Forwarded from the Community Renewal Society.

ACTION NEEDED

Tell Speaker Madigan, President Jones, and Gov Blagojevich
Pass SB 2879 in Veto Session
Provide vital services to children with incarcerated parents

 

In Illinois, more than 90,000 children currently suffer through the incarceration of a parent.
Less than 1 in 6 are receiving counseling, according to The Chicago Reporter

 

 But Jesus said, “Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belong the kingdom of heaven.”

Matthew 19:14

 

SB2879 will provide information regarding vital services to families and children with incarcerated parents.  This bill passed both the Illinois House and Senate unanimously, however it is now caught up in disagreements regarding the Governor’s rule making authority.

 

But the lives of  Illinois' children are too important to wait.  Call or email Gov. Blagojevich, Speaker Madigan, and Senate President Jones and tell them:

 

“Children with incarcerated parents are punished along with their incarcerated parents. If we are going to continue to incarcerate as many people as we do, it is vital that we ensure that we do not injure innocent children in the process. SB2879 passed both the House and the Senate unanimously in the Spring. This bill would provide that information on vital services available to children with incarcerated parents be provided to the child’s caregiver. Please ensure that it becomes law this veto session. The 90,000 Illinois children with an incarcerated parent, are counting on you”

 

Governor Rod Blagojevich, 312-814-2121
Speaker Michael Madigan, 217-782-5350
President Emil Jones, 217-782-2728

• SB2879 directs DHS and IDOC to compile and make available information on visitation, family-counseling, mentoring, and school programs for children with a parent in prison.
• By providing information to parents in prison and utilizing DHS’s current distribution conduits, this legislation creates the best process to reach the largest number of children with incarcerated parents with important information.
• The public information produced and distributed by SB 2879 will be designed to reduce the stigma often associated with having a parent incarcerated.
• The costs of SB 2879 to Illinois will be minimal since no new programs are being created.

Contact the Governor, Speaker and Senate President Today!