Springfield, IL- Legislation sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D- Chicago) that will protect foster children until they reach the age of 21 has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn. "This bill will allow a safety-net for foster kids, who have up until now been essentially cuts off services before they are ready for the challenges of adulthood," said Senator Hunter. "Many young adults who preciously "age out" of foster care at age 19 were not prepared to live independently. This left them vulnerable to unemployment, homelessness, mental and physical health-related problems, incarceration, and teen-pregnancy."

House Bill 4054 will allow former foster children and emancipated youth up to age 21 to receive care and support services from the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This bill will also allow minors for whom the court has granted a supplemental petition for services to place a foster child or emancipated youth between the ages 18 and 21 in the custody of DCFS to receive care and services.

"The bill was brought to me by the Youth to Adulthood Partnership," said Senator Hunter. The Partnership was created to ensure that young people leaving the child welfare system are able to be successful as an adult. The participants of this group include judges, researchers, youth advocates, former foster youth, educational professionals, and service providers.

"The assistance provided by this legislation will allow more preparation for self-sufficiency skill and improve the likelihood for long term success during adulthood," added Senator Hunter.