SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro advanced a measure that would develop a program to increase care for newborns.
“The postpartum period is a critical phase of newborns’ well-being,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Delivering needed care in that time period will ensure their health is not compromised.”
Over three decades, Illinois has recognized the importance of home visiting programs and their impact on new families. The current statewide home visiting system serves 17,000 Illinois families, remaining a cornerstone of early childhood development in the state.
Castro is leading House Bill 4606 to continue to build on that legacy. The measure would authorize the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop and oversee a statewide, voluntary, no-cost newborn home visiting program by establishing evidence-based service models, coordinating funding and data efforts, and collaborating with stakeholders to expand support for newborns and their families.
Home visiting programs are comprehensive initiatives that ensure new families and their infant children are connected with community resources, early childhood services, family supports and follow-up health care.
“The challenge of being a mother is enough on its own,” said Castro. “Having a community of support and resources available enables new parents and their children to live happy and healthy lives.”
House Bill 4606 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee Tuesday.
