Categories

ABA Resolution 606: The Original Story of Racism in the Child Welfare System

Late last year, ICOY was made aware of the American Bar Association: Racism in Child Welfare video that underscored the 606 resolution and background…

Read More

ICOY’s Illinois Court of Claims Lapsed Appropriation Flow Chart

Above is a flow chart of the lapsed appropriations process at the Illinois Court of Claims. This process applies for state vendors who provide…

Read More

June Reflections: Pride Month & Juneteenth Celebrations

Notes from Sarah Daniels, ICOY’s Chief of Staff: Historically, Juneteenth has been an under-recognized and under-celebrated holiday, but in recent years, it has grown…

Read More

Shifting the Narrative on Abuse and Neglect

Recently, the ICOY Policy Team hosted a panel discussion, “Shifting the Narrative on Abuse and Neglect.” It focused on prevention, policy solutions, and the…

Read More

Meaningful Strategies to Address DCFS/ POS Worker Safety

In the wake of two murders of child welfare workers while on the job, keeping frontline staff and families safe is our top priority….

Read More

Child Welfare Workforce Crisis & the Pat McGuire Child Welfare Education Fellowship Program

Child Welfare Workforce Crisis In recent years, the child welfare system has experienced high rates of employee turnover. The workforce is struggling to retain…

Read More
Image shows a graphic novel open to page where a student tries to share a cookie, but the offer is declined due to an allergy. Also in the image are school snacks with listed allergens.

Legislation in IL: School Standards for Sex Education and Life-Threatening Allergies

Recently, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation that updates the state’s standards for sex education in K-12 schools. The voluntary standards will emphasize health, safety,…

Read More
Image shows Senator Mike Simmons standing next to Governor JB Pritzker, Jett Hawkins, and Ida Nelson after the legislation was signed.

Legislation in IL: Inclusive & Safe Learning Environments & Transgender Individuals’ Rights

In recent news, Governor JB Pritzker has signed multiple bills into legislation that directly impact youth in Illinois. Additionally, the “State Second District Appellate Court of Illinois affirmed the expansive protections of…

Read More
A collection of school supplies, including a backpack, pencils, tissues, face masks, art supplies, cleaning wipes and a backpack.

Back to School with COVID-19

“The COVID-19 vaccines have done an extraordinary job of stamping out disease and death. But as the hypertransmissible Delta variant hammers the United States,…

Read More

HB3821 Passes, Creating a Task Force to Examine Racial Disproportionality in the Child Welfare System

CHICAGO – Illinois parents and advocates pushing for critical changes to Illinois’ foster system are celebrating the passage of HB3821, which will create a…

Read More