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News and Notes - December 2024


Dear Maria,



Family brings us joy and warmth during the holiday season. Can you imagine the holidays without it?


Every child deserves the love and security of a forever family, especially during this festive time of year. Your support makes this possible for children across Illinois. If you have not already, please donate today to make a difference.


We have had an incredible year full of heartwarming stories and lasting permanencies through legal adoptions and guardianships. We send our gratitude to all who have supported this critical work in 2024.


Thank you, and happy holidays from all of us at Greenlight Family Services!



Sincerely,

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Maria Nanos, LCSW, PhD

CEO

Illinois Passes KIND Act


On November 21, 2024, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Kinship In Demand (KIND) Act - HB 4781.


Greenlight applauds this increase in support for Illinois kin caregivers and the commitment to a kin-first approach.

This helpful legislation will require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to:



  • take a kin-first family-finding approach, overseen by the IL Juvenile Courts
  • apply new Kinship Caregiver Home Certification standards which are less complex than foster parent standards and no more restrictive than federal law requires
  • pursue federal funding to establish a Kinship Navigator Program
  • release public data regarding kin caregiving


These changes will help preserve children's existing family bonds and create a simplified, supportive process for kin caregivers to provide care.


The KIND Act states that placing youth with kin tends to: lessen separation trauma and placement disruption and result in "better social, behavioral, mental health, and educational outcomes for youth than non-kin foster care."


Greenlight proudly specializes in services for kin caregivers across the state of Illinois. Read more about our Kinship Care Program.

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