093_HB2859

 
                                     LRB093 09752 MKM 09993 b

 1        AN ACT in relation to foster care.

 2        Be it enacted by the People of  the  State  of  Illinois,
 3    represented in the General Assembly:

 4        Section  5.  The  Children  and  Family  Services  Act is
 5    amended by adding Section 34.11a as follows:

 6        (20 ILCS 505/34.11a new)
 7        Sec. 34.11a.  Grandparents as foster  parents;  financial
 8    assistance and support services.
 9        (a)  Any  grandparent  of a child whose parents no longer
10    have custody of the child and  who  is  also  acting  as  the
11    foster  parent  of  that  child is entitled to full financial
12    assistance for foster care, whether or  not  the  grandparent
13    has been licensed as a foster parent.
14        (b)  The Department of Children and Family Services shall
15    create  a support program, including case management services
16    and legal  assistance,  for  grandparents  acting  as  foster
17    parents.

18        Section  99.  Effective  date. This Act takes effect upon
19    July 1, 2003.