The Care of Students with Diabetes Act (HB6065)…
passed the Illinois State Legislature with overwhelming support. The bill is waiting now on final action from the Governor, who, according to his office, has not yet made his decision. By statute, the Governor must act by Friday, July 30 or the law becomes effective without his signature.

There have been rumors and rumblings that the Governor may issue an amendatory veto, gutting key provisions of this bill. Personally, I find it difficult to believe that this Governor would unilaterally dismiss the work and wisdom of so many to appease the self-interest of so few—especially this week, which marks the 20th anniversary of the passage of The Americans with Disabilities Act.

Call Governor Quinn Today! — and every day this week — until he signs this vital legislation. You can call the Governor at his office at 312-814-2121 or his campaign office at 312-654-8888.

Best,
Suzanne Elder
773-718-2822

Visit:     www.TheCareAct.com                       Illinois PTA Letter to the Governor in Support of this Act

Foster Care in Illinois

Dear PTA Members, As a non-sectarian contractor for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, our agency is always looking for qualified foster parents. As indicated in the attachments, our communities are in a crisis with respect to the number of abused and neglected children who need temporary and permanent substitute care in Illinois.
    I would like the opportunity to visit Chicago-area PTA groups to conduct an information meeting about the challenges and benefits of foster parenting. This hour-long presentation would cover the following topics:
     1)   The reasons that children sometimes must be placed in substitute care
     2)   Legal issues associated with permanent placement vs. return home goals
     3)   Behavioral issues associated with substitute care
     4)   Clinical services necessary for stabilization in the foster home
     5)   Licensing requirements for foster parenting

This is truly a time-sensitive problem in Illinois. Please let me know if such meetings are possible in the near future.
Thank you for your consideration of this request. Please access the following documents: It Takes a More than a Village and Illinois Foster Care in Crisis

Cordially, Marc Bermann, Recruiter,
MSHR JCFS Foster Care
216 W. Jackson Suite 800 Chicago, Ill. 60606
direct line: 312-673-2755
e-mail: marcbermann@jcfs.org