Illinois proposal could require cultural hair care plans for DCFS youth in care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new plan in Springfield could require DCFS caseworkers to develop hair care plans with youth in care and their parents.

The DCFS Youth Advisory Board worked with Rep. Kimberly Du Buclet (D-Chicago) to make their recommendation into legislation.

Board members told the House Adoption & Child Welfare Committee Tuesday that Black children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system and are often placed with families or in residential settings where they aren't allowed to wear their hair in ways that represent their cultural background.

Advocates said many youth in care end up living with families who don't know how to properly care for their natural hair.

"When they don't have access to hair care, they suffer from trauma like body dysmorphia, bullying, stigmatization and further neglect to hygiene," said Ni'yuana Baker, an undergraduate student at Illinois State University who hopes to become a DCFS social worker. "Going through these things, especially as a child, could possibly build trauma and break down self confidence, making it hard for them to complete everyday needs."

Every youth in care would have a hair care plan that accounts for their racial, cultural, gender, religious or other identities unless the child indicates that they don't need a hair care plan. DCFS could also be required to develop training for caregivers to provide culturally-competent hair care by June 1, 2025.

The legislation would allow DCFS to adopt rules to facilitate implementation of the changes, including responsibilities of caseworkers and placement plan specialists in developing the hair care plan, engaging parents regarding the hair care needs of youth and procedures to follow if the parents cannot be contacted, and factors to consider in granting children increased autonomy over hair care decisions.

Du Buclet also noted that DCFS would need rules to address the cost for hair care and who will be responsible for paying for a child's hair care.

House Bill 5097 passed unanimously out of the House Adoption & Child Welfare Committee. The proposal now heads to the House floor for further consideration.