IL SB0324

Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 to ensure minors with complex behavioral and mental health needs are removed from parental custody only as a last resort when the sole basis for court involvement is being left at a psychiatric hospital beyond medical necessity

Allows minors placed in Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) custody due to being left at a psychiatric hospital to continue their eligibility determination process for publicly funded community or residential services

Requires the court to hold a hearing within 14 days when publicly funded services become available to determine whether DCFS custody should be vacated and the minor returned to the parent

Directs courts to consider factors including the minor's best interest, availability of services, parent involvement in treatment, parent-child relationship, and whether DCFS custody is the least restrictive means of support

Transfers fiscal responsibility for services to the State agency affiliated with the publicly funded services if the court returns the minor to parental custody; DCFS retains fiscal responsibility if the minor remains in its custody