SB 136

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Beginning with the 2021-2022 academic year, requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish and administer the Child Welfare Education Stipend Pilot Program to provide financial assistance to students who commit to seek and maintain employment at an Illinois purchase of service agency that contracts with the Department following their graduation from a participating institution of higher education with a degree in social work. Sets forth provisions concerning an intergovernmental agreement, student eligibility and renewal, the stipend amount, the student's employment obligation, repayment of a stipend, Department and institution requirements, reporting, and rulemaking. Effective July 1, 2021. Senate Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the bill with the following changes. Renames the program as the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Pilot Program. Makes changes concerning the General Assembly's findings, definitions, the duration of the pilot program, the purpose of the program, the stipend amount, eligibility for a stipend, employment requirements, repayment, and reporting, among other changes. Effective July 1, 2021.