SPRINGFIELD – To increase access to state resources, State Senator Loughran Cappel passed a measure through the Senate that would create a program for grandparents raising their grandchildren in Will County to have a better understanding of what state programs are available.

“Grandparents frequently assume the role of raising their grandchildren,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood).  “However, many people are unaware of the various resources available to them. This initiative aims to simplify the process and provide caregivers with a local point of contact to access the resources they need.”

House Bill 780 would create the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Pilot Program in Will County. The measure would require the Senior Services Center of Will County to designate an intake coordinator to collect resources offered by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Human Services, Department on Aging, Department of Healthcare and Family Services and State Board of Education, and provide coordination and education services at Senior Service Centers to serve Will County residents.

Loughran Cappel’s measure requires the intake coordinator to be knowledgeable about the Extended Family Support Program, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, Children’s Health Insurance Program and be a designated point of contact at each agency within 14 days of appointment.

An annual report would be required to be submitted to the General Assembly including the number of families who received referrals to relevant services, specific services each family was referred to and received, and related information regarding frequency of calls and visits to the coordinator's office in the previous calendar year.

“Together, Leader Natalie Manley and I worked to increase access to resources so Will County residents can better understand what is available for those who are raising their grandkids,” Loughran Cappel said.

House Bill 780 passed the Senate.