SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) and State Representative Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) want to end a disturbing trend: parents turning their children over to the Department of Children and Family Services because it is the only way the kids can get the mental health care they need.

“DCFS exists to help children who are the victims of abuse and neglect. It’s common knowledge that the agency is underfunded and struggles to meet its obligations,” said Morrison, who is working with the agency to try to help improve performance. “The fact that there are parents who are so desperate to get their children mental health services that they will surrender them to DCFS is a real black mark on our state. This situation needs to change.”

Morrison and Feigenholtz are sponsoring a plan that would give exhausted parents the ability to get state assistance without giving up their children to the foster care system.

“Parents shouldn’t be forced to make painful decisions that involve relinquishing custody of their children,” Feigenholtz said. “This bill aims to establish a pathway for families without financial means who want to find the best care for their children without being forced to relinquish custody to the state.”

The legislation requires DCFS to work with the Department of Human Services, the State Board of Education and other relevant agencies to create a path for parents who have exhausted all other option to get their children mental health care through the state. The parents would have to have an income too high to be eligible for Medicaid and to have completely used up all funding provided by their private insurance.

This plan would not come at any additional cost to the state. Illinois is already spending money to treat these children. Morrison and Feigenholtz’ plan would allow them to stay with their loving families rather than forcing them into state custody.

The measure has passed both chambers of the General Assembly and now goes to the governor for his approval.