Jiménez Passes Unaccompanied Minors Legislation Out of House

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.- State Rep. Lilian Jiménez, D-Chicago, has passed legislation to create a legal process for unaccompanied minor children who have been abused, abandoned or neglected to receive services when they are under court custody in Illinois.

“Children in Illinois deserve to be safe, supported, and given every opportunity to heal and thrive—no matter their circumstances,” said Jiménez. “That is no longer the reality we are seeing under the Trump administration, where children are being held in detention for months with no clear end in sight. This practice not only inflicts lasting trauma, but also blocks vulnerable youth from accessing protections they are entitled to. Regardless of citizenship status, children deserve protection, dignity, and a fair chance at safety.”

Jimenez’s House Bill 4890 allows minor children who are in the custody of the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement and have been abused, neglected or abandoned by either one or both parents to receive services ordered by the courts if they file dependency.

Dependency determination is the establishment of who is dependent for the child, either the state or family.

If a child is declared dependent and needs oversight, they are eligible to receive these services: psychological, educational, medical and/or social. The courts must deem it necessary to provide these services to these children to protect them against trafficking or domestic violence.

“By establishing a clear legal pathway for dependency and access to court-ordered services, we are reinforcing our responsibility to protect vulnerable children from further harm,” said Jiménez. “This is about accountability and compassion and making sure no child is overlooked or left without support. This legislation ensures Illinois remains a place where children are protected, cared for, and given the chance to heal rather than be further harmed.”  

This bill passed out of the House and moves to the Senate for further consideration.