IL HJR0016

Urges Illinois to support the federal Family First Prevention Services Act (signed February 9, 2018) to reduce foster care placements by providing federal reimbursement for mental health services, substance abuse treatment, and in-home parenting skills training to at-risk families.

Calls on the State to restore funding for family intake services, increase funding for family reunification programs, and restore college scholarships for youth aging out of the foster care system.

Recognizes that the Act restructures federal child welfare financing (Title IV-E and Title IV-B) to prioritize keeping children safely with families and places children in the least restrictive, family-like settings when foster care is necessary.

Allows states to use Title IV-E funds for up to 12 months of preventive services to families at risk of child welfare involvement and for short-term residential treatment (typically under 90 days) with follow-up services.

Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Illinois Department of Human Services, and Illinois Student Assistance Commission.