| Title: | Advisory Commission on Reducing the Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care | | Contact Name: | Department of Children and Family Services | | Function: | The Advisory Commission shall be a
coordinating and advocating body that acts on behalf of the
interests of African-American children who are at risk of
placement within the State's child welfare system. The
Advisory Commission shall advise the Governor and the General
Assembly, as well as work directly with State agencies, to
identify those causes and factors that contribute to the
overrepresentation of African-American children in foster
care. In addition, the Advisory Commission shall collaborate
with State agencies and other social services organizations to
develop effective strategies, policies, services, and programs
that are aimed at providing African-American children and
their families with the resources and preventive services they
need to stay out of foster care and the child welfare system
generally. The Advisory Commission shall also assist in the
development of child welfare policies and practices that
advance more equitable outcomes for African-American children and their families who have contact with the Department of Children and Family Services. | | Senate Confirmation: | No | | Qualifications: | Each member appointed to the Commission shall have a
working knowledge of Illinois' child welfare system. The
members shall reflect regional representation to ensure that
the needs of African-American families and children throughout
the State of Illinois are met | | Composition: | (1) One member appointed by the Governor or his of her
designee.
(2) One member appointed by the Speaker of the House
of Representatives or his or her designee.
(3) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the
House of Representatives or his or her designee.
(4) One member appointed by the President of the
Senate or his or her designee.
(5) One member appointed by the Minority Leader of the
Senate or his or her designee.
(6) The Department on Aging, the Department of
Children and Family Services, the Department of Human
Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, the
Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the
Department of Healthcare and Family Services, the
Department of Public Health, the State Board of Education,
the Board of Higher Education, the Illinois Community
College Board, the Department of Human Rights, the Capital
Development Board, the Department of Corrections, and the
Department of Labor shall each appoint a liaison to serve
ex officio on the Commission.
(7) One member from the Task Force on Strengthening
Child Welfare Workforce for Children and Families.
(8) One member from the Child Endangerment Risk
Assessment Protocol Advisory Committee.
(9) Two members representing nonprofit organizations
that advocate for African-American children or youth to be
appointed by the Governor or his or her designee. | | Chair: | The Governor or his or her designee shall appoint the chairperson or chairpersons. | | Authority: | 20 ILCS 4104 |
|