SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Cristina Castro led a new law that will expand at-home care for newborns and their families.
“The early months of parenthood can be both rewarding and overwhelming,” said Castro (D-Elgin). “Ensuring new mothers have access to resources, guidance and community support helps create a stronger foundation for families to thrive.”
Over the last three decades, Illinois has administered home visiting programs to assist with child development, parenting skills, family bonding and health, and more. The current home visiting system is a valuable resource for early childhood development statewide, serving approximately 17,000 Illinois families annually. Home visiting programs are proven to have significant positive effects on maternal and family well-being by improving maternal mental and behavioral health, parent-child interactions and family economic circumstances.
Castro’s law builds on current state support by authorizing the Illinois Department of Human Services to develop and oversee a statewide, voluntary, no-cost newborn home visiting program that will aid with existing and future short-term universal newborn home visiting services, from lactation support to health screenings. Through Castro’s law, the department will be empowered to establish evidence-based service models, coordinate funding and data efforts, and collaborate with stakeholders to expand services for newborns and their families.
“This is a meaningful step forward in our long-standing commitment to the well-being of families across the state,” said Castro. “My colleagues and I will continue to work on solutions that continue to fulfill this commitment to working families.”
House Bill 4606 was signed on Friday and takes effect July 1, 2027.
