IL SB0973

Department of Children and Family Services must submit annual reports to the General Assembly by December 31, 2018 through December 31, 2023 on youth in care waiting for placements.

Reports must include number of youth in emergency placements (shelters, emergency foster homes) longer than 30 days, with details on their age, gender, recommended placement type, length of stay, barriers to placement, and actual placement outcomes.

Reports must include number of youth remaining in psychiatric hospitals beyond clinical readiness or medical necessity, with same demographic and placement details as emergency placement data.

Reports must include number of youth held in detention centers or Department of Juvenile Justice facilities solely due to lack of appropriate placement availability, with demographic information and placement outcomes.

Reports must describe the Department's data collection methodology, any collection difficulties or data validity concerns, and steps being taken to reduce wait times in emergency placements, psychiatric hospitals, and detention facilities.