IL HB5560

Establishes a Community Grief and Violence Prevention Pilot Program through the Department of Human Services to deploy Community Grief Response Teams in Chicago and the Southland region (southern Cook County and eastern Will County) that provide on-site trauma support within 24 hours of violent incidents, long-term grief counseling, and restorative justice circles.

Requires all public elementary schools to incorporate grief literacy and restorative justice practices into social-emotional learning standards beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.

Mandates Chicago Public Schools expand its Parent University Program to include modules on violence prevention, trauma-informed care, and recognizing signs of grief, with referrals available for parents of students involved in violent disciplinary incidents.

Creates the Social Work Workforce Pipeline Grant through the Illinois Student Assistance Commission to provide grants to Master of Social Work students at Governors State University who commit to working in designated pilot areas for at least 3 years post-graduation.

Formally recognizes the Master of Social Work (MSW) as a professional degree essential to public health and safety in Illinois.