(Chicago, IL) — Governor Pat Quinn this week signed an executive order creating an Illinois Human Services Commission to make public policy recommendations on a broad range of human service issues, including child welfare.
“Even in these tough economic times, it’s important that we always focus on providing vital human services to those in need,” said Governor Quinn.
“This Commission can be an important initiative if best practice recommendations in child welfare and other services can be embedded in Illinois public policy to concretely benefit abused and neglected children and others in Illinois,” said Marge Berglind, President of the Child Care Association of Illinois.
Quinn named Toni Irving and Ngoan Le as co-chairs of the Commission. Irving is Deputy Chief of Staff for the Office of the Governor. Le is a longtime public servant and Vice President of Programs at the Chicago Community Trust.
The Commission is comprised of members with expertise in both the public and private sectors. The group includes: two legislators from each of the four caucuses; chief administrators of eight of the State’s major human service agencies; human service advocates and community leaders; and two co-chairs designated by the Governor.
The Executive Order also states the Commission’s membership shall “reflect regional, racial, and cultural diversity to ensure representation of all Illinois citizens.”
The Commission will address issues such as the process for determining fair, adequate and timely reimbursement; efficient management of publicly-funded programs and services; and projections for future human services need in Illinois. The Commission will hold public hearings.
The Commission will submit an initial report on its progress and objectives to the Governor and the General Assembly by June 30, 2010. The Commission will then submit interim reports on November 30, 2010 and April 30 2011, and a final report outlining its findings and recommendations no later than November 22, 2011.