May 31, 2024
The Honorable J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
Office of the Governor
401 S. Spring St.
Springfield, IL 62704

Re: Illinois SB2824; SCH CD-NONRESIDENT PUPIL-WAIVE

Dear Governor Pritzker:

On May 15, 2024, both houses of the Illinois State Legislature passed SB2824. On behalf of the
team at Justice for Kids, I strongly encourage you to sign this Bill.

The journey of a foster child is difficult enough, as they have endured the trauma of neglect,
violence, and/or abuse. Once placed into care, a foster youth endures the trauma of losing their
parent or caregiver. Should they also be forced to lose their support system of friends, teachers,
and peers? This is an additional trauma that you have the power to prevent by signing this bill.
Currently, in Illinois, when a child is placed in a new home, they often must leave their school
district. Why should a foster child’s education be jeopardized because they have been removed
from their home?

The National Governors Association (NGA) recognizes the importance of preventing and
mitigating adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. In December 2021, the NGA
published a report discussing ACEs, the long-term effects these experiences have on individuals
and society, and what can be done to mitigate the damages. The report found that ACEs are
exacerbated by disruption in family life, housing insecurity, social isolation, and school closures,
while early education plays a vital role in preventing ACEs. The report cited data determining that
the health-related costs of ACEs cost the state $112.5 billion annually. SB2824 aims to mitigate
ACEs by minimizing social isolation and disruptions in a foster youth’s education.

Thus, disruptions in a foster youth’s education affect not only the individual, but all of society. The
statistics paint a stark picture: between 57% and 93% of foster children experience school changes
during their time in care. The odds of high school dropout increase significantly with multiple
disruptions in foster care, leading to starkly higher juvenile delinquency rates. SB2824 aims to
break this cycle by affording foster children the stability they desperately need. Research
underscores that a stable environment paves the way for predictability and certainty, which are
essential ingredients for success in a child’s future.

In light of the formidable challenges facing foster children, they should not be subjected to the
additional burden of school transitions when it can be readily prevented. As such, I urge you to
sign SB2824 into law.

Very truly yours,
Julianna B. Walo