DCFS SRVCS-PARENTAL LIABILITY

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. In a provision concerning children accepted for care and training under the Juvenile Court Act of 1987 or through a voluntary placement agreement, provides that the parents or guardians of such children (rather than the parents or guardians of the estates of such children) shall only be liable for the sums representing the charges for such care and training. Requires the Department of Children and Family Services to establish a standard by which the ability of parents or guardians to pay for the care and training of the child shall be measured on an individual basis. Requires such standards and rules to provide: (i) that no liability exists if the family's annual income is under $100,000 or 400% of the federal poverty guidelines, whichever is greater; and (ii) that any liability shall not be contrary to the best interests of the child and shall not negatively impact the family's ability to participate in services to achieve reunification or in parent or child visitation. Requires the Department to adopt rules no later than July 1, 2025. In a provision concerning the referral of Title IV-E foster care maintenance cases to the Department of Healthcare and Family Services for child support enforcement services, provides that such cases shall only be referred if the Department of Children and Family Services has conducted a thorough individualized review of the family's circumstances, including, but not limited to, the impact the referral may have on the child's best interest and the ability to achieve permanency or participate in visitation. In a provision concerning liability for parents or guardians who make false written declarations to the Department concerning their income or ability to pay for their children's Department-sponsored care and training, provides that such parents and guardians will be liable to Department to the extent liability is consistent with the standards and rules set forth in the amendatory Act.