SPRINGFIELD – Financial responsibilities weigh heavy on families in the foster care system and to stop the disproportionate impact, State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will include family circumstances as part of the determination process when evaluating parents’ ability to pay for the cost of foster care.

“Many parents are held responsible for more than they can afford to pay within the foster care system, and this can delay any reunification efforts for the child,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Our focus should be on reunifying families, and with this law we will ensure families are not overloaded with financial responsibilities and give their best effort to take care of the child.”

Senate Bill 3367 will make parents of children living in foster care responsible only for the cost of the foster care if the Department of Children and Family Services has conducted a thorough, individualized review of the family’s circumstances and found that payment would not be contrary to the best interests of the child and would not harm reunification efforts.

The new law will also ensure no parent pays for the cost of foster care if their household income is less than the greater of $100,000 or 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, or around $81,760 for a two-person household.

“We are making a huge difference in the lives of parents across Illinois who are trying their absolute best to reunite with their child,” said Collins. “This measure will give support to parents working with the system to provide for their kids and I am proud to see this legislation signed into law.”

Senate Bill 3367 was signed into law on Friday and is effective immediately.