Bill > HB4890

This bill, titled the Dependency Determinations for Unaccompanied Children Act, establishes a process for unaccompanied children in Illinois who are in the care of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and who have allegedly experienced abuse, neglect, or abandonment by their parents to petition an Illinois juvenile court for a declaration of dependency. The bill defines key terms such as "abuse," "abandonment," "neglect," and "unaccompanied child," with these definitions often referencing existing Illinois laws like the Illinois Domestic Violence Act and the Juvenile Court Act. An "unaccompanied child" is specifically defined as someone under 18 who lacks a parent or legal guardian in the U.S. available to provide care and is in ORR custody. If a child is declared dependent by the court, they become eligible for court-ordered oversight and services, including psychological, educational, medical, or social services, which are voluntary. The court can retain jurisdiction until the child turns 18, and these proceedings are confidential and sealed from public access, with no fees required for the child filing the petition. The bill also clarifies that these proceedings do not terminate parental rights and are intended to help children who may be eligible to petition the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=4890&GAID=18&DocTypeID=HB&SessionID=114&GA=104