Bill > SB2054

This bill establishes the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act, which outlines comprehensive rights for parents involved in Illinois's child welfare system, specifically those receiving intact family services or reunification services. The bill provides parents with 21 specific rights, including being treated with dignity and respect, receiving a copy of the Act when their case opens, being consulted about potential relative placements for their children, and being considered as a potential placement resource. Parents are guaranteed timely visitation with their children, the ability to participate in developing service plans, and the right to request amendments to those plans. The bill also ensures parents can have in-person meetings with their assigned attorney before court hearings, receive transportation assistance when needed, communicate with their child's caregiver, and participate in decisions about their child's care, such as developing a hair care plan. Importantly, the law protects parents from retaliation when asserting these rights and emphasizes that financial means should not be a basis for removing or preventing reunification with children. The overall goal is to empower parents and promote a more collaborative, respectful approach to child welfare services.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2054&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104