IL HB5036

Changes all references to "reasonable efforts" to "active efforts" in the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 regarding reunification cases, defining "active efforts" as affirmative, active, thorough, timely actions representing a higher standard of conduct than reasonable efforts.

Requires courts to specify in written orders which parties failed to make active efforts to provide services in service plans and the applicable time periods for such failures.

Protects parents from unfitness findings in adoption proceedings if the Department of Children and Family Services failed to make active efforts during any 9-month period, with this protection applying to findings made on or after the bill's effective date.

Adds provisions allowing early termination of active efforts reunification services in specific circumstances, including when a parent has had parental rights involuntarily terminated for another child or has been convicted of serious crimes against children.

Expands good cause exceptions to automatic termination of parental rights petitions for children in foster care 15 months of any 22-month period, including when courts have found the Department failed to make active efforts within the preceding 12 months.