IL SB0409

Amends the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Pilot Program to replace the term "purchase of service agencies" with "child welfare contributing agencies" throughout the statute

Expands eligibility for participating institutions from "public" universities to any university in Illinois that enters into an agreement with the Department of Children and Family Services

Removes the requirement that agreements between participating institutions and DCFS be "intergovernmental" agreements, allowing for broader participation

Fellowship provides up to $10,000 per academic year (maximum $20,000 total over 2 years) to social work students who commit to working at child welfare agencies after graduation

Recipients must work full-time in direct service positions at DCFS-contracted agencies for at least 18 months per academic year of stipend received, or face prorated repayment at 5% interest