Kendall County Times

SPRINGFIELD – State Representative Jed Davis (R-Yorkville) has expressed his support for the Startup Fund Program recently implemented by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

“The Startup Fund Program is a huge step towards supporting foster parents in Illinois,” stated Rep. Davis. He highlighted the importance of the program, which provides preloaded VISA cards to foster parents to assist with essential expenses like bedding, clothing, school supplies, and more, crucial for the seamless transition of youth entering DCFS care.

Addressing the financial challenges faced by foster parents, Rep. Davis emphasized, “Foster parents spend hundreds of dollars upfront as youth generally arrive with very little. This reality creates financial stress for existing foster parents and sadly barriers to recruiting new foster parents.”

The initiative, inspired by House Bill 2995 introduced by Rep. Davis last year and unanimously approved by the House, marks a significant milestone in supporting foster families across the state. Rep. Davis commended the DCFS staff for their commitment to implementing the program, which he views as a positive step towards enhancing support for foster families and youth in care.

Reflecting on the impact of House Bill 2995, Rep. Davis expressed his gratitude, stating, “Together, we created statewide change without passing another bill. It’s a huge win for foster families and youth in care, proving DCFS values both, but ultimately benefiting our state’s most valuable assets, our youth! Thank you to the new DCFS Director, Heidi Mueller, as well for proving the Department is moving in a positive direction.”

For more information about Representative Davis, visit RepJedDavis.com.