IL HB4792

Amends the Children and Family Services Act to require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a written strategic plan addressing timely access to quality in-state residential treatment and evidence-based alternatives for youth in care.

Strategic plan must be finalized and made public within one year of the law's effective date, with transparent planning process that includes stakeholder input.

Plan shall include benchmarks and timelines for implementation, strategies for obtaining necessary resources, and ongoing stakeholder engagement during implementation.

Plan must be revised within 6 months after completion of a rate study to incorporate rate study recommendations.

Department must contract with a rate consultant to study and develop new rates and rate methodologies using objective data to determine resources needed to create and maintain sufficient quality in-state residential treatment resources for youth in DCFS care.