IL SR0422

Urges the State of Illinois to support the Family First Prevention Services Act, which was signed into federal law on February 9, 2018 as part of the Bipartisan Budget Act.

Allows states to use Title IV-E federal funds to provide up to 12 months of mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and in-home parenting skill training to families at risk of entering the child welfare system.

Restructures federal child welfare financing to prioritize keeping children safely with families rather than placing them in foster care, and emphasizes short-term residential treatment (usually less than 90 days) with follow-up services.

Provides competitive grants for recruitment and retention of foster families through 2022 and expands funding eligibility parameters for youth aging out of foster care.

Aims to reduce the number of children newly entering foster care by providing federally-reimbursable prevention services to at-risk families.