Bill > SB1438

This bill amends the Child Care Act of 1969 to create a new category of residential care facilities called "group homes for the developmentally or intellectually disabled". The bill defines these homes as child care facilities that provide residential care to no more than 8 developmentally or intellectually disabled children, placed and supervised by licensed child welfare agencies, the Department of Human Services, or school districts. The bill specifies that a "child who resides in a group home for the developmentally or intellectually disabled" can be up to 22 years old and requires special education and related services due to their disability. The legislation excludes these group homes from the definition of "child care institution" and adds them to existing provisions concerning child care facility requirements, including licensing standards, license applications, and transportation regulations. Notably, the bill mandates that no group home for the developmentally or intellectually disabled can hire staff members under 19 years of age. The changes aim to provide clearer guidelines and protections for residential care facilities specifically serving developmentally and intellectually disabled children, ensuring appropriate staffing, supervision, and operational standards.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1438&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104