(20 ILCS 527/5)

Sec. 5. Statewide Youth Advisory Board; regional youth advisory boards. The Department of Children and Family Services shall convene and maintain a Statewide Youth Advisory Board and regional youth advisory boards. Each regional youth advisory board shall work with the Department or its designee to determine how to best provide services to current and former youth in foster care living within each of the regions. The Statewide Youth Advisory Board shall advise the Department and the General Assembly with respect to all matters involving or affecting current and former youth in foster care. Responsibilities of the Statewide Youth Advisory Board shall include:

(1) providing the Department and the General Assembly with the perspective of youth under the care of the Department;

(2) identifying, analyzing, and recommending solutions to any issues concerning adoption and guardianship and youth in foster care;

(3) reviewing and advising the Department on proposed or pending legislation, primarily as it concerns current and former youth in foster care; and

(4) reviewing and making recommendations on Department foster care and child welfare service delivery policies, guidelines, procedures, and training.

(Source: P.A. 98-806, eff. 1-1-15.)