The Protecting Innocent Families Act is supported by:
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ACLU Illinois
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Ascend Justice
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Cabrini Green Legal Aid
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Center for Integrity in Forensic Sciences
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Chicago Appleseed Center for Fair Courts
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Cook County Justice Advisory Council
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Family Justice Resource Center
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Greater West Town Community Development Project
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Holistic Birth Collective
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Homeschool Legal Defense Association
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If/When/How: Lawyering for Reproductive Justice
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National Association of Social Workers, Illinois Chapter
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Illinois Black Advocacy Initiative
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Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence
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Illinois Prison Project Action Fund
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The James B. Moran Center for Youth Advocacy
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Legal Action Chicago
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Office of Cook County Public Defender
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Parental Rights Association
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Roll Call Organization
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Shriver Center on Poverty Law
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She Votes Illinois
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Texas Public Policy
Summary
Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford and Representative Mary Beth Canty, this bill advances transparency and fairness in medical evaluations related to suspected child maltreatment, with particular attention to protecting families who face disproportionate involvement in the child welfare system.
Provisions
Ensuring Due Process & Transparency in Child Welfare
The Protecting Innocent Families Act enhances transparency and procedural safeguards within the child welfare system. By reinforcing due process and accountability, the bill responds to longstanding concerns about disproportionate impact on vulnerable families — including families of color and families whose children have complex medical conditions. Key provisions include:
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Right to Know
This bill requires clear notice to parents when a contracted medical professional evaluates their child in connection with a DCFS matter. Transparency ensures parents understand the purpose of the evaluation and how it may be used.
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Right to a Second Opinion
The bill requires DCFS to notify parents of their right to obtain the medical opinion relied upon by the Department, to submit an independent medical opinion before the investigation concludes, and that the second opinion must be considered as part of the evidentiary record.
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Enhanced Accountability through Data Collection
This bill establishes annual public reporting on investigations involving contracted medical professionals, strengthening transparency and enabling evidence-based evaluation of investigative outcomes across regions and demographic groups.