Restraining Orders

The following people can be eligible for an order of protection:

1. a person abused by a family or household member;
2. a high-risk adult with disabilities who is abused, neglected, or exploited by a family or household member;
3. a minor child or dependent adult in the care of the abused person or high-risk adult mentioned above;
4. a person living or employed at a private home or public shelter that houses an abused family or household member; and
5. any of the following people if they are abused by the family or household member of a child:
   • a foster parent of that child;
   • a legally-appointed guardian or legally-appointed custodian of that child;
   • an adoptive parent of that child; or
   • a prospective adoptive parent of that child.¹

As mentioned in #3 above, you can file for an order of protection for yourself and/or your minor child(ren). A minor may also be able to file on his/her own. See Can a minor file for an order of protection? for more information.

Note: When it comes to filing the actual petition in court, anyone can file on behalf of:

• a minor child or an adult who has been abused by a family or household member who cannot file a petition because of age, health, disability or inaccessibility; or
• a high-risk adult with disabilities who has been abused, neglected, or exploited by a family or household member.²

¹ 750 ILCS 60/201(a)
² 750 ILCS 60/201(b)