Programs concerning services to at-risk children and their families

Programs concerning services to at-risk children and their families. (a) On and after July 1, 2026, the Department of Early Childhood may provide grants to eligible entities, as defined by the Department, to establish programs which offer coordinated services to at-risk infants and toddlers and their families. Each program shall include a parent education program relating to the development and nurturing of infants and toddlers and case management services to coordinate existing services available in the region served by the program. These services shall be provided through the implementation of an individual family service plan. Each program will have a community involvement component to provide coordination in the service system. (b) The Department shall administer the programs through the grants to public school districts and other eligible entities. These grants must be used to supplement, not supplant, funds received from any other source. School districts and other eligible entities receiving grants pursuant to this Section shall conduct voluntary, intensive, research-based, and comprehensive prevention services, as defined by the Department, for expecting parents and families with children from birth to age 3 who are at-risk of academic failure. A public school district that receives a grant under this Section may subcontract with other eligible entities. (c) The Department shall report to the General Assembly by July 1, 2028 and every 2 years thereafter, using the most current data available, on the status of programs funded under this Section, including without limitation characteristics of participants, services delivered, program models used, unmet needs, and results of the programs funded. (Source: P.A. 103-594, eff. 6-25-24.)