IL SB3645

Establishes the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Pilot Program for a 6-year period beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year to provide financial assistance to social work students committed to employment in child welfare.

Awards up to $10,000 per academic year for a maximum of 2 academic years (total $20,000) to eligible students enrolled in Bachelor of Social Work or Master of Social Work programs at participating public universities.

Recipients must commit to seeking and accepting full-time employment in a direct service position at a Department of Children and Family Services purchase of service agency within 6 months of graduation and remain employed for at least 18 months per year of stipend received.

Requires repayment of stipends at 5% interest if recipients fail to accept qualified employment within 6 months, lose employment without cause and fail to find new employment within 90 days, or are terminated for cause; repayment is prorated based on unfulfilled employment obligations.

Requires the Department to provide annual reports to the General Assembly and Governor on program results, tracking student eligibility, educational completion, costs, hiring locations, and employment duration at purchase of service agencies.