No. 2-10-0044 Filed: 7-27-10
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IN THE
APPELLATE COURT OF ILLINOIS
SECOND DISTRICT
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In re HALEY D., a Minor ) Appeal from the Circuit Court
) of Du Page County.
)
) No. 07--JA--14
)
) Honorable
(The People of the State of Illinois, Petitioner- ) Thomas J. Riggs,
Appellee, v. Ralph L., Respondent-Appellant). ) Judge, Presiding.
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JUSTICE McLAREN delivered the opinion of the court:
Respondent, Ralph L., appeals from the orders of the trial court denying his petition to vacate
a default judgment and his motion to amend his petition. We reverse and remand.
On April 11, 2007, the State filed a petition alleging that Haley D. was a neglected minor
pursuant to section 2--3(1)(c) of the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (Act) (705 ILCS 405/2--3(1)(c)
(West 2006)). Haley was placed in shelter care that day. Natural father Ralph L. received abode
service of the summons, which was left with his mother at the home they shared.1 The trial court
subsequently found Haley to be a neglected minor and, on August 14, 2007, adjudicated her a ward
of the court. The court granted the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) custody and
guardianship of Haley and set the permanency goal of return home in 12 months. The case was
continued to February 12, 2008.
1
Natural mother Patricia D. is not part of this appeal.
No. 2--10--0044
On February 19, 2008, the trial court continued guardianship and custody with DCFS and
again set the permanency goal as return home in 12 months. On October 8, 2008, Haley