Collins pushes for more supports for youth transitioning to independence

SPRINGFIELD - As a former youth in care, State Senator Lakesia Collins is moving legislation to support young people's transitions to independence by ensuring information about transitional services is communicated to youth in a clear and timely manner.

"Many young people in foster care do not receive the proper support they need to transition into adulthood and have to work that much harder to overcome barriers to simply living their life," said Collins (D-Chicago). "It is vital for the state to continue monitoring evidence-based approaches that work for today's youth, ensuring they have all the support they need to succeed and thrive."

Under Collins' bill, Senate Bill 3196, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services would be required to consult with the Statewide Youth Advisory Board when developing rules concerning transition planning for youth aging out of care, evaluation of existing programs and identification of new programming to support youth transitions to independence. The SYAB would also advise DCFS on how this information should be communicated to youth in a clear, timely and age-appropriate manner.

Through the legislation, DCFS would also be required to develop a formal process for financial transparency that would allow youth to request accounting of money held on their behalf. This would enable young people to receive a written response explaining financial decisions and create a process to dispute errors in accounting.

The bill would also clarify the responsibilities of DCFS while a child is in temporary custody and ensures youth have the opportunity to speak at Successful Transition to Adulthood Review, or STAR, hearings about their goals and concerns regarding adulthood.

"We want to give kids all the tools they need to advocate for themselves and to support their transition to independence," said Collins. "This is one of the most challenging times of their life, and Illinois needs to step up and mandate stronger accountability measures alongside more support for youth going forward."

Senate Bill 3196 passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.