IL SB0653

Establishes a child welfare training academy within the Department of Children and Family Services for child protective investigators and supervisors, subject to appropriations.

Requires training curricula on recognizing and responding to cases of child abuse or neglect.

Mandates cultural competency training to ensure child welfare providers respond to families and children of color in a manner responsive to their beliefs, language, and behaviors.

Includes laboratory training facilities with mock houses, medical facilities, courtrooms, and forensic interview rooms for simulated and interactive training.

Requires the Department to adopt rules by January 1, 2016 establishing statewide competence and training standards to ensure child welfare professionals have knowledge and skills to keep children safe.