HJ0050 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0050 LRB096 12477 DRJ 25555 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The Illinois Early Intervention program's mission is to ensure that families who have infants and toddlers, birth to age 3, with diagnosed disabilities, developmental delays, or substantial risk of significant delays receive resources and supports that assist them in maximizing their child's development, while respecting the diversity of families and communities; and

WHEREAS, The Illinois Early Intervention services include, but are not limited to: developmental evaluations and assessments, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech/language therapy, developmental therapy, service coordination, psychological services, and social work services; and

WHEREAS, The Part C Early Intervention system has not had a broad review by stakeholders since 2000; and

WHEREAS, The stakeholders have agreed that the Part C Early Intervention system needs to be reviewed by a broad group of stakeholders to ensure that all eligible children and families are receiving quality services; and

WHEREAS, The General Assembly finds that a Taskforce to undertake a comprehensive and thorough review of the Early Intervention system is necessary; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Illinois Part C Early Intervention Taskforce is created to partner with the Department of Human Services to undertake a comprehensive and thorough review of the Early Intervention system and develop recommendations and an action plan to address issues related to workforce, financing, monitoring and evaluation, service delivery, and transitions; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Taskforce shall be co-chaired by a staff member from the Department of Human Services and a staff member from Voices for Illinois Children appointed by the Secretary of Human Services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Taskforce shall consist of members appointed as follows:

(1) One member representing the Governor, appointed by the Governor;

(2) One member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;

(3) One member of the Senate, appointed by the Minority Leader of the Senate;

(4) One member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;

(5) One member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives;

(6) One member representing the Division of Mental Health within the Department of Human Services, appointed by the Secretary of Human Services;

(7) One member representing the Division of Community Health and Prevention within the Department of Human Services, appointed by the Secretary of Human Services;

(8) One member representing the Special Education Division of the Illinois State Board of Education, appointed by the State Superintendent of Education;

(9) One member representing the Department of Children and Family Services, appointed by the Director of Children and Family Services; and

(10) One member representing the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, appointed by the Director of Healthcare and Family Services; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Taskforce shall also include representatives of the following groups, appointed by the Secretary of Human Services, with no more than 30 members in total:

(1) Advocacy organizations that focus on early childhood, health, or issues related to early intervention;

(2) Professional groups with members who provide services for or make referrals to the Illinois Part C Early Intervention system;

(3) Groups that are affiliated with the Early Intervention system for training and consultation;

(4) The Illinois Interagency Council on Intervention;

(5) Child and Family Connections (CFC) managers or staff;

(6) Parents with children in the Part C Early Intervention system; and

(7) The University of Illinois Division of Specialized Care for Children; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the members of the Taskforce shall receive no compensation as members of the Taskforce but may be reimbursed for actual expenses incurred by the members in performance of their duties as members of the Taskforce from appropriations made for such purpose; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Taskforce shall convene no later than September 30, 2009 and shall be dissolved no later than July 1, 2010; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Taskforce shall submit a written report of its findings, recommendations, and action plan to the Governor and the General Assembly by July 1, 2010.