SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva’s measure that aims to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services passed the Senate Friday.
“We must protect and affirm the identities of youth in the state’s care, ensuring their mental and physical health is prioritized regardless of where the youth is being placed,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “Far too often, youth in DCFS’ care feel their needs aren’t being properly met. Our youth deserve respect from those assigned to care for them, and they deserve comprehensive, trauma-informed care when necessary.”
House Bill 4966, also known as the SECURE Act, would enshrine enforceable standards of conduct for DCFS staff and caregivers of youth in care and ensure children, especially LGBTQ+ youth, receive the same services if placed out of state as they would in Illinois. Under Villanueva’s proposal, the department would be required to protect youth in care from unnecessary and unapproved disclosure of their sensitive identity information, including personal data that is linked or reasonably linkable to a youth and identifies the youth’s sexual orientation. It would also create a process for DCFS to abide by if it discloses sensitive identity information and would require the department to provide notice to the youth.
Additionally, to ensure the needs of youth in care are being met, DCFS, service providers and caregivers would be required to support services, care planning and placements that are consistent with the youth's health, safety, well-being and best interests. To mitigate any risk of adverse action to youth in care, Villanueva’s measure would require DCFS to consider the youth’s preference regarding interstate placement and implement ongoing communication, monitoring and assessment when a child is placed in care out of state.
“Through this measure, Illinois is taking a direct approach to mitigating harm, discrimination and trauma for youth in our state’s care,” added Villanueva. “Whether our youth are placed in Illinois or in a neighboring state, they are Illinoisans, and they deserve the same rights and autonomy as every other resident.”
House Bill 4966 passed the Senate Friday and heads to the House for concurrence.
