CHICAGO – A new law sponsored by State Senator Robert Peters (D-Chicago) would speed up the process of intercounty transfer of child protection cases.

“The kids who are in this system are there because they’ve already experienced trauma through neglect or abuse,” Peters said. “They shouldn’t have to experience more as a result of being caught up in bureaucracy for weeks or months if they need to be transferred.”

Currently, there is no timeframe for the process of transferring child protection cases between counties. Under Senate Bill 651, within 15 days of a transfer occurring, the clerk of the transferring county must submit all related documentation to the clerk of the receiving county, who must then set a status hearing with 10 days of receipt.

“These kids rely on state services for support, so by speeding up the transfer process, we’re ensuring they won’t have to go without the services for too long,” Peters said.

Both chambers of the General Assembly approved the legislation with no opposition, and the governor signed it Monday. It is effective immediately.