IL SB0136

Establishes the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Pilot Program running for 6 academic years beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year to provide financial assistance to social work students at participating public universities.

Awards stipends of up to $10,000 per academic year for a maximum of 2 academic years (total cap of $20,000) to eligible students pursuing Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work degrees.

Requires stipend recipients to sign agreements pledging to seek and accept full-time employment in direct service child welfare positions at Department of Children and Family Services purchase of service agencies within 6 months of graduation and maintain employment for at least 18 months per year of stipend received.

Mandates stipend recipients who fail to secure qualifying employment within 6 months or who are terminated for cause must repay the total stipend amount with 5% interest and applicable collection fees within 90 calendar days.

Requires the Department to submit annual reports to the General Assembly and Governor on October 1st detailing program results, student completion rates, employment outcomes, and recipient locations, with data sharing governed by federal and state privacy laws.