SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood) advanced legislation out of the Senate to create a Children’s Mental Health Council in Illinois.

The council would provide recommendations to the governor and General Assembly each year regarding children with mental health conditions and behavioral disabilities.

“As a former special education teacher in Joliet, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of addressing our children’s mental health,” Loughran Cappel said. “I am proud to be the Senate sponsor of this legislation to address this issue and help our students and their families better cope with their mental health conditions.”

The council would be tasked with collaborating to more effectively meet emergency and residential placement for all children with severe mental and behavioral challenges and include recommendations on how the state can provide better support for children with mental health issues in their annual report.

Senate Bill 3889 moves to the House for further consideration.