Bill
HB 3732
Establishes a 4-year pilot giving each foster parent a dedicated case manager to create time-bound reunification plans, with supports and a target of 40% reunification within 18–24
Status and timeline
- Introduced: February 18, 2025 (Rep. Maura Hirschauer).
- Passed both chambers and enrolled May 2025.
- Signed by the Governor: June 20, 2025. Effective immediately: June 20, 2025.
- Note: House Committee Amendment 001 revised the original language (see key changes below).
Purpose
- Establish a pilot program to improve reunification outcomes for children in foster care by providing biological parents with dedicated, parent‑focused case management and supportive services (including workforce supports), with emphasis on children who have a "Return Home" permanency goal.
Key provisions
- Pilot program length: originally drafted as 5 years; House Amendment sets a 4‑year Pilot (subject to appropriation).
- Dedicated parent case managers: each biological parent of a child in foster care is assigned a case manager separate from the child’s DCFS caseworker; case managers focus exclusively on parent needs and barriers to reunification.
- Individualized, time‑bound reunification plans: developed collaboratively with parents, case managers, legal representatives, DCFS and other stakeholders; include specific benchmarks, assigned responsibilities and timelines, and post‑reunification supports.
- Family engagement and oversight: mandatory quarterly service plan reviews; structured family engagement sessions during the first 6 months to rebuild parent–child bonds; supervised visitation, parenting coaching and trauma‑informed supports included.
- Reunification target: a program goal to reunify at least 40% of newly placed foster children within 18–24 months.
- Workforce development component (parents and foster youth aged 16+): job‑readiness training, paid internships/on‑the‑job subsidized placements (notably a 12‑week paid vocational option), mentorship, financial literacy, job placement assistance, child care stipends, transportation help, and wraparound financial coaching. Focus industries include health care, skilled trades, technology and customer service.
- Additional services: mental health evaluations, substance use treatment referrals, family counseling, housing assistance, legal guidance, and a separate legal caseworker structure for advocacy.
- Evaluation and reporting: Department to conduct a 2‑year review (starting at the end of the second full year) to evaluate outcomes and scalability. The introduced version also required annual reporting beginning one year after implementation and a final report after pilot termination.
Who is affected
- Biological parents of children placed in foster care (particularly those working toward a "Return Home" goal).
- Foster youth aged 16+ (eligible for workforce components).
- DCFS and contracted community providers (case managers, workforce partners, behavioral health providers, legal advocates).
- Employers and training providers participating in paid placements.
Implementation and fiscal notes
- The amended bill is explicitly subject to appropriation, indicating costs are contingent on future budget actions.
- The Department must coordinate with community organizations and employers to deliver services; scalability depends on the results of the 2‑year review.
Potential impacts
- Aims to reduce prolonged foster placements and accelerate safe reunifications by addressing parental barriers (housing, employment, treatment).
- Emphasizes family stability and economic self‑sufficiency as part of permanency planning and may inform future statewide policy if the pilot proves effective.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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