Pritzker Signs Child Welfare Disclosure Act Expanding Rights for Birth Parents

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed the Child Welfare Disclosure to Parents Act last week, requiring the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to inform birth parents of their rights at the start of an open case. The new law gives parents a greater role in decisions involving placement, visitation and care of their children, with provisions including timely visitation, input on placement options and participation in haircare planning. Lawmakers and child welfare officials say the measure strengthens family involvement and builds on recent reforms such as the Kinship in Demand Act. The law takes effect immediately.