 Springfield, Ill – State Representative Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego) has been appointed Chair of the Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force, marking a significant step in her ongoing commitment to improving mental health services for vulnerable youth. The task force was established by legislation Kifowit successfully passed in 2022 and will have its first meeting this week. "This task force represents a vital opportunity to address the mental health challenges faced by youth in care and ensure they receive the comprehensive support they need," said Kifowit. "By drawing on real-world experiences and collaborating with key stakeholders, we can develop policies and recommendations that have a meaningful impact on the lives of our most vulnerable youth." The Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force, composed of diverse stakeholders including representatives from government agencies and advocacy organizations, will convene for its inaugural meeting on April 3rd. The primary focus of the task force is to review and recommend improvements to mental health and wellness services provided to youth in care, with a specific emphasis on implementing holistic mental health programs within 30 days of a youth's placement in foster care. As the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for children, particularly those in the foster care system, Representative Kifowit stressed the importance of providing timely and effective support to ensure the well-being of all youth. The Holistic Mental Health Care for Youth in Care Task Force will meet quarterly and will submit reports to the Governor and General Assembly detailing its findings and recommendations. Other members of the task force are: Erin Alexander from the Department of Children and Family Services; Marc Fagan, Representative from the managed care entity managing the Youth Care program; Kristine Herman from the Department of Healthcare and Family Services; State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest); State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton); State Senator Jil Tracy (R-Quincy); Antwan Turpeau, former Youth in Care appointed by the governor; and Dana Weiner from the Office of the Governor. In addition to her leadership on the task force, Representative Kifowit continues to champion legislation aimed at improving mental health care for youth in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) custody. Her current proposal, HB 5269, seeks to mandate the assignment of a mental health provider to every child in DCFS care, a measure designed to enhance prevention efforts and support for foster youth. HB 5269 has passed the Adoption & Child Welfare Committee and was sent to the full house for consideration. More details about the task force can be found at https://govappointments.illinois.gov/boardsandcommissions/details/?id=a916cb5e-2007-ee11-8f6d-001dd8068008 For more information on Representative Kifowit's efforts to support youth in care and improve mental health services, please contact her office at (630) 585-1308 or [email protected]. Attachments: # # #
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