Morrison’s measure to tackle DCFS shortcomings heads to the House

SPRINGFIELD – Part of State Senator Julie Morrison’s legislative package to further protect children in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is on its way to the House.

"We owe it to the children and families who rely on DCFS to do everything in our power to keep them safe and give them the best services we are able to provide," said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). "While there is much more work to be done, these measures are a step in the right direction."

Senate Bill 3747 provides that all children under the age of five in the child welfare system would be eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps provide financial assistance for quality child care. Additionally, infants and toddlers in the care of DCFS would automatically be eligible for the state's Early Intervention Program, supporting families in promoting their child's development.

Senate Bill 3853 provides families who receive Extended Family Support services from DCFS with additional resources through a three-year pilot program. The measure includes broader "wraparound" case management services, home visiting services for caregivers of children under five, and more.

Both measures passed the Senate Wednesday and head to the House for further consideration.

Morrison measure to make local governments more efficient

SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) advanced a bill to make units of local government more accountable, efficient and transparent.

Under Morrison‘s measure – the Decennial Committees on Local Government Consolidation and Efficiency Act – units of local government would be required to review and report at least once every 10 years ways in which they can improve efficiency or consolidate services.

This bill requires three public meetings which would accept input from local residents. Each local government, except municipalities and counties, would collect data, research, analysis, and public input regarding governing statutes, ordinances, shared services, and intergovernmental agreements, among other items. It would then be tasked with creating a report with recommendations regarding efficiencies, increased accountability, and consolidation.  

“With approximately 7,000 units of local taxpayer funded governments, it is time for these government bodies to be evaluated for efficiency, accountability and consolidation,” Morrison said. “Our communities have evolved over the decades and taxpayers deserve accountability.  If you cannot justify your existence to those who fund you, you should turn off the lights, turn in your keys, and save the taxpayers their money.”

Senate Bill 3789 passed the Senate Executive Committee Wednesday.

Morrison leads legislative package to tackle DCFS shortcomings

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) continues her longstanding efforts to make the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services a more effective agency with the introduction of a number of bills that will further protect our state's most vulnerable population.

"As a senator, one of my top priorities has been, and always will be, protecting our at-risk youth and providing them with opportunities to help their futures soar," Morrison said. "These two pieces of legislation, along with others in my legislative package, will provide additional tools that will strengthen the ability of DCFS to help those in its care."

Senate Bill 3747 provides that all children under the age of five in the child welfare system would be eligible for the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps provide financial assistance for quality child care. Additionally, infants and toddlers in the care of DCFS would automatically be eligible for the state's Early Intervention Program, supporting families in promoting their child's development.

Senate Bill 3853 provides families who receive Extended Family Support services from DCFS with additional resources. The measure includes broader "wraparound" case management services, home visiting services for caregivers of children under five, and more.

"We owe it to the children and families who rely on DCFS to do everything in our power to keep them safe and give them the best services we are able to provide," Morrison said. "While there is much more work to be done, these measures are a step in the right direction."

The two bills, part of a more comprehensive legislative package introduced by Morrison, passed the Illinois Senate Health Committee Tuesday and head to the full Senate for further consideration.

Morrison: Budget tackles DCFS problems, prioritizes families

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement after the governor’s Wednesday State of the State and Budget Address:

“Following recent events within the Department of Children and Family Services that has led to unspeakable harm for both children in care and workers alike, there was no question real, tangible solutions needed to be brought forth.

“The governor’s proposed budget allocates millions of dollars to address staffing shortages by hiring hundreds of additional employees and providing high-level training. This is a step in the right direction.

“Further, this is a budget that takes care of our working families, health care employees and educators who have faced the unimaginable over the last two years. From providing property tax incentives to fully funding K-12 education, I am pleased people of all walks of life were considered in the governor’s proposal.

“In the weeks ahead, I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop a responsible spending plan for the people who call Illinois home. I am hopeful this leads us toward a safer and more inclusive state – especially for our state’s most vulnerable children.”