Morrison package expands child abuse training, mandated reporter requirements

• DCFS
• Children
• SB 1778

SPRINGFIELD – After years of working with advocates and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) has passed a proposal reforming the confusing set of state rules governing reporting child abuse in Illinois.

“The first step in addressing potential child abuse is the reporting of that behavior,” Morrison said. “If abuse is not being reported – or if individuals don’t know the signs of abuse or who to even report to – the entire system is in jeopardy of not working, leaving abused children in dangerous situations.”

Morrison’s plan – contained in Senate Bill 1778 – reorganizes the list of individuals required to immediately report suspected child abuse or neglect to DCFS. Current state law is difficult to navigate, causing confusion on who is required to report abuse and how to go about reporting the abuse.

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Coming Up: Highland Park Town Hall on Cannabis Legalization

• Town Hall
• Highland Park
• Marijuana Legalization

Join State Senators Julie Morrison and Heather Steans and State Representative Bob Morgan for a Town Hall discussion on Cannabis Legalization.

The event is being held on Saturday, April 13 from 10:00a until 11:30a at the Highland Park Public Library (494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park).

Questions?

Contact Senator Morrison's office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200.

Click on the flyer for more information

Tobacco 21 signed into law

• Tobacco 21
• Public Health
• HB 345

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation increasing the age to legally purchase tobacco to 21 was signed into law on Sunday by Gov. JB Pritzker at a signing ceremony at Mile Square Health Center in Chicago. State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) sponsored the legislation and was in attendance of the signing.

“Today represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work from health advocates and lawmakers who were relentless in their fight to protect teen health,” Morrison said. “Raising the age has been proven to reduce smoking rates among young teenagers who are susceptible to the impact of nicotine on the brain and have a strong chance of beginning a lifelong deadly habit.”

The new law, which passed under House Bill 345, adds Illinois to a growing list of states that have already implemented Tobacco 21. Nine states – Arkansas, California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon, Hawaii, Maine, Utah and Virginia – have all raised the age to purchase tobacco to 21.

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Morrison on nomination of new DCFS director: Announcement offers chance for restructuring of troubled agency

• DCFS
• Children
• Video

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield), Chair of the Senate Human Services Committee, released the following statement this afternoon after news that Gov. Pritzker has nominated Marc D. Smith to lead the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS):

“Today’s announcement by the governor begins what I hope will be a new chapter for an agency that has been marked by instability for years. DCFS has failed to live up to its primary role, which is first and foremost the safety of children. Audit findings and high-profile deaths of toddlers who had been visited by DCFS staff only highlight the systemic dysfunction at this agency.

“In the weeks ahead, I look forward to learning more about Director Smith and working with him on the critically important task of restructuring DCFS from the ground up. The lives of Illinois children are too important for anything less.”