IL Foster Care Bill HB5592 to Require Priority to Place Siblings in Same Home

Again, the question is why isn’t this already in place?

“An Illinois House panel yesterday provided bi-partisan support to a plan that in cases of child abuse and neglect where children are placed in foster care that Illinois’ child protection agency would seek as a priority to place brothers and sisters in the same foster home.

“In cases of child abuse and neglect, children are separated from the offending parent, but routinely brothers and sisters are separated from each other, breaking often the most healthy family relationship in their lives,” said State Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago), the sponsor of the measure, House Bill 5592.

“This bill aims to preserve healthy, loving relationships between brothers and sisters,” Feigenholtz said.

The House Adoption Reform Committee, which Feigenholtz chairs, voted 7-0 for the legislation which requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to place siblings together unless that placement would not be in each child’s best interest.

House panel oks Feigenholtz plan placing brothers, sisters in same foster home
[Examiner 3/2/12 by David Ormsby]

The text of the Bill can be seen here.

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Placing policies in every state should have placemenet of siblings together as a priority