IL HB3705

Amends the Children and Family Services Act to revise child welfare service goals, changing language from placing children in "adoptive homes" to "permanent family arrangements, through guardianship or adoption"

Modifies concurrent planning requirements to ensure the Department conducts planning at the time of placement so permanency occurs at the earliest opportunity, with consideration of whether the placement provides the best outcome if reunification fails

Expands the definition of "children" served by DCFS to include persons under age 21 who were accepted for care before age 18 and whose best interest is served by continued care due to severe emotional disturbances, physical disability, social adjustment, or need to complete educational or vocational training

Defines "homeless youth" as persons under age 19 who are not in a safe and stable living situation and cannot be reunited with their families, making them eligible for child welfare services

Establishes that child welfare services include protecting children's health, safety and welfare; preventing unnecessary family separation; reunifying families when safe; and providing permanent family arrangements through guardianship or adoption when appropriate