HB 5207

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Creates the Children and Family Services Oversight Commission within the Department of Children and Family Services to report on the effectiveness of its child welfare services and programs by examining and reporting annually to the General Assembly on the following: (1) the status of current issues that impede or disrupt the delivery of services to children and families served by the Department; (2) the fiscal health of the Department, including any budgetary challenges or restraints that undermine the effective performance of the Department's statutory duties and responsibilities; and (3) a general assessment on youth in the custody or guardianship of the Department, with an emphasis on the Department's efforts to proactively and promptly identify and address systemic issues that negatively impact the experience of youth in care during the child welfare process. Contains provisions on the Commission's members, meetings, and reporting requirements.