MACOMB –State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) announces her legislation that would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to review their rules for grandparent visitation and continue to review and update their rules allowing for grandparent visitation every five years thereafter was signed by the Governor on Tuesday afternoon.
Under the provisions of the new law, DCFS will be required to update their rules granting visitation privileges to a non-custodial grandparent of a child who is in the care and custody of the Department within six months of the bill becoming law and every five years thereafter.
“We know that there are many grandparents that would like the ability to visit their grandchildren who are in the care of DCFS. This common-sense bill would allow these grandparents that opportunity,” said Rep. Hammond from Springfield on Wednesday.
Rep. Hammond went on to say, “it is critically important for these children to maintain familial connections with their grandparents when appropriate. We know when appropriate, grandparents should have the opportunity to play an intricate role in their grandchildren’s lives. This bill simply requires DCFS to be cognizant of that benefit to the child and arrange for visitations that benefit the child.”
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