North Cook News

State Rep. Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) introduced legislation designed to expand the list of rights under the Foster Children's Bill of Rights. The bill has passed the House and will now be considered by the Senate.

"We have kids that are being abruptly placed in foster homes or aged out of state care; a lot of change is thrust upon them at once, which they are often unprepared for," Morrison said in a statement. "I want to thank the constituent, a former member of the foster care system themselves, for bringing this issue to my attention. With this legislation we hope that children aging into and out of our state's care have a much smoother and more successful transition."

The bill, HB 5418, would ensure that children are able "to gradually transition out of foster care and make a successful transition to adulthood."

More than 16,000 children in Illinois are in the foster care system, including more than 6,000 teenagers, according to Children's Home and Aid, which notes that "Many of these teenagers will 'age-out' of the foster care system without a connection to a permanent family."

The Foster Children's Bill of Rights Act guarantees that children in foster care have the right to "live in a safe, healthy, and comfortable home where he or she is treated with respect," be free from abuse, be fed and clothed properly, receive medical treatment, and visit family members.