SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The 2-1-1 emergency counsel service will receive more Illinois governmental oversight under a plan on Gov. JB Pritzker's desk.
2-1-1 is a federal phone line that gives callers emergency counseling if they need to find food, shelter, mental health and other life sustaining services.
This bill would give the Illinois Department of Human Services more oversight over the nonprofit and volunteer organizations providing 2-1-1 response.
Providers must maintain minimum work standards, provide proof they receive a diverse group of funds, and demonstrate kind and quality service for callers.
"I've spoken with several people who use 2-1-1 in moments of crisis when they needed it the most," said Sen. Adriane Johnson (D-Waukegan). "They needed the services and they needed the services fast. They needed kind and informed responses."
The proposal also calls for a data report from providers, including call volume, reasons for each call, and caller demographics. That includes data age, race, gender, coverage rates and trends
Senate Bill 2194 passed unanimously out of both chambers this spring.
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