LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – To address the shortage of foster families in Lake County and provide local families with free information and resources on foster care and adoption, state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, is co-hosting the Let It Be Us Adoption and Foster Care Information Fair on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Libertyville Civic Center, located at 135 W. Church St. in Libertyville.

“Making the decision to begin the process of adoption or becoming a foster parent can be daunting,” said Edly-Allen. “There are many children in Lake County who are looking for a loving home, and numerous families willing to open their homes and hearts. This event brings local resources to one place to help families understand the process and begin the decision making process.”

Illinois is currently home to over 18,000 children in foster care and the state has 20% fewer licensed foster homes than what is needed. The Let It Be Us Adoption and Foster Care Information Fair seeks to provide information to those considering to become foster or adoptive parents. Let It Be Us is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of adoption and education of children in Illinois foster care.

The event is co-sponsored by Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg, Lake County State’s Attorney Michael Nerheim, state Sen. Melinda Bush, state Sen. Terry Link, state Sen. Dan McConchie, state Sen. Julie Morrison, D-Deerfield, state Sen. Craig Wilcox, and state Rep. Rita Mayfield. The event is free and open to the public, and there is a no cost to become a foster or adoptive parent. Those who wish to attend can learn more and register at letitbeus.org/event/adoption-foster-care-information-fair-libertyville-illinois-let-us.

“Becoming a loving parent by either adopting or fostering a child is rewarding and fulfilling experience,” said Edly-Allen. “Come learn what it takes to become a big difference in a young child’s life.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Legislation co-sponsored by state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, which would help to better protect Illinois children under the care of the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) recently passed out of the Illinois House with bipartisan support.

“Many children that are in the foster system have experienced trauma and loss,” said Villa. “It is the duty of DCFS to ensure that these children are placed into positive home environments that will enrich their lives and help put them on the path to healing.”

Villa is co-sponsoring House Bill 2571, which makes several changes to the Juvenile Court Act of 1967, including decreasing the number of unrelated foster children allowed per residence.  Villa’s legislation will also ensure that keeping sibling groups together is a priority when foster home placement is considered.

“As a social worker, I understand the long term detrimental impacts that trauma can have on children, so I believe it is necessary to make their transitions to foster homes as smooth as possible,” continued Villa.  “I am proud to have passed this measure with such strong bipartisan support, and I encourage lawmakers in the state Senate to approve this legislation and send it to Governor Pritzker to be signed into law.”

For more information, contact Villa’s constituent services office at 630-326-9319 or StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.