SPRINGFIELD – Financial responsibilities weigh heavy on families in the foster care system and to stop the disproportionate impact State Senator Lakesia Collins’ new law will include family circumstances as part of the determination process when evaluating parents’ ability to pay for the cost of foster care.

“Many parents are held responsible for more than they can afford to pay within the foster care system, and this can delay any reunification efforts for the child,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Our focus should be on reunifying families, and with this law we will ensure families are not overloaded with financial responsibilities and give their best effort to take care of the child.”

Senate Bill 3367 will make parents of children living in foster care responsible only for the cost of the foster care if the Department of Children and Family Services has conducted a thorough, individualized review of the family’s circumstances and found that payment would not be contrary to the best interests of the child and would not harm reunification efforts.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Lakesia Collins is proud to support and see the signing of Liam’s Law that will provide better bereavement support measures to parents experiencing perinatal and infant loss.

“This law will give grieving families more supportive options when perinatal loss occurs,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “It is important these parents know what their rights are during a loss of pregnancy as they go through what can be the hardest time of an individual’s life.”

Collins measure, Liam’s Law, will better support families in these circumstances. The measure will require hospitals to notify the parents of their right to receive a certificate of birth resulting in a stillbirth following a spontaneous fetal death during or after the second trimester.

SPRINGFIELD—Disparities in rising maternal mortality rates continue to alarm soon-to-be mothers and health care professionals across the state, and State Senator Lakesia Collins law will expand coverage for pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by doulas and midwives.

 “Mothers should never have to make the choice between taking care of their body versus paying their bills,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Health decisions should not be decided on whether its affordable or not, and for many women across Illinois this initiative will help eliminate cost-sharing requirements that in the past prevented them from seeking care.”

Under the new law, private insurers are required to cover all pregnancy, postpartum and newborn care provided by perinatal doulas or licensed certified professional midwives, including home births, home visits and support during labor. Insurance companies now need to cover home visits by board-certified lactation consultants, including the cost of recommended breast pumps, breastfeeding supplies and feeding aids.

CHICAGO – State Senator Lakesia Collins held a neighborhood block party Friday at the 5^th Senate District office to celebrate the community and join in for some family fun.

“I am so thankful to the people I work with day in and day out who strive to bring something meaningful to our community,” said Collins (D-Chicago). “Seeing community members join each other in a fun celebration reminds us how close we are and how when we all come together, we can make big things happen.”

The neighborhood block party was made possible thanks to collaboration from Lateshia Jackson, founder of A&L Youth and Family Services, and Terry Young, founder of Black Men United.