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…
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….
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
The rising number of children in foster care points out how Illinois fails Black women and their families
As we stand at the intersection of Black History Month and Women’s History Month, it’s time we examine a system that has an ugly…
Gov. Pritzker’s budget proposal supports families, but child welfare crisis demands reinvestment, rethinking
Recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic will take investing in people and communities so they can realize their potential, protect and support their families, and…