DEERFIELD – During a Senate Human Services Committee Monday, Chairman Julie Morrison called on the Department of Children and Family Services for greater transparency relating to child deaths and injuries that happen under the agency’s watch. 

“Every member of the General Assembly should receive the Death or Serious Life-Threatening Injury Report each month so we can all be aware of these tragedies,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “We need to know about those children, their cause of death and the circumstances.”

The Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act requires DCFS to investigate the death or serious life-threatening injury of a child in its care and issue a report on the circumstance to a number of legislators in leadership positions, as well as the senator and representative in whose district the death or injury occurred within six months. Additionally, a cumulative report of all deaths and serious life-threatening injuries must be submitted to the General Assembly annually.

However, since first joining the Senate in 2013, Morrison said she has not been notified of a death or serious life-threatening injury of a child in her district, nor has she been sent the quarterly data released by DCFS without asking for it. Additionally, Morrison argued there is data missing from the reports and it isn’t easy for an everyday person to read.

During Monday’s meeting, Morrison also brought up concerns about children who are in psychiatric hospitals ready to be released but have no where to go, and what kind of step-down foster care programs are available for them. She was heartbroken to learn that there isn’t a specific plan for the current 44 children who are in these situations.

“These children need help, but they can’t receive that help without a loving and stable home,” Morrison said. “The agency must act on this immediately and find the least restrictive setting possible so no more children have to suffer.”

Morrison will continue conversations with the Department of Children and Family Services to find the best solutions to ensure the state’s most vulnerable children receive the best care.

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is highlighting the Illinois Department of Human Services’ COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program, which created 100 summer jobs for Lake County teens.

“So many teens rely on summer work — especially those who live in low-income households,” Morrison said. “The current pandemic made finding jobs more difficult. However, thanks to the program, dozens of teens will be able to earn money while learning skills they can put to use both now and for years to come.”

Lake County-based Employee Connections was one of 30 youth employment providers to receive $500,000 to employ 100 youth between June and August. The program will provide a total of $9.3 million to support dozens of projects across counties hardest hit by the pandemic, which in turn will employ thousands of teens. 

Many people — both teens and adults — have struggled to find work during the COVID-19 health crisis. The program will curb those struggles by putting Lake County teens to work while helping complete projects in the community. 

“The program will allow teens to kick start their careers by learning the skills they need to succeed in the future,” Morrison said. “This is a great opportunity for young adults to receive career training that will shape them into community leaders for years to come.” 

DEERFIELD — State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) released the following statement on a criminal bribery investigation that appears to implicate the highest leadership in the Illinois House:

“Today’s development is further proof of the ongoing corruption in Illinois government and the need for change. For far too long, people in and related to the General Assembly have gotten away with unethical and illegal actions with no repercussions. The ComEd investigation speaks for itself: We must step up. We must push for ethics reform. We must not allow corrupt people to serve in office.

I ask every member of the General Assembly to uphold their legal and ethical obligation to the people they represent, and to join me in the upcoming session to prioritize the overhaul of this system.”

SPRINGFIELD – Oftentimes following a mass shooting, friends, family members or neighbors mention they were worried about the person’s threatening behavior but didn’t know where to turn.

“Time and time again, we hear family members say they were worried that someone close to them would harm others, but they didn’t know who to tell until it was too late,” said State Senator Julie Morrison. “Previously, if a person did report disturbing behavior, there was not a law in place to allow law enforcement to step in.”

The far too common occurrence led the Deerfield Democrat to pass the Firearms Restraining Order Act – also known as the “Red Flag” law.

The measure – which went into effect in January – allows family members and law enforcement officials who have concerns that someone is a threat to themselves or others the right to ask a judge to temporarily remove their guns.

If a judge grants the restraining order, law enforcement may seize the respondent’s firearms for up to six months and prevent them from purchasing additional weapons during that time period.

“The Red Flag law has the ability to stop mass shootings by temporarily keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a threat to themselves or others,” Morrison said. “If you are concerned about the behavior of a loved one, I encourage you to contact local law enforcement.”