SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — State representatives unanimously approved a proposal Monday night to require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services prioritize placing youth with their relatives.

More than 10,000 Illinois DCFS youth in care live with their relatives, but more than 60% of those caregivers are currently denied foster care benefits.

This legislation could require DCFS to establish a kinship navigator program to help relatives who have youth in care.

"DCFS must inform the legislature directly about their efforts to procure federal funding for kinship navigators," said Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago). "It includes provisions for anonymous requests for guardianship support services and mandates that DCFS make this process easier with electronic means by 2026." 

Advocates believe staying with a family member lessens trauma of family separation, reduces the number of times a child is moved and delivers better social, behavioral, mental health and educational outcomes. 

The plan now heads to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk for his signature of approval.

"It directs the juvenile courts to provide necessary oversight to the department's obligation to maintain family connections," said Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). "And it promotes equitable opportunities to youth and families to thrive with rational permanence." 

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