New law protects the right of youth in care to talk to the press

SPRINGFIELD – Youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services can now express themselves more freely, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday. “Youth in the care of DCFS should not be denied access to the media,” Feigenholtz said. “This legislation safeguards their basic right to freedom of speech.” Under

Feigenholtz law ensures more rights to adults with disabilities

SPRINGFIELD – Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities will have a less restrictive alternative to guardianship to support their daily living, thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) that was signed into law Friday. “Adults with disabilities deserve the opportunity to make decisions in how they live their daily lives when possible,” Feigenholtz said. “This law helps many people with

Feigenholtz law bans shackling of children in DCFS care

SPRINGFIELD – In response to news reports that contractors for the Department of Children and Family Services sometimes resorted to shacking children during transport, a new law sponsored by State Senator Sara Feigenholtz (D-Chicago) aims to end this practice by prohibiting DCFS and its agents from using restraints. “These news reports sent shockwaves through the child welfare community when it was discovered that transport