summary
Introduced
01/24/2025
01/24/2025
In Committee
05/21/2025
05/21/2025
Crossed Over
05/14/2025
05/14/2025
Passed
08/15/2025
08/15/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
08/15/2025
08/15/2025
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 concerning abused, neglected, and dependent minors. Changes the provisions concerning Family Support Program services. Changes the program to publicly funded community and residential services. Provides that, if the minor is determined eligible for publicly funded community or residential services and the necessary publicly funded community or residential services are available for the minor, the court shall conduct a hearing within 14 days upon notification to all parties. Provides that, for minors in the temporary custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, the court shall determine whether urgent and immediate necessity exists to continue the minor in the custody of the Department and whether the Department's custody of the minor should be vacated. Provides that for minors in the guardianship of the Department, the court shall determine whether the respondent is fit, willing, and able to care for the minor and whether it is in the minor's best interest to return to the custody of the respondent. Restores a provision which states that if the court determines that the minor shall continue in the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Children and Family Services shall remain fiscally responsible for providing services to the minor. Provides that the provisions do not apply to: (1) a minor for whom the court has not yet completed an adjudicatory hearing and for whom a petition has been filed under the Act alleging that the minor is a neglected minor, other than a minor left at a psychiatric hospital beyond medical necessity, or an abused minor; or (2) a minor who the court has adjudicated under the Act as either (i) a neglected minor, unless the primary basis for the finding is that the respondent left the minor at a psychiatric hospital beyond medical necessity, or (ii) an abused minor.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to modify how children with complex behavioral and mental health needs are handled by the court system. The bill emphasizes that removing children from their parents' custody should be a last resort, unless clear abuse or neglect is alleged. It introduces a new framework for handling cases involving children who may need publicly funded community or residential services, requiring the court to conduct a hearing within 14 days if such services are determined to be available. For minors in temporary custody of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), the court must evaluate whether there is an urgent necessity to continue the child's placement, and for minors in DCFS guardianship, the court must assess the parent's ability to care for the child and whether returning the child would be in their best interest. The bill ensures that if services are available and the child can be returned to the parent, the state agency will be fiscally responsible for providing those services. The provisions do not apply to certain cases, such as those involving ongoing abuse investigations or where an abuse or neglect finding has already been made. The overall goal is to prioritize family preservation and provide necessary support services while ensuring the child's safety and well-being.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (6)
Sara Feigenholtz (D)*,
Suzanne Ness (D)*,
Li Arellano (R),
Mary Edly-Allen (D),
Lindsey LaPointe (D),
Karina Villa (D),
Last Action
Public Act . . . . . . . . . 104-0351 (on 08/15/2025)
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