DCFS-FOSTER CARE-ACTIVITIES House SponsorsRep. Christine Winger, Mary E. Flowers, Patricia R. Bellock, Litesa E. Wallace, Norine K. Hammond and Carol Ammons Senate Sponsors(Sen. Christine Radogno) 8/19/2016HousePublic Act . . . . . . . . . 99-0839 20 ILCS 505/7.3a new Amends the Children and Family Services Act. Provides that each child who comes into the care and custody of the Department of Children and Family Services is fully entitled to participate in appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities in a manner that allows that child to participate in his or her community to the fullest extent possible. Requires caregivers to use the reasonable and prudent parent standard in determining whether to give permission for a child in out-of-home care to participate in appropriate extracurricular, enrichment, cultural, and social activities. Requires caregivers to consider certain factors when using the reasonable and prudent parent standard, including: (i) the child's age, maturity, and developmental level to promote the overall health, safety, and best interests of the child; and (ii) the importance and fundamental value of encouraging the child's emotional and developmental growth gained through participation in activities in his or her community. Provides that a caregiver is not liable for harm caused to a child in out-of-home care who participates in an activity approved by the caregiver. Grants the Department rulemaking authority. Effective immediately.House Committee Amendment No. 1 In a provision concerning legislative findings, provides that nothing in the underlying bill shall be presumed to discourage or diminish the engagement of families and guardians in the child's life activities. 2/10/2016HouseFiled with the Clerk by Rep. Christine Winger 2/10/2016HouseFirst Reading 2/10/2016HouseReferred to Rules Committee 3/23/2016HouseAssigned to Human Services Committee 3/24/2016HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Filed with Clerk by Rep. Christine Winger 3/24/2016HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Referred to Rules Committee 4/4/2016HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Rules Refers to Human Services Committee 4/4/2016HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Mary E. Flowers 4/5/2016HouseHouse Committee Amendment No. 1 Adopted in Human Services Committee; by Voice Vote 4/5/2016HouseDo Pass as Amended / Short Debate Human Services Committee; 014-000-000 4/5/2016HousePlaced on Calendar 2nd Reading - Short Debate 4/5/2016HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Patricia R. Bellock 4/5/2016HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Litesa E. Wallace 4/5/2016HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Norine K. Hammond 4/5/2016HouseAdded Co-Sponsor Rep. Carol Ammons 4/7/2016HouseSecond Reading - Short Debate 4/7/2016HousePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading - Short Debate 4/14/2016HouseThird Reading - Short Debate - Passed 114-000-000 4/14/2016SenateArrive in Senate 4/14/2016SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of First Reading April 18, 2016 4/15/2016SenateChief Senate Sponsor Sen. Christine Radogno 4/18/2016SenateFirst Reading 4/18/2016SenateReferred to Assignments 4/27/2016SenateApproved for Consideration Assignments 4/27/2016SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 2nd Reading May 3, 2016 5/18/2016SenateSecond Reading 5/18/2016SenatePlaced on Calendar Order of 3rd Reading May 19, 2016 5/25/2016SenateThird Reading - Passed; 058-000-000 5/25/2016HousePassed Both Houses 6/23/2016HouseSent to the Governor 8/19/2016HouseGovernor Approved 8/19/2016HouseEffective Date August 19, 2016 8/19/2016HousePublic Act . . . . . . . . . 99-0839