IL SB1385

Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to implement a 5-year pilot program of multi-dimensional treatment foster care beginning January 1, 2016.

Targets three groups of children: those entering care with severe trauma histories, those discharged from residential treatment facilities, and those identified for residential or group home care who could succeed in foster homes with enhanced interventions.

Goals include returning children home or maintaining them in foster care rather than placing them in congregate care or more restrictive settings.

Mandates an independent evaluation of the pilot program to assess whether it maintains children in the least restrictive, most appropriate family-like setting and whether there is a long-term cost benefit.

Requires the Department to submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly at the end of the 5-year pilot period, including its decision on whether to continue the program.