The Illinois Appellate Court ruled on June 16, 2026, that two minors, A.E. and C.D., were abused and neglected by their mother, S.E. The court's decision affects the children's custody and care, marking a significant moment in their ongoing struggle for safety and stability.
The case, identified as In re A.E. and C.D., No. 1-25-0918, arose from a petition filed by the People of the State of Illinois under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. The court's ruling highlights serious concerns regarding the minors' well-being and the mother's ability to provide a safe environment.
Background
A.E. was born on May 12, 2010, and C.D. on November 27, 2011. Their mother, S.E., has a troubling history with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), having had multiple children removed from her care due to abuse and neglect allegations. The state filed petitions for A.E. and C.D. on July 8, 2024, citing an injurious environment and a substantial risk of physical injury.
The petitions detailed incidents of physical altercations between S.E. and her children, including a choking incident involving A.E. in June 2024. After a hearing, the juvenile court found probable cause to remove the minors from S.E.'s custody, leading to their placement with foster families.
The Ruling
The appellate court, led by Justice McBride, upheld the juvenile court's findings that A.E. and C.D. were abused and neglected. The court stated, "The evidence presented at the adjudicatory hearing firmly established that the minors were neglected and abused." This ruling was based on the minors' statements and the mother's extensive history with DCFS.
The court found that S.E. created a substantial risk of physical injury to A.E. and that the environment was injurious to both minors. The ruling emphasized that actual physical injury is not required to substantiate claims of abuse, noting that the court's findings were supported by the minors' testimonies and corroborated by physical evidence, including bruising on A.E.'s lip.
Impact
This ruling has significant implications for A.E. and C.D.'s future. By declaring them wards of the court, the court aims to ensure their safety and well-being. The decision also reinforces the importance of protecting minors from potentially harmful environments, particularly in cases involving repeated allegations of abuse.
The court's ruling may set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and the importance of minors' testimonies in abuse cases. The decision highlights the court's commitment to prioritizing the best interests of children in custody disputes.
What's Next
Following the ruling, S.E. has the option to appeal the court's decision. The case underscores ongoing concerns about her ability to provide a safe environment for her children. Details regarding any related cases or further hearings were not available in the court filing.