of July holiday. Respondent, however, requested and was granted four extensions of time for","paragraph_id":"para_457","court_paragraph":19},{"text":"filing her opening brief. The State also requested and was granted an extension of time for","paragraph_id":"para_458"},{"text":"filing its response brief, and the public guardian was granted three extensions of time for the","paragraph_id":"para_459"},{"text":"same. Respondent was granted a further extension to file her reply brief but ultimately elected","paragraph_id":"para_460"},{"text":"not to file a reply. Since this case as a result was not ready for disposition until February 2026,","paragraph_id":"para_461"},{"text":"we find that good cause is shown for the delay in filing this order. See, e.g., In re J.S., 2020 IL","paragraph_id":"para_462"},{"text":"App (1st) 191119, ¶ 36.","paragraph_id":"para_463"},{"text":"¶ 52 Turning to the merits, we first address respondent’s arguments concerning the juvenile","paragraph_id":"para_464"},{"text":"court’s denial of her motion for continuance. It is within a juvenile court’s sound discretion","paragraph_id":"para_465"},{"text":"whether to grant or deny a motion for continuance, and therefore a denial of a motion for","paragraph_id":"para_466"},{"text":"continuance is reviewed pursuant to the abuse of discretion standard. In re D.M., 2020 IL App","paragraph_id":"para_467"},{"text":"(1st) 200103, ¶ 20. A ruling that constitutes an abuse of discretion is “arbitrary, fanciful, or","paragraph_id":"para_468"},{"text":"unreasonable” (id.) and demonstrates “manifest abuse or palpable injustice” (In re Jamarqon","paragraph_id":"para_469"},{"text":"C., 338 Ill. App. 3d 639, 644 (2003)).","paragraph_id":"para_470"},{"text":"¶ 53 Under the Act, a juvenile court may continue an adjudication hearing for no more than","paragraph_id":"para_471"},{"text":"30 days and only for good cause shown—meaning a showing that “the continuance is","paragraph_id":"para_472"},{"text":"consistent with the health, safety and best interests of the minor.” 705 ILCS 405/2-14(c) (West","paragraph_id":"para_473"},{"text":"2024). The Act further dictates that “good cause” be construed strictly. Id. A continuance must","paragraph_id":"para_474"},{"text":"be requested by written motion no later than 10 days prior to the adjudication hearing. Id. The","paragraph_id":"para_475"},{"text":"Act is explicit in the reasoning behind its rigidity, recognizing that “serious delay in the","paragraph_id":"para_476"},{"text":"adjudication of abuse, neglect, or dependency cases can cause grave harm to the minor and the","paragraph_id":"para_477"},{"text":"family and that it frustrates the health, safety and best interests of the minor and the effort to","paragraph_id":"para_478"},{"text":"establish permanent homes for children in need.” Id. § 2-14(a).","paragraph_id":"para_479"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_480"},{"text":"20","paragraph_id":"para_481"},{"text":"¶ 54 Here, respondent filed a motion for continuance on December 12, 2024—only five","paragraph_id":"para_482","court_paragraph":20},{"text":"calendar days before the December 17 adjudication hearing—thereby violating the 10-day","paragraph_id":"para_483"},{"text":"notice requirement of the statute. See id. § 2-14(c). Further, at the hearing respondent requested","paragraph_id":"para_484"},{"text":"a continuance to March 2025—which at three months past the original adjudication date would","paragraph_id":"para_485"},{"text":"have well exceeded the permissible 30-day extension period allowed under the statute. See id.","paragraph_id":"para_486"},{"text":"Aside from these procedural defects, respondent also failed to include the factual findings in","paragraph_id":"para_487"},{"text":"the motion and accompanying affidavit that the statute requires to demonstrate that a","paragraph_id":"para_488"},{"text":"continuance would be consistent with the health, safety, and best interests of the minors. See","paragraph_id":"para_489"},{"text":"id. Instead, respondent’s motion focused on her counsel’s “best efforts to secure a consultation”","paragraph_id":"para_490"},{"text":"with the potential expert, and his belief that a medical expert was “potentially material and","paragraph_id":"para_491"},{"text":"necessary” to provide an interpretation of the medical records that the State would likely seek","paragraph_id":"para_492"},{"text":"to introduce at the adjudication hearing. Counsel’s affidavit simply described his efforts to","paragraph_id":"para_493"},{"text":"secure and convene with an expert who would provide potential trial testimony, as well as","paragraph_id":"para_494"},{"text":"counsel’s leave from the public defender’s office from mid-September until December 4, 2024.","paragraph_id":"para_495"},{"text":"These contents fail to demonstrate how the continuance would be “consistent with the health,","paragraph_id":"para_496"},{"text":"safety and best interests of the minor” as the Act requires. Coupled with counsel’s failure to","paragraph_id":"para_497"},{"text":"meet the timing requirements of the statute, these deficiencies are fatal to respondent’s","paragraph_id":"para_498"},{"text":"argument for abuse of discretion on appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_499"},{"text":"¶ 55 In addition to the statutory defects described above, counsel’s motion failed to meet the","paragraph_id":"para_500"},{"text":"requirements outlined for motions for continuance in Illinois Supreme Court Rule 231(a) (eff.","paragraph_id":"para_501"},{"text":"Jan. 1, 1970). As here, where the given cause for respondent’s motion for continuance is the","paragraph_id":"para_502"},{"text":"absence of material evidence, Rule 231(a) requires that the moving party file an affidavit with","paragraph_id":"para_503"},{"text":"the motion demonstrating (1) that the party used due diligence to obtain the evidence or was","paragraph_id":"para_504"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_505"},{"text":"21","paragraph_id":"para_506"},{"text":"in want of time to obtain it; (2) the facts which comprise the evidence; (3) that the party used","paragraph_id":"para_507","court_paragraph":21},{"text":"due diligence to obtain a witness’s place of residence, if the evidence is a witness’s testimony;","paragraph_id":"para_508"},{"text":"and (4) that the party can procure the evidence if provided further time. Id. At best,","paragraph_id":"para_509"},{"text":"respondent’s counsel has satisfied the due diligence requirement in that he explained his efforts","paragraph_id":"para_510"},{"text":"to meet with the potential witness. See id. The affidavit plainly failed to address the other three","paragraph_id":"para_511"},{"text":"requirements, however—counsel neglected to include the facts underlying the material","paragraph_id":"para_512"},{"text":"evidence, provide a name and address for the expert witness, and demonstrate his ability to","paragraph_id":"para_513"},{"text":"procure the evidence in question if granted a continuance. See id. Indeed, the last lines of","paragraph_id":"para_514"},{"text":"respondent’s counsel’s affidavit state: “[C]ounsel asked the potential expert to confirm, in the","paragraph_id":"para_515"},{"text":"event counsel does in fact want to call him as a witness, if he is still available ***. As of the","paragraph_id":"para_516"},{"text":"time of the filing of this motion, counsel has not heard back from the potential expert.”","paragraph_id":"para_517"},{"text":"Respondent’s counsel therefore was not only unaware at the time of the motion of the projected","paragraph_id":"para_518"},{"text":"factual content of his potential expert’s testimony—as evidenced by his admission at the","paragraph_id":"para_519"},{"text":"adjudication hearing that he was not yet in possession of an expert report from Dr. Matshes—","paragraph_id":"para_520"},{"text":"but he also revealed that he might not be able to procure the supposedly material evidence in","paragraph_id":"para_521"},{"text":"question, even if granted a continuance, as he had not heard back from his potential expert at","paragraph_id":"para_522"},{"text":"the time of filing.","paragraph_id":"para_523"},{"text":"¶ 56 As the juvenile court noted in its ruling on respondent’s motion for continuance,","paragraph_id":"para_524"},{"text":"respondent also failed to supplement or amend the CMC order to reflect the addition of this","paragraph_id":"para_525"},{"text":"material witness. Such a modification is required pursuant to Illinois Supreme Court Rule","paragraph_id":"para_526"},{"text":"218(c) (eff. Feb. 2, 2023):","paragraph_id":"para_527"},{"text":"“The order controls the subsequent course of the action unless modified. All dates set","paragraph_id":"para_528"},{"text":"for the disclosure of witnesses, including rebuttal witnesses, *** shall be chosen to","paragraph_id":"para_529"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_530"},{"text":"22","paragraph_id":"para_531"},{"text":"ensure that discovery will be completed not later than 60 days before the date on which","paragraph_id":"para_532","court_paragraph":22},{"text":"the trial court reasonably anticipates that trial will commence, unless otherwise agreed","paragraph_id":"para_533"},{"text":"by the parties.”","paragraph_id":"para_534"},{"text":"¶ 57 Here, the parties’ CMC order required final disclosure of all witnesses two weeks prior","paragraph_id":"para_535"},{"text":"to trial and disclosure of any expert witness reports three weeks prior to trial. As the motion","paragraph_id":"para_536"},{"text":"and accompanying affidavit failed to meet the requirements of the Act and our supreme court","paragraph_id":"para_537"},{"text":"rules, the juvenile court acted within its sound discretion in denying respondent’s motion for","paragraph_id":"para_538"},{"text":"continuance to add a material witness. See D.M., 2020 IL App (1st) 200103, ¶ 20.","paragraph_id":"para_539"},{"text":"¶ 58 To the extent that it should be treated as a separate motion, respondent’s motion for","paragraph_id":"para_540"},{"text":"continuance to subpoena Dr. Schwartz, made orally during the adjudication hearing, was","paragraph_id":"para_541"},{"text":"similarly improper. Not only did counsel fail to provide any advance written notice for this","paragraph_id":"para_542"},{"text":"motion, as required by the aforementioned provision of the Act governing continuances for","paragraph_id":"para_543"},{"text":"adjudication hearings (see 705 ILCS 405/2-14(c) (West 2024)) and the procedural","paragraph_id":"para_544"},{"text":"requirements of Illinois Supreme Court Rule 231(a) (eff. Jan. 1, 1970), but counsel also failed","paragraph_id":"para_545"},{"text":"both to amend the CMC order in accordance with Rule 218 as discussed above (see Ill. S. Ct.","paragraph_id":"para_546"},{"text":"R. 218(c) (eff. Feb. 2, 2023)) and to properly subpoena Dr. Schwartz under the procedures of","paragraph_id":"para_547"},{"text":"Rule 237(a) (see Ill. S. Ct. R. 237(a) (eff. Oct. 1, 2021) (establishing the procedures for service","paragraph_id":"para_548"},{"text":"of subpoenas to compel the appearance of a witness at trial)). Rule 231(f) specifically addresses","paragraph_id":"para_549"},{"text":"the issue of timeliness for motions for continuance, stating: “No motion for the continuance of","paragraph_id":"para_550"},{"text":"a cause made after the cause has been reached for trial shall be heard, unless a sufficient excuse","paragraph_id":"para_551"},{"text":"is shown for the delay.” Ill. S. Ct. R. 231(f) (eff. Jan. 1, 1970); see Sinram v. Nolan, 227 Ill.","paragraph_id":"para_552"},{"text":"App. 3d 241, 243 (1992) (“Our legal system cannot work efficiently if continuances are readily","paragraph_id":"para_553"},{"text":"available on the day of trial.”). Here, the motion for continuance to cross-examine Dr. Schwartz","paragraph_id":"para_554"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_555"},{"text":"23","paragraph_id":"para_556"},{"text":"was made the day of the trial, with the only excuse shown for the delay consisting of","paragraph_id":"para_557","court_paragraph":23},{"text":"respondent’s counsel’s efforts to consult with an expert who could provide rebutting testimony.","paragraph_id":"para_558"},{"text":"If respondent wanted to compel Dr. Schwartz’s appearance at the adjudication hearing, she","paragraph_id":"para_559"},{"text":"could have properly amended the CMC order and served a subpoena in compliance with our","paragraph_id":"para_560"},{"text":"supreme court rules, regardless of the status of her rebutting expert’s testimony. Her failure to","paragraph_id":"para_561"},{"text":"do so warranted the juvenile court’s denial of the motion, as was well within the court’s","paragraph_id":"para_562"},{"text":"discretion. See Jamarqon C., 338 Ill. App. 3d at 644.","paragraph_id":"para_563"},{"text":"¶ 59 Respondent next contends that the juvenile court’s denial of her motion for continuance","paragraph_id":"para_564"},{"text":"to allow her to subpoena and cross-examine Dr. Schwartz constituted a due process violation","paragraph_id":"para_565"},{"text":"infringing upon her right to confront witnesses. Although respondent acknowledges that the","paragraph_id":"para_566"},{"text":"right to confront witnesses applies less strictly in civil contexts, she argues that “hearsay","paragraph_id":"para_567"},{"text":"statements, like Dr. Schwartz[’s] in this case, offend[ ] the very essence of the liberty that the","paragraph_id":"para_568"},{"text":"confrontation clause and its embodiment in the right to due process protect,” and that the","paragraph_id":"para_569"},{"text":"juvenile court’s denial of her motion here constituted “a gross deviation from fair procedures.”","paragraph_id":"para_570"},{"text":"¶ 60 Unlike in the criminal context, where the sixth amendment confrontation clause (U.S.","paragraph_id":"para_571"},{"text":"Const., amend. VI), as incorporated against the states through the fourteenth amendment due","paragraph_id":"para_572"},{"text":"process clause (Pointer v. Texas, 380 U.S. 400, 403 (1965)) and subsequently adopted by the","paragraph_id":"para_573"},{"text":"Illinois Constitution (Ill. Const. 1970, art. I, § 8 (amended 1994)), provides defendants the right","paragraph_id":"para_574"},{"text":"to confront witnesses used against them, the right to confront witnesses in civil contexts is less","paragraph_id":"para_575"},{"text":"absolute. See In re K.L.M., 146 Ill. App. 3d 489, 495 (1986) (“[A]lthough confrontation rights","paragraph_id":"para_576"},{"text":"may be an aspect of due process in purely civil proceedings, the confrontation clause need not","paragraph_id":"para_577"},{"text":"be applied strictly in such proceedings.”). Perhaps for this reason, respondent fails to identify","paragraph_id":"para_578"},{"text":"any authorities which specifically support this claim in her argument on appeal, instead","paragraph_id":"para_579"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_580"},{"text":"24","paragraph_id":"para_581"},{"text":"focusing her analysis on distinguishing the two categories of juvenile court cases in our","paragraph_id":"para_582","court_paragraph":24},{"text":"jurisprudence in which the right was found not to have been violated—in cases involving","paragraph_id":"para_583"},{"text":"virtual court proceedings during the COVID-19 pandemic, and cases involving hearsay","paragraph_id":"para_584"},{"text":"statements of minors. See In re R.D., 2021 IL App (1st) 201411, ¶¶ 12-14; In re Es. C., 2021","paragraph_id":"para_585"},{"text":"IL App (1st) 210197, ¶ 24; In re H.B., 2022 IL App (2d) 210404, ¶ 61; In re Marcus E., 183","paragraph_id":"para_586"},{"text":"Ill. App. 3d 693, 704 (1989); In re A.P., 179 Ill. 2d 184, 200 (1997). Due to respondent’s lack","paragraph_id":"para_587"},{"text":"of citation of any supporting authority for this point, considered in tandem with the procedural","paragraph_id":"para_588"},{"text":"defects accompanying the motion, we decline to further consider it on review. See Ill. S. Ct.","paragraph_id":"para_589"},{"text":"R. 341(h)(7) (eff. Oct. 1, 2020) (“Argument *** shall contain the contentions of the appellant","paragraph_id":"para_590"},{"text":"and the reasons therefor, with citation of the authorities ***.”); see, e.g., In re J.P., 331 Ill.","paragraph_id":"para_591"},{"text":"App. 3d 220, 237 (2002) (declining review of claims for which respondent failed to “reference","paragraph_id":"para_592"},{"text":"the record or cite to pertinent authority”).","paragraph_id":"para_593"},{"text":"¶ 61 Respondent’s next argument on appeal relates to the admission of the CAPS","paragraph_id":"para_594"},{"text":"consultation note describing Z.I.’s injuries as consistent with physical abuse, which respondent","paragraph_id":"para_595"},{"text":"contends amounts to reversible error. The admissibility of medical records documenting a","paragraph_id":"para_596"},{"text":"“condition, act, transaction, occurrence or event” relating to a minor in abuse, neglect, or","paragraph_id":"para_597"},{"text":"dependency proceedings is addressed in section 2-18(4)(a) of the Act. The Act reads:","paragraph_id":"para_598"},{"text":"“Any writing, record, photograph or x-ray of any hospital or public or private agency","paragraph_id":"para_599"},{"text":"*** made as a memorandum or record of any condition, act, transaction, occurrence or","paragraph_id":"para_600"},{"text":"event relating to a minor in an abuse, neglect or dependency proceeding, shall be","paragraph_id":"para_601"},{"text":"admissible in evidence as proof of that condition, act, transaction, occurrence or event,","paragraph_id":"para_602"},{"text":"if the court finds that the document was made in the regular course of the business of","paragraph_id":"para_603"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_604"},{"text":"25","paragraph_id":"para_605"},{"text":"the hospital or agency at the time of the act, transaction, occurrence or event, or within","paragraph_id":"para_606","court_paragraph":25},{"text":"a reasonable time thereafter.” 705 ILCS 405/2-18(4)(a) (West 2024).","paragraph_id":"para_607"},{"text":"Such records must be certified by the attending doctor or other “responsible employee or agent","paragraph_id":"para_608"},{"text":"of the hospital or agency” who has knowledge of the creation and maintenance of the subject","paragraph_id":"para_609"},{"text":"matter of the records, and who can attest that the records are full and complete and satisfy the","paragraph_id":"para_610"},{"text":"conditions outlined in this section of the Act. Id.","paragraph_id":"para_611"},{"text":"¶ 62 The admission of business records and other statutorily accepted hearsay exceptions in","paragraph_id":"para_612"},{"text":"adjudication proceedings are reviewed under an abuse of discretion standard. In re A.B., 308","paragraph_id":"para_613"},{"text":"Ill. App. 3d 227, 234 (1999). Under abuse of discretion review, the appellate court “must","paragraph_id":"para_614"},{"text":"determine whether the circuit court acted arbitrarily without the employment of conscientious","paragraph_id":"para_615"},{"text":"judgment or, in view of all the circumstances, exceeded the bounds of reason and ignored","paragraph_id":"para_616"},{"text":"recognized principles of law so that substantial prejudice resulted.” (Internal quotation marks","paragraph_id":"para_617"},{"text":"omitted.) In re Nylani M., 2016 IL App (1st) 152262, ¶ 34.","paragraph_id":"para_618"},{"text":"¶ 63 Respondent argues that the CAPS consultation note did not fall under the Act’s","paragraph_id":"para_619"},{"text":"recognized business record exception as it was prepared in anticipation of litigation.","paragraph_id":"para_620"},{"text":"Respondent cites In re H.C., 2023 IL App (1st) 220881, ¶ 109, for this argument, in which this","paragraph_id":"para_621"},{"text":"court held that the respondent’s counsel was ineffective for failing to object to the admission","paragraph_id":"para_622"},{"text":"of a doctor’s report, which had surmised from medical records that a minor with disabilities","paragraph_id":"para_623"},{"text":"had been medically neglected. Although that case, similar to this one, involved a child","paragraph_id":"para_624"},{"text":"advocacy and protection team consultation which resulted in evidence admitted in adjudication","paragraph_id":"para_625"},{"text":"proceedings under a business record exception (id. ¶ 58), it also contained several key factual","paragraph_id":"para_626"},{"text":"distinctions from the case at hand.","paragraph_id":"para_627"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_628"},{"text":"26","paragraph_id":"para_629"},{"text":"¶ 64 In H.C., the consulting physician was called in by DCFS two months after the triggering","paragraph_id":"para_630","court_paragraph":26},{"text":"incident involving the minor had occurred, and the opening lines of the consultation note read,","paragraph_id":"para_631"},{"text":"“ ‘Reason for this note: this note is generated after DCFS report was made for medical neglect","paragraph_id":"para_632"},{"text":"in Nov 2019. Agency requested Child Advocacy and Protection evaluation of medical","paragraph_id":"para_633"},{"text":"record.’ ” Id. By contrast, Dr. Schwartz and her team were called in the day after Z.I. was","paragraph_id":"para_634"},{"text":"readmitted to Comer due to her scans revealing multiple bilateral rib fractures in various stages","paragraph_id":"para_635"},{"text":"of healing. Additionally, the court in H.C. noted, “If we remove Dr. Jones’s opinion from the","paragraph_id":"para_636"},{"text":"equation, we find there is little to show actual abuse or neglect.” Id. ¶ 144. Here, the nature of","paragraph_id":"para_637"},{"text":"Z.I.’s injuries themselves, coupled with the subsequent elimination of alternative explanations","paragraph_id":"para_638"},{"text":"such as birth injuries or osteogenesis imperfecta, provides further evidence of abuse or neglect","paragraph_id":"para_639"},{"text":"independent of Dr. Schwartz’s reports.","paragraph_id":"para_640"},{"text":"¶ 65 The court in H.C. acknowledged that the doctor’s report in that case was “a different","paragraph_id":"para_641"},{"text":"animal” from most evidence admitted under the Act’s section 2-18(4)(a) exception. Id. ¶ 118.","paragraph_id":"para_642"},{"text":"Whereas the report in H.C. was prepared specifically to give weight to DCFS’s legal argument","paragraph_id":"para_643"},{"text":"of neglect when it petitioned for adjudication of wardship, the consultation here was made in","paragraph_id":"para_644"},{"text":"the regular course of business after Comer emergency room staff requested interventions by","paragraph_id":"para_645"},{"text":"DCFS and CAPS following the discovery of Z.I.’s rib fractures. See 705 ILCS 405/2-18(4)(a)","paragraph_id":"para_646"},{"text":"(West 2024) (“[A] memorandum or record of any condition, act, transaction, occurrence or","paragraph_id":"para_647"},{"text":"event relating to a minor in an abuse, neglect or dependency proceeding, shall be admissible","paragraph_id":"para_648"},{"text":"*** if the court finds that the document was made in the regular course of the business of the","paragraph_id":"para_649"},{"text":"hospital ***.”). Unlike the doctor in H.C., Dr. Schwartz personally examined Z.I. in the","paragraph_id":"para_650"},{"text":"hospital, spoke with respondent, and discussed recommendations with Z.I.’s medical team.","paragraph_id":"para_651"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_652"},{"text":"27","paragraph_id":"para_653"},{"text":"¶ 66 Respondent also failed to adequately demonstrate substantial prejudice in her appeal.","paragraph_id":"para_654","court_paragraph":27},{"text":"See, e.g., In re R.L., 2021 IL App (1st) 210419, ¶ 16 (“The denial of a continuance request is","paragraph_id":"para_655"},{"text":"not a ground for reversal unless the complaining party has been prejudiced.”). The only passing","paragraph_id":"para_656"},{"text":"reference to prejudice in respondent’s brief was an unsupported statement that respondent “was","paragraph_id":"para_657"},{"text":"prejudiced by the denial of the continuance because she was unable to produce the rebutting","paragraph_id":"para_658"},{"text":"expert testimony that the State insists she needed.” See Ill. S. Ct. R. 341(h)(7) (eff. Oct. 1,","paragraph_id":"para_659"},{"text":"2020) (“Points not argued are forfeited and shall not be raised in the reply brief, in oral","paragraph_id":"para_660"},{"text":"argument, or on petition for rehearing.”); id. (“Argument *** shall contain the contentions of","paragraph_id":"para_661"},{"text":"the appellant and the reasons therefor, with citation of the authorities ***.”). We thus do not","paragraph_id":"para_662"},{"text":"find that the juvenile court arbitrarily, unreasonably, or prejudicially abused its discretion in","paragraph_id":"para_663"},{"text":"admitting the consultation note into evidence. See Nylani M., 2016 IL App (1st) 152262, ¶ 34.","paragraph_id":"para_664"},{"text":"¶ 67 For the reasons discussed above, the juvenile court did not abuse its discretion in","paragraph_id":"para_665"},{"text":"denying respondent’s motions for continuance and in admitting the CAPS consultation note","paragraph_id":"para_666"},{"text":"under the Act’s business record exception.","paragraph_id":"para_667"},{"text":"¶ 68 CONCLUSION","paragraph_id":"para_668"},{"text":"¶ 69 The judgment of the circuit court of Cook County is affirmed.","paragraph_id":"para_669"},{"text":"¶ 70 Affirmed.","paragraph_id":"para_670"},{"text":"No. 1-25-0207","paragraph_id":"para_671"},{"text":"28","paragraph_id":"para_672"},{"text":"In re Z.I., 2026 IL App (1st) 250207","paragraph_id":"para_673","court_paragraph":28},{"text":"Decision Under Review: Appeal from the Circuit Court of Cook County, Nos. 24-JA-300,","paragraph_id":"para_674"},{"text":"24-JA-301; the Hon. Demetrios G. 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