Governor Pritzker Signs KIND Act to Support Illinois Families and Youth in Care

Illinois has taken a big step forward in supporting kids who are in the state's welfare program.

Strengthening Kinship Care in Illinois

According to the press release, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 4781, also known as the KIND Act (Kinship In Demand), into law.

This expands opportunities for children who are in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to be placed with grandparents and other family relatives.

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With the passing of KIND, youth who are in the state's care will experience better stability, maintain family connections, and receive the financial support they need.

Supporting Relatives as Caregivers

9300 children who are currently in DCFS custody are placed with family relatives, but those individuals don't receive the same financial assistance that a licensed foster parent would get.

This is due to outdated certification requirements, according to the press release. With the KIND act, there will be more flexibility for certification standards with it come to relative caregivers.

Staying in a familiar place and seeing a comforting face every day can make all the difference in the life of a child-in-care. The KIND Act enhances family finding efforts to ensure we are doing everything we can to identify relatives who can care for and maintain ongoing, supportive connections with our youth. -Illinois Governor JB Pritzker

Ensuring Stability and Permanency

Studies show children who are placed with relatives in a stable, familiar home have better emotional and psychological outcomes, according to the press release.

The KIND Act strengthens Illinois' child warfare system by giving the same financial assistance to relative caregivers, improving support services, and making kinship care a priority for a pathway to permanency.

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The law will also recognize adoption and guardianship as a viable option when reunification with parents is not possible.

New Certification Standards Released Soon

DCFS will begin drafting new certification standards for kinship caregivers in the coming months, ensuring more Illinois children will have the opportunity to grow up in loving and supportive environments.