Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

Illinois Senate Bill SB2536

Introduced
3/7/23  
Refer
3/7/23  
Refer
1/24/24  
Report Pass
3/6/24  

Caption

PARENT MENTORSHIP PROGRAM ACT

Impact

This legislation will significantly alter the landscape of support available to new parents in Illinois. By facilitating a mentorship program that includes practical resources—such as a directory of safety standards established by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and access to donation centers for necessary baby products—it addresses both parenting education and the practical challenges faced by first-time parents. Moreover, the bill's provision for creating grants to support nonprofit organizations adds a layer of flexibility and potential reach, enabling community-based organizations to tailor services based on unique local needs.

Summary

SB2536, known as the First-Time Parent Mentorship Program Act, proposes the establishment of a mentorship program aimed at assisting first-time parents. The bill mandates the Department of Human Services to develop a program tailored for individuals who have recently become parents, specifically within the past six months. This initiative seeks to provide critical support and resources that can enhance their parenting skills and overall wellbeing. The program is structured to include tutoring and mentoring sessions conducted by qualified individuals with substantial experience in childcare and adult training services. It emphasizes the necessity of a minimum of 10 hours of support for each participant, ensuring focused and personalized guidance.

Contention

While the bill is expected to receive general support due to its intention to aid new parents, potential contention may arise around the implementation and administration of the mentorship program. Discussions might focus on the qualifications of the mentors involved, the effectiveness of the resources provided, and how well the program meets the varying needs of parents across diverse socio-economic backgrounds. Critics may also examine the extent of state involvement in regulating parenting practices through such programs, debating the balance between state support and personal autonomy.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IL HB1563

School business officers; establish mentorship program for.

IL HB1217

School business officers; establish mentorship program for.

IL HR243

Young Ladies of Class Mentorship Program, honored

IL AB1114

Grants for fine arts teacher mentorship and making an appropriation. (FE)

IL A1979

Establishes "Male Teachers of Color Mentorship Pilot Program"; appropriates $95,000.

IL HB613

Teacher Recruitment and Retention Mentorship Pilot Program; established, report, sunset.

IL SB195

Apprenticeships, Internships and Mentorships (AIM) Act of 2016; directing the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to obtain certain insurance coverage. Effective date. Emergency.

IL SB195

Apprenticeships, Internships and Mentorships (AIM) Act of 2016; directing the Office of Management and Enterprise Services to obtain certain insurance coverage. Effective date. Emergency.

IL SF1616

Commissioner of veterans affairs appropriation for a veteran mentorship program for Black youth

IL HJR244

Young Ladies of Class Mentorship and Debutante Program and its founder, Sheyann Webb-Christburg, honored

Similar Bills

WI AB1114

Grants for fine arts teacher mentorship and making an appropriation. (FE)

TN HJR0131

A RESOLUTION to raise awareness of the importance of positive male role models and mentorship opportunities in schools, nonprofit organizations, and faith-based organizations.

GA SR434

Fountain, Myron; commend

DC B26-0479

Youth Villages Grant Establishment Amendment Act of 2025

DC B26-0468

Youth Employment Program Cohort Expansion Amendment Act of 2025

CA SB1194

Immigration Legal Fellowship Project.

SC H5521

Big Homie, Lil Homie Mentoring Program

NY J01456

Honoring Sheikess Emilie Nader Bey upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Community Service Award in Mentorship & Leadership by Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc.