SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Celina Villanueva led a new law to close gaps in Illinois’ child welfare laws and strengthen non-discrimination protections for youth in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
“Regardless of where Illinois youth are placed, they deserve to feel respected and that their identities are being protected and affirmed by those assigned to care for them,” said Villanueva (D-Chicago). “By implementing stronger protections for youth in DCFS’ care, we’re ensuring every case is met with a trauma-informed, comprehensive approach that prioritizes the dignity and well-being of our state’s youth.”
House Bill 4966, also known as the SECURE Act, enshrines enforceable standards of conduct for DCFS staff and caregivers of youth in care and ensures children, especially LGBTQ+ youth, receive the same services if placed out of state as they would in Illinois. Under the SECURE Act, the department is required to protect youth in care from unnecessary and unapproved disclosure of their sensitive identity information, including personal data that is linked or reasonably linkable to a youth and identifies the youth’s sexual orientation. It also creates a process for DCFS to abide by if it discloses sensitive identity information and requires the department to provide notice to the youth.
Additionally, to ensure the needs of youth in care are being met, DCFS, service providers and caregivers are required to support services, care planning and placements that are consistent with the youth's health, safety, well-being and best interests. To mitigate any risk of adverse action to youth in care, Villanueva’s law requires DCFS to consider the youth’s preference regarding interstate placement and implement ongoing communication, monitoring and assessment when a child is placed in care out of state.
“This is about taking a direct step toward reducing trauma, discrimination and harm for youth in care and sending a clear message that Illinois stands firm in our commitment to protecting the autonomy and rights of our residents, like we always have,” Villanueva added.
House Bill 4966 was signed into law Friday and takes immediate effect.
