HB2910 Summary

• Adds definition of "residential treatment center" to the Juvenile Court Act as a licensed facility providing 24-hour group care to children, excluding relative or licensed foster family homes.

• Creates new Section 2-27.2 requiring court approval before any probation officer or guardian can place a minor in an out-of-state residential treatment center, with the court determining it is in the child's best interest and the least restrictive setting available.

• Requires the Department's application for out-of-state placement to include: explanation of why in-state resources are inadequate, how the placement impacts family relationships and how those relationships will be preserved, how the child's safety will be ensured, and why the placement serves the child's best interest.

• Exempts out-of-state placements in family foster homes, relative foster homes, parental homes, or dormitories/independent living settings for post-secondary education from the court approval requirements.

• Amends permanency hearing provisions in Section 2-28 to require courts to consider whether out-of-state placements remain appropriate and consistent with the child's health, safety, and best interests.