SB 4233

Abstract

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to seek federal reimbursements under Title IV-E of the Social Security Act for administrative costs associated with the provision of independent legal representation to foster children, and children who qualify for foster care, and their parents. Requires any federal reimbursements the Department receives for the purposes of the amendatory Act to be deposited into the Due Process for Youth and Families Fund. Provides that, subject to appropriation, moneys in the Fund shall be disbursed for fees and costs incurred by law practitioners and organizations that provide services as a child's lawyer or a respondent's lawyer as those terms are defined under the amendatory Act. Provides that units of local government and public and private agencies may apply for and receive federal or State funds from the Department in accordance with the purposes of the amendatory Act. Amends the State Finance Act. Creates the Due Process for Youth and Families Fund as a special fund in the State treasury. Provides that all receipts from federal financial participation in the Foster Care and Adoption Services program under Title IV-E of the federal Social Security Act, including receipts for related indirect costs, shall be deposited into the DCFS Children's Services Fund or the Due Process for Youth and Families Fund as provided in Section 45 of the Children and Family Services Act. Effective immediately.