Rauner signs bill that helps more children get mental health care

Gov. Bruce Rauner
Gov. Bruce Rauner

Rauner signs bill that helps more children get mental health care

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A new Illinois law will make it easier for children with severe mental illness to get treatment. The law passed in response to a crisis in mental health care for youth.

In 2013, WBEZ documented the growing number of Illinos parents that were unable to get their child proper psychiatric care. Out of desperation, some of those families relinquished custody of their child to the state. The state is then required by law to provide services through the Department of Children and Family Services. 

This newly signed law aims to prevent such relinquishments and keep families intact, by improving access to state funding through what’s called an Individual Care Grant. That grant helps families to pay for in-home or residential treatment for a child living with severe mental illness.

Shannon Heffernan is a WBEZ reporter. Follow her @shannon_h.