Crawford Passes Measure Improving Ability for Parents to Advocate for Foster Children

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Mike Crawford, D-Chicago, passed legislation on Thursday to create a bill of rights for birth parents seeking to reunite with their children.

“The foster care system has its share of challenges, but with this legislation to empower birth parents to advocate for their child, we can help make sure that foster children and their best interests are at the forefront of these important decisions,” Crawford said. “This bipartisan legislation is critical to making sure that the birth parents’ rights to dignity, consideration of a child’s placement with family, input on educational, medical, and hair care plans, and timely notification of case updates are respected. The parents who brought this bill have lived-experience dealing with the challenges that come with being involved with the system, and will serve as advocates, mentors, and supporters of parents now experiencing the challenges of attempting to reunify and reconnect with their children. I am proud that one of my first bills as a state representative will make a positive difference in the lives of foster children.”

Crawford’s House Bill 2907 creates the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents and Caregivers Act which ensures that birth parents of children who are involved in the child welfare system have rights when they are working to reunite with their child. Currently, rights to timely notification, dignified treatment in proceedings, consultation on placement options and more are guaranteed for both foster parents and prospective parents, but not for birth parents.

Crawford’s legislation is an initiative of the Statewide Parents Advisory Council, in close consultation with the Department of Child and Family Services, to empower all parents, regardless of financial means, to utilize their rights, meet and coordinate with caseworkers and be an active participant in the best interests of the child.

For more information, visit ILGA.gov.