HJ0063 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0063 LRB103 39963 LAW 71121 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Adoption has a lifelong impact on individuals and families; and

WHEREAS, There are more than 2 million adopted children in the United States and more than 60,000 adopted children living in Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Adopted children deserve support to thrive; and

WHEREAS, Illinois seeks to be a welcoming home for adopted children; and

WHEREAS, Children, including those who are adopted, spend much of their time at school and school-related events; and

WHEREAS, School mental health professionals, including school social workers, school counselors, and school psychologists, provide support to all students and may provide mental health care to students with identified need; and

WHEREAS, Being adopted approximately doubles the odds of having contact with a mental health professional; and

WHEREAS, Specialized training about the unique experiences of adopted children and families impacted by adoption enhances best practice mental health services in a school setting; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we encourage all members of the General Assembly and their staff to learn more about and have a greater awareness of the issues impacting adopted children, including the impact adoption can have on one's mental health; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we encourage all employees of the State of Illinois, including but not limited to employees of the State Board of Education, the Department of Children and Family Services, the Department of Human Services, the Department of Juvenile Justice, and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services as well as employees of school districts and nonpublic schools, to learn more about and have a greater awareness of the issues impacting adopted children, including information about adoption-competent mental health services to help adopted children living in Illinois to thrive.