IL HR0422

Directs the Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) regarding its ability to meet placement needs of children in its custody and compliance with best interests standards.

Requires audit review of system issues affecting timely placement, including referral and admission processes for residential treatment centers, gaps in continuum of care, and progress toward appropriate step-down placements.

Mandates analysis of how youth enter and exit residential treatment programs over the last 10 fiscal years, including data on planned/unplanned exits and demographic information on children in psychiatric hospitals longer than necessary.

Requires review of contracting and monitoring issues affecting placements, including assessment of residential bed capacity and utilization, funding structure effectiveness, and comparison of Illinois' performance to national practice standards.

Directs DCFS to fully cooperate with the audit and requires the Auditor General to commence the audit as soon as possible and distribute the report according to the Illinois State Auditing Act.