History

In 1997, a local PTA shared information with the Illinois PTA in the form of a Resolution to the Illinois PTA Annual Convention.

Resolved: That the Illinois PTA form a task force to study the procedures used by the state for placement of children in substitute care, group homes, permanent adoptions, and Department of Corrections;

A Task Force was appointed that began an investigation of child placement and care of children in the Juvenile Court system and they presented a written report with recommendations to the 1999 Convention. The entire original report can be requested from the Illinois PTA at ilpta@ameritech.net. In 2008, the Illinois PTA State Board of Managers authorized a revisit of the recommendations of the report to reconfirm their provisions or revise and/or update them.
      It is clear to those revisiting the recommendations of the original report, that many of its recommendations remain in need of being fulfilled. They are identified at their end with (1999). The information regarding those has been updated. Several new recommendations have been added. They are identified at their end with (new).
      The Illinois PTA urges the members of the PTA and all who read this report to work to turn these recommendations into reality — for the well-being of all children, and the future of our state.

“A child is a person who is going to carry on what you have started. He is going to sit where you are sitting, and when you are gone, attend to those things which you think are important..... He will assume control of your cities, states and nation. He is going to move in and take over your churches, schools, universities and corporations....the fate of humanity is in his hands.”

             — Abraham Lincoln