SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It’s vital that we keep youth in care in need of residential treatment in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must work to avoid out-of-state transfers or placements that can be disruptive to those with complex behavioral and mental health medical needs long term.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

“Youth in care of DCFS deserve timely care,” said Johnson. “It is our duty as a General Assembly to uplift and support the needs of these children who are far too often forgotten.”

House Bill 439 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and goes to the full Senate for further deliberation.

SPRINGFIELD – The life of Donald Stallworth, III was tragically taken too soon when an ambulance – which drove through a stop sign without its siren – struck his motorcycle. To honor his memory and ensure that no other person is injured or killed the way their son was, the parents of Mr. Stallworth stood alongside State Senator Adriane Johnson and her colleagues at a press conference Thursday to fight for change.

“The passing of this bill is very important to our family because our lives have been forever changed. We have experienced an unbelievable loss with the passing of DJ, due to such a tragic accident,” said Satrese Stallworth, Donald’s mother. “He was a beautiful, amazing, talented, and very respectful young man. We will never get to experience his greatness in this lifetime. We don’t want to see another family suffer a great loss and experience the pain we’re enduring. Pain that was inflicted upon us by the people who come to preserve and save life. This is why it’s important to incorporate this law and keep his legacy alive.” 

What would be known as the “Donald (DJ) Stallworth, III Act,” Senate Bill 1251 would require ambulances proceeding through a red light or stop sign to slow down and use both the siren and lights – signaling its presence to other drivers. Further, the measure would require ambulance drivers to have documented training of the vehicle on the proper use of warning lights and sirens and situations where those lights and sirens are warranted.

“The very duty of ambulance drivers is to help save lives – however, we can’t put the risk of other people’s lives in danger,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I commend Mr. and Mrs. Stallworth for their bravery and advocacy to tell their late son’s story and uplift his legacy to make adequate change.”

Senate Bill 1251 passed the Senate and is expected to be heard before the House in the coming weeks.

Waukegan – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement following the tragic loss of Seamus Gray, a Navy sailor who was found dead in Lake Michigan:

“I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Seamus Gray. Our community sends its prayers, love and comfort to his family and friends.

“As a mother, my heart aches for their loss. I would like to thank our first responders and our community in their efforts to assist the family during this devastating time.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is successfully making progress to address homelessness and unnecessary institutionalism with the passing of House Bill 2831 Tuesday.

“Homelessness is an extensive issue in all corners of our state,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It’s time we take a comprehensive approach to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services for people who experience homelessness.”

House Bill 2831 would create an office within the Department of Human Services tasked with preventing and ending homelessness. The group would create a strategic plan aimed to decrease homelessness and improve health and human services outcomes for people who experience homelessness, and strengthening the safety- nets that contribute to housing stability.

“Far too many of our friends and neighbors are stricken by homelessness – it knows no ZIP code,” said Johnson. “We must uplift those in need while continuing to find the root cause of this epidemic.”

The measure passed the Public Health Committee and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.