(410 ILCS 212/5)

Sec. 5. Legislative findings and purpose. The General Assembly finds as follows:

(1) The statewide rate of infant mortality continues to remain at an unacceptable level in regard to the national average.

(2) Within the State of Illinois, certain areas and populations continue to experience rates of infant mortality far greater than either the statewide or national averages. Prevention activities need to be statewide for maximum benefit.

(3) Family case management services are proven to be effective in improving the health of women and infants and lowering the incidence of infant morbidity and mortality, particularly those individuals linked to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC).

(4) Family case management improves the health and development of children and families by providing the earliest identification of their needs and promoting linkages to address those needs.

(5) Data demonstrates significantly lower Medicaid expenditures for pregnant and postpartum women and children who have been enrolled in family case management and WIC services than for Medicaid-eligible persons not receiving case management services.

Therefore, as a critical component in delivering comprehensive maternal and child health services in Illinois, it is the purpose of this Act to provide for the establishment and recognition of a program of family case management to ensure and provide statewide wrap-around services targeted toward reducing the incidence of infant mortality, very low birthweight infants, and low birthweight infants within the State.

(Source: P.A. 94-407, eff. 8-2-05.)