DCFS-PILOT PROGRAM-FOSTER CARE

Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that beginning January 1, 2016, the Department of Children and Family Services shall implement a 5-year pilot program of multi-dimensional treatment foster care, or a substantially similar evidence-based program of professional foster care, for (i) children entering care with severe trauma histories, with the goal of returning the child home or maintaining the child in foster care instead of placing the child in congregate care or a more restrictive setting or placement, (ii) children who require placement in foster care when they are ready for discharge from a residential treatment facility, and (iii) children who are identified for residential or group home care and who, based on a determination made by the Department, could be placed in a foster home if higher level interventions are provided. Provides that the Department shall arrange for an independent evaluation of the pilot program to determine whether it is meeting the goal of maintaining children in the least restrictive, most appropriate family-like setting while they are in the Department's care and to determine whether there is a long-term cost benefit to continuing the pilot program. Contains a provision concerning reporting requirements.