SPRINGFIELD – In response to the implementation of the Startup Fund Program by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) released the following statement.
“The Startup Fund Program is a huge step towards supporting foster parents in Illinois,” said Rep. Davis. “This program provides preloaded VISA cards to foster parents, helping pay for essentials like bedding, clothing, school supplies, and more. These essentials are critical to supporting a seamless transition for youth entering DCFS care.”
Rep. Davis continued, “Foster parents spend hundreds of dollars upfront as youth generally arrive with very little. This reality creates financial stress for existing foster parents and sadly barriers to recruiting new foster parents.”
This program is based on House Bill 2995, which was filed by Rep. Davis last year and unanimously passed the House.
Rep. Davis concluded, “House Bill 2995 was the catalyst for the Startup Fund Program. Hats off to the DCFS staff in Springfield who made me a promise to implement the premise of that bill and actually delivered on that promise. Together, we created statewide change without passing another bill. It’s a huge win for foster families and youth in care, proving DCFS values both, but ultimately benefiting our state’s most valuable assets, our youth! Thank you to the new DCFS Director, Heidi Mueller, as well for proving the Department is moving in a positive direction.”
For more information about Representative Davis, visit RepJedDavis.com.
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