SB1504: DCFS-YOUTH INDEPENDENCE GOAL

Legislative Summary

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to prepare adolescents to successfully transition to independence, including transition planning for youth who qualify for a guardian as a person with a disability under the Probate Act of 1975. Requires the Department to establish rules and regulations concerning transition planning for youth aging out of care. Requires the Department to make reasonable efforts to develop an age and developmentally appropriate individualized youth-driven transition plan for each youth in care aged 15 and over to help such youth develop and strengthen those life skills that lead to successful adult living. Sets forth the various subject areas the youth-driven transition plan shall cover. Provides that the Department shall include the youth-driven transition plan in the youth's service plan; and make reasonable efforts to assist the youth in accomplishing the plan, to develop strategies to resolve barriers, and to ensure the youth is aware of any post-case closure supports and services and how to access such supports and services. Amends the Juvenile Court Act of 1987. In a provision concerning children placed by the Department of Children and Family Services in a qualified residential treatment program, requires the Department to submit at each status and permanency hearing evidence detailing the Department's efforts to ensure the minor is engaged in age and developmentally appropriate activities to develop life skills, which may include extracurricular activities, coaching by caregivers, or instruction in individual or group settings. Requires juvenile courts to conduct Successful Transition to Adulthood Review (STAR) hearings to review the Department's efforts to ensure that minors are provided with opportunities to engage in individualized future-focused planning towards adulthood, to develop age-appropriate daily living skills to live successfully as adults, and if applicable, to be prepared to transition out of care at age 21. Provides that whenever a court grants a petition to reinstate wardship, the court shall schedule the case for a permanency hearing and a Successful Transition to Adulthood Review hearing, if applicable. Makes other changes. Effective July 1, 2026.