In re H.D.

State: Illinois

Court: 4th District Appellate

Docket No: 4-03-0206 Rel

Case Date: 09/30/2003

NO. 4-03-0206

IN THE APPELLATE COURT

OF ILLINOIS

FOURTH DISTRICT

In re: H.D., a Minor,
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS,
               Petitioner-Appellee,
               v.
EBONY BRITT,
               Respondent-Appellant.

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Appeal from
Circuit Court of
Champaign County
No. 01JA24

Honorable
Ann A. Einhorn,
Judge Presiding.

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JUSTICE TURNER delivered the opinion of the court:

In April 2001, the State filed a petition for adjudication of wardship with respect to H.D., the minor child ofJeffrey Dillon and respondent, Ebony Britt. In July 2001, thetrial court adjudicated H.D. a ward of the court and orderedcustody and guardianship placed with the Illinois Department ofChildren and Family Services (DCFS). In June 2002, the Statefiled a petition to terminate the parental rights of respondentand Dillon. In January 2003, the trial court found the parentsunfit. In February 2003, the court found it in H.D.'s bestinterest that parental rights be terminated. Dillon is not aparty to this appeal.

On appeal, respondent argues (1) the trial court'sfindings should be invalidated because of violations of theIndian Child Welfare Act of 1978 (ICWA) (25 U.S.C.