HB4304: FOSTER CARE INVESTIGATIVE COMM

Legislative Summary

Reinserts the provisions of the introduced bill with the following additions: Further amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to ensure that an exit interview is conducted with every child age 5 and over who leaves a foster home, unless clinically contraindicated. Provides that the interview shall be conducted by a caseworker, mental health provider, or clinician from the Department's Division of Clinical Practice. Requires the interview to be conducted within 5 days of the child's removal from the home. Requires the interviewer to comply with the provisions of the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act if the child discloses abuse or neglect. Requires the interviewer to immediately inform the licensing agency if the child discloses any information that would constitute a potential licensing violation. Contains provisions on (i) documentation of the interview; (ii) determinations on whether the interview is clinically contraindicated; (iii) information and subject areas that are required to be addressed during the interview; (iv) the development of interview procedures and an interview form by the Department no later than January 1, 2023; and (v) quarterly postings on the Department's website that summarize the exit interviews. Amends the Child Care Act of 1969. Expands the definition of "quality of care concerns applicant" to include a foster care license applicant or any person living in the applicant's household who has requested a youth in care's removal from the home on 5 or more occasions. In provisions concerning applications for a foster family home license, requires the Department to review information regarding all child exit interviews regarding the home.