HB5299 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB097 15991 KTG 61142 b

97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2011 and 2012
HB5299

Introduced 2/8/2012, by Rep. La Shawn K. Ford

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

20 ILCS 505/35.6a new

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish and maintain a statewide central parent helpline to provide advice and referral services to parents in conflict with an out-of-control child. Provides that helpline operators shall be specially trained in parent education and counseling and shall receive adequate instruction on the availability and locations of family counseling services offered by the Department and approved private agencies. Provides that the helpline shall be known as the "Parent Helpline" and its number shall be publicized on the Department's website.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Children and Family Services Act is amended by adding Section 35.6a as follows:

(20 ILCS 505/35.6a new)

Sec. 35.6a. Parent helpline. The Department of Children and Family Services shall establish and maintain a statewide central parent helpline to provide advice and referral services to parents in conflict with an out-of-control child. Helpline operators shall be specially trained in parent education and counseling and shall receive adequate instruction on the availability and locations of family counseling services offered by the Department and approved private agencies. The helpline shall be known as the "Parent Helpline" and its number shall be publicized on the Department's website. For purposes of this Section, "parent education" means instruction on parent and problem-solving skills necessary to build a healthy family.