HJ0063LRB103 39963 LAW 71121 r

1
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

 
2    WHEREAS, Adoption has a lifelong impact on individuals and
3families; and
 
4    WHEREAS, There are more than 2 million adopted children in
5the United States and more than 60,000 adopted children living
6in Illinois; and
 
7    WHEREAS, Adopted children deserve support to thrive; and
 
8    WHEREAS, Illinois seeks to be a welcoming home for adopted
9children; and
 
10    WHEREAS, Children, including those who are adopted, spend
11much of their time at school and school-related events; and
 
12    WHEREAS, School mental health professionals, including
13school social workers, school counselors, and school
14psychologists, provide support to all students and may provide
15mental health care to students with identified need; and
 
16    WHEREAS, Being adopted approximately doubles the odds of
17having contact with a mental health professional; and
 
18    WHEREAS, Specialized training about the unique experiences

 

 

HJ0063- 2 -LRB103 39963 LAW 71121 r

1of adopted children and families impacted by adoption enhances
2best practice mental health services in a school setting;
3therefore, be it
 
4    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE
5HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE
6SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage all members of the
7General Assembly and their staff to learn more about and have a
8greater awareness of the issues impacting adopted children,
9including the impact adoption can have on one's mental health;
10and be it further
 
11    RESOLVED, That we encourage all employees of the State of
12Illinois, including but not limited to employees of the State
13Board of Education, the Department of Children and Family
14Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of
15Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Healthcare and Family
16Services as well as employees of school districts and
17nonpublic schools, to learn more about and have a greater
18awareness of the issues impacting adopted children, including
19information about adoption-competent mental health services to
20help adopted children living in Illinois to thrive.