IL SB1255

Department of Children and Family Services shall adopt rules to develop and implement a Foster Youth Summer Internship Pilot Program providing professional training and experience to foster youth

Eligibility includes individuals at least 15 years old who are current or former foster youth, with application process and requirements to be established by rule

Department shall use request-for-proposal process under the Illinois Procurement Code when contracting with organizations to provide internships

Pilot program may operate in multiple regions of the State and offer paid or unpaid internships

Implementation begins January 1, 2016 for a 2-year period, after which the Department shall evaluate and report to the General Assembly on participation numbers, internship locations and types, recruitment efforts, and whether to continue the program