SPRINGFIELD — Illinois families will soon have greater support in caring for children involved in the foster care system, thanks to a new law led by State Senator Mattie Hunter.

“Maintaining connections to families and traditions is critical for youth in care,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “When family members step up to care for a child, they shouldn’t have to navigate complex processes to access available support or resources.”

House Bill 4781 — also known as the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act — aims to reinforce family connections and improve outcomes for children in foster care. This new law will strengthen family engagement by requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to notify relatives within 30 days of a child’s entry into care.

In Illinois, relative caregivers had been required to undergo the same licensing procedures as unrelated foster parents, which created barriers to certification and financial support. Under the KIND Act, DCFS will establish a certification process tailored to relative caregivers, allowing Illinois to maximize access to federal matching funds and provide family members with enhanced financial support.

“Illinois joins a growing number of states prioritizing a kin-first approach to foster care,” said Hunter. “We are recognizing the invaluable role that family members play in a child’s life and improving their access to the tools they need to create stable and loving homes.”

House Bill 4781 takes effect on July 1, 2025, with certain provisions related to court oversight under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 taking effect immediately.