URGES-SUPPORT 211 ILLINOIS

Recognizes the dire need for statewide expansion of 211 Illinois services to prevent Illinois individuals and families who are experiencing poverty and/or financial hardship from requiring child welfare system involvement. Recognizes the importance of supportive funding for services that promote child and family well-being and prevent children from entering the child welfare system. Urges state agencies serving children and families to utilize data generated by the 211 Illinois online dashboard to identify gaps in services and to develop resources and services to fill the identified gaps. Recognizes state funding is necessary to adequately support the expansion and maintenance of 211 Illinois statewide and the community-based organizations that ultimately provide the supportive services. Urges support for prioritizing funding efforts dedicated to preventing the need for child welfare related services in counties that have been identified as experiencing gaps in offered services based on data collected from 211 Illinois.