IL SB0315

Creates a 9-member Direct Child Welfare Service Employee License Board within the Department of Children and Family Services, appointed by the Director with members including 5 licensed human services professionals, 2 university faculty with child welfare experience, and 2 public members representing consumer interests.

Board members serve staggered 3-year terms (with initial appointments of 1, 2, and 3-year terms) with a maximum of 6 consecutive years of service, must be Illinois residents, and cannot have pending abuse/neglect reports or criminal convictions for specified offenses.

Board makes recommendations to the Director on licensure rules and makes final determinations on revocation, suspension, or reinstatement of direct child welfare service licenses after hearings, with voting allowed in person, by phone, electronically, or by mail.

Establishes Department obligation to maintain accessible post-placement and post-adoption support services for all children adopted in Illinois and those in guardianship placements, including a toll-free number with responses within one business day.

Requires annual publicity of support services through the Department website, licensed agencies, adoption training, parent notification letters, and annual reporting to the General Assembly on service utilization, placement disruptions, and adoption dissolutions.