In Re Joseph W., Jr.

Summary

The court held that a known, present noncustodial parent who wishes to contest whether a child was neglected must be allowed to enter a plea in the neglect proceeding. Because the father was improperly denied that opportunity and had not waived his right to be heard, the neglect adjudications had to be opened, eliminating the basis for the parental-rights termination judgments. The court affirmed the Appellate Court on this alternate ground and ordered expedited further proceedings.