HHS News Release

HHS Secretary Donna E. Shalala today announced approval of a demonstration project to improve child protection services in Illinois. This is the second waiver granted by the Clinton administration for states to undertake innovations in their child protection programs.

"This demonstration will give more children the opportunity to grow up in loving, permanent homes with those who will give them the safety, security and stability they deserve," said Secretary Shalala in addressing the Eleventh National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect in Washington. "Illinois is using the flexibility granted by the Clinton administration to help children who are the most vulnerable."

The demonstration creates a subsidized guardianship option for children who have been in foster care for at least two years, have been in their current home for at least one year, and for whom adoption or reunification with parents within one year is unlikely.

This option will give increased autonomy to guardians while continuing to provide sound social service and financial support to caregivers. Guardianships will be established by a court order.

By assigning guardianship to caregivers, many of whom are relatives, both children and caregivers will benefit. Under guardianship, children are discharged from the care and custody of the state and guardians gain the right of family privacy to make major decisions about the care, education, and medical treatment of children without the necessity of terminating parental rights. Guardians and children will also receive a financial subsidy as well as supportive services they need to maintain permanent placement.

This waiver will allow the state to claim federal funds to support the care of children in private guardianship since such care is not eligible for reimbursement under the current foster care rules.

The emphasis on relatives as foster parents addresses the chronic shortage of licensed foster homes, particularly in large urban centers. It also reflects the knowledge that placement with relatives eases separation trauma and helps preserve cultural and community ties. By creating formal, subsidized guardianship arrangements, Illinois will test its hypothesis that such placements will improve service delivery and enhance permanency planning for children and families.

The Illinois waiver was announced as HHS released the National Incidence Study of Child Abuse and Neglect, showing a doubling of estimated child abuse and neglect between 1986 and 1993. Secretary Shalala said the Clinton administration is providing states with increased opportunity for flexibility in addressing child abuse.

"As part of this administration's commitment to protecting children, Illinois will have the opportunity to try new approaches to better serve children in need," Shalala said.

The project, which must be cost neutral with regard to federal funds, will last for no more than five years and will include a third-party evaluation.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.

Contact: Michael Kharfen (202) 401-9215