HB4996 99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB099 18316 NHT 42690 b

99TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2015 and 2016
HB4996

Introduced , by Rep. Emanuel Chris Welch

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

105 ILCS 5/10-20.58 new
105 ILCS 5/34-18.50 new

Amends the School Code. Requires a school board to appoint at least one employee to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools. Sets forth the qualifications for appointment. Provides that liaisons shall build capacity and infrastructure within the school district to support students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. Sets forth what a liaison's responsibilities may include. Provides that a school district must have a designated liaison by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year. Effective immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

STATE MANDATES ACT MAY REQUIRE REIMBURSEMENT

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning education.

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

Section 5. The School Code is amended by adding Sections 10-20.58 and 34-18.50 as follows:

(105 ILCS 5/10-20.58 new)

Sec. 10-20.58. DCFS liaison.

(a) Each school board shall appoint at least one employee to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools. The school board may appoint any employee of the school district who is licensed under Article 21B of this Code to act as a liaison; however, employees who meet any of the following criteria must be prioritized for appointment:

(1) Employees who have worked with mobile student populations or students in foster care.

(2) Employees who are familiar with enrollment, record transfers, existing community services, and student support services.

(3) Employees who serve as a high-level administrator.

(4) Employees who are counselors or have experience with student counseling.

(5) Employees who are knowledgeable on child welfare policies.

(b) Liaisons under this Section shall build capacity and infrastructure within their school district to support students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. Liaison responsibilities may include the following:

(1) streamlining the enrollment processes for students in foster care;

(2) implementing student data tracking and monitoring mechanisms;

(3) ensuring that students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services receive all school nutrition and meal programs available;

(4) coordinating student withdrawal from a school, record transfers, and credit recovery;

(5) becoming experts on the foster care system and State laws and policies in place that support children under the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(6) coordinating with child welfare partners;

(7) providing foster care-related information and training to the school district;

(8) working with the Department of Children and Family Services to help students maintain their school placement, if appropriate;

(9) reviewing student schedules to ensure that students are on track to graduate;

(10) encouraging a successful transition into adulthood and post-secondary opportunities;

(11) encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities; and

(12) knowing what support is available within the school district and community for students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(c) A school district must have a designated liaison by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

(105 ILCS 5/34-18.50 new)

Sec. 34-18.50. DCFS liaison.

(a) The board shall appoint at least one employee to act as a liaison to facilitate the enrollment and transfer of records of students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services when enrolling in or changing schools. The board may appoint any employee of the school district who is licensed under Article 21B of this Code to act as a liaison; however, employees who meet any of the following criteria must be prioritized for appointment:

(1) Employees who have worked with mobile student populations or students in foster care.

(2) Employees who are familiar with enrollment, record transfers, existing community services, and student support services.

(3) Employees who serve as a high-level administrator.

(4) Employees who are counselors or have experience with student counseling.

(5) Employees who are knowledgeable on child welfare policies.

(b) Liaisons under this Section shall build capacity and infrastructure within the school district to support students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services. Liaison responsibilities may include the following:

(1) streamlining the enrollment processes for students in foster care;

(2) implementing student data tracking and monitoring mechanisms;

(3) ensuring that students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services receive all school nutrition and meal programs available;

(4) coordinating student withdrawal from a school, record transfers, and credit recovery;

(5) becoming experts on the foster care system and State laws and policies in place that support children under the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services;

(6) coordinating with child welfare partners;

(7) providing foster care-related information and training to the school district;

(8) working with the Department of Children and Family Services to help students maintain their school placement, if appropriate;

(9) reviewing student schedules to ensure that students are on track to graduate;

(10) encouraging a successful transition into adulthood and post-secondary opportunities;

(11) encouraging involvement in extracurricular activities; and

(12) knowing what support is available within the school district and community for students in the legal custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.

(c) The school district must have a designated liaison by the beginning of the 2017-2018 school year.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.