In re Petition of L.M. and M.M. to Adopt M.J.A.

              FIFTH DIVISION
SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
1-07-2675
In re PETITION OF L.M. AND M.M. ) Appeal from the
TO ADOPT M.J.A. ) Circuit Court of
(L.M. and M.M.,) ))
Cook County.
Petitioners-Appellees, )
) 05 COAD 950
)
M.A., ) Honorable
) Patrick McGann,
Respondent-Appellant. ) Judge Presiding.
JUSTICE TULLY delivered the opinion of the court:
The circuit court of Cook County found respondent, M.A., to be an unfit parent on the
ground of depravity under section 1(D)(i) of the Adoption Act (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(i) (West
2002)). Respondent was found to be depraved because he was convicted of the offense of
predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. See 720 ILCS 5/12-14.1(a)(1) (West 1998). The
circuit court further found the respondent to be unfit by his lack of contribution to the financial
welfare of his son (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(n)(2)(ii) (West 2002)); his failure to communicate with his
son and his failure to plan for the future of his son (750 ILCS 50/1(D)(n)(1)(ii) (West 2002)).
The court subsequently terminated respondent's parental rights. Respondent appeals. We affirm.
The petition filed against respondent asserted seven grounds upon which the court should
find M.A. unfit. The circuit court found that petitioners sustained their burden on four counts
and found respondent unfit under sections 1(D)(i) and 1(D)(n) of the Adoption Act. A finding of
parental unfitness warranting termination of parental rights will stand if supported by any one of
the statutory grounds set forth in the Adoption Act. In re Daphnie E., 368 Ill. App. 3d 1052, 859
N.E.2d 123 (2006).