Briel to Increase Protection For Kids in Adoption, Foster Care

OTTAWA, Ill. – Working toward stronger protections for children in the adoption and foster care system, state Rep. Amy “Murri” Briel, D-Ottawa, has introduced a bill to enhance background requirements for those wishing to adopt or foster a child.

“We don’t have a current law in our books that weeds out harmful individuals convicted of trafficking from adopting or fostering a child, even though Illinois has long had a protective stance on child welfare and safety — this bill is a recommitment to just that,” said Briel. “When we strengthen background checks for potential adoptive or foster parents, we ensure more kids grow up in safer homes with safer parents.”

House Bill 871 would put a first-of-its-kind law in place that disqualifies people who are convicted of human or sex trafficking from adopting a child or becoming a licensed foster care parent.

“Every child deserves to grow up in a circle of adults and guardians who have their best interests in mind,” said Briel. “By advancing protections in our state’s background requirements, we’re keeping these kids out of potentially unstable, unsound environments and ensuring they have guardians that make them feel secure in a responsible home.”