ROMEOVILLE, Ill. – Grandparents and other relatives caring for children will have better access to resources and support under a new bill advanced by state Rep. Natalie Manley, D- Joliet, allowing area agencies on aging and other local agencies to provide support to caregivers.
“As a mother and grandmother, I’m constantly reminded of the countless grandparents and caregivers across our state who share the same love and responsibility as I do. We cannot turn a blind eye to the sacrifice of grandparents and other relative caregivers who step up when others cannot or when life takes an unexpected turn,” said Manley. “That’s why by providing funding and support through local agencies, we’re providing a lifeline that supports those who selflessly devote themselves to our next generations.”
According to the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA), nearly 100,000 children in Illinois are raised by a relative other than their parent. To provide resources to these children and their families, Manley is working to pass House Bill 4904, which allows IDOA to provide funding to local agencies for programs aiding grandparents and other relative caregivers. The local area agency on aging for Will County, AgeGuide, provides several services to caregivers, such as financial assistance, legal services, and support groups. Manley’s House Bill 4904 passed committee unanimously with bipartisan support and awaits full consideration by the House. Manley has worked to assist grandparents and other relative caregivers with the unique challenges they face. Last year, she passed legislation creating the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County, connecting grandparents who are raising their grandchildren with relevant resources and services provided by state agencies through the Senior Services of Will County.
“I know many grandparents and caregivers face hurdles when raising a child, sometimes for the second time around,” said Manley. “That’s why it’s vital for our state to step up and make a change. Family is so important — every grandparent and caregiver deserves the resources and support they need to provide the best possible care for the children in their lives.”
For more information on Will County’s AgeGuide and the programs they provide, please visit
ageguide.org.
Rep. Natalie Manley
Assistant Majority Leader
(D-Joliet)
98th District
Springfield Office:
300 Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-3316
District Office:
1050 W. Romeo Rd.
Suite 101
Romeoville, IL 60446
(815) 725-2741