DCFS-FOSTER CARE COMMISSION House SponsorsRep. Mary E. Flowers-Rita Mayfield Senate Sponsors(Sen. Napoleon Harris, III-Jacqueline Y. Collins-Patricia Van Pelt) 8/20/2021HousePublic Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0470 New Act Creates the Advisory Commission on Reducing the Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care Act. Creates the Advisory Commission on Reducing the Disproportionate Representation of African-American Children in Foster Care. Provides that the Commission shall be a coordinating and advocating body that acts on behalf of the interests of African-American children who are at risk of placement within the State's child welfare system. Requires the Commission to advise the Governor and the General Assembly, as well as work directly with State agencies, to identify factors contributing to the overrepresentation of African-American children in foster care; to collaborate with State agencies and other social services organizations to develop effective strategies, policies, services, and programs that are aimed at providing African-American children and their families with the resources and preventive services they need to stay out of foster care and the child welfare system; and to assist in the development of child welfare policies and practices that advance more equitable outcomes for African-American children and their families who have contact with the Department of Children and Family Services. Sets forth specific duties including: examining and developing strategies and policies to address reported racial disproportionality during key stages of the child welfare decision-making process; assisting in the development of cultural competency training programs for child welfare workers; and identifying best practices to safely increase the number of family or relative placements for African-American children. Contains provisions on Commission membership; meetings; and reporting requirements. Effective immediately. 2/19/2021HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Mary E. Flowers 2/19/2021HouseFirst Reading 2/19/2021HouseReferred to Rules Committee 3/16/2021HouseAssigned to Human Services Committee 3/23/2021HouseDo Pass / Consent Calendar Human Services Committee; 014-000-000 4/8/2021HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Consent Calendar 4/15/2021HouseSecond Reading - Consent Calendar 4/15/2021HouseHeld on Calendar Order of Second Reading - Consent Calendar 4/15/2021HouseAdded Chief Co-Sponsor Rep. Rita Mayfield 4/16/2021HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Consent Calendar 4/21/2021HouseThird Reading - Consent Calendar - First Day 4/22/2021HouseThird Reading - Consent Calendar - Passed 113-000-000 4/23/2021SenateArrive in Senate 4/23/2021SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 27, 2021 4/28/2021SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Napoleon Harris, III 4/28/2021SenateFirst Reading 4/28/2021SenateReferred to Assignments 5/3/2021SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Jacqueline Y. Collins 5/10/2021SenateAssigned to Health 5/12/2021SenateAdded as Alternate Chief Co-Sponsor Sen. Patricia Van Pelt 5/19/2021SenateDo Pass Health; 011-000-000 5/19/2021SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 20, 2021 5/20/2021SenateSecond Reading 5/20/2021SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 21, 2021 5/27/2021SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading ** May 28, 2021 5/29/2021SenateThird Reading - Passed; 059-000-000 5/29/2021HousePassed Both Houses 6/25/2021HouseSent to the Governor 8/20/2021HouseGovernor Approved 8/20/2021HouseEffective Date August 20, 2021 8/20/2021HousePublic Act . . . . . . . . . 102-0470