SPRINGFIELD – A groundbreaking initiative led by State Senator Mike Simmons to empower caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services was signed into law on Friday.

“Haircare and hair styles are crucial forms of self-expression, identity, and connection to race, culture and ethnicity,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Too often, youth in care lose a piece of that while they are in foster care – especially Black children and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community who are disproportionately represented in the child welfare systems.”

Simmons’ new law requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare by June 1, 2025. His law outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training, including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

Building off his work highlighting the important ties between hair and cultural identity with his work in 2021 to pass the Jett Hawkins Law, Simmons aims to foster a sense of belonging and confidence among youth in care by establishing a framework that safeguards their cultural connection to hair.

“Hair is more than just a grooming practice, it plays a crucial role in several cultures and for youth in general as a form of expression,” said Simmons. “By recognizing and respecting the diverse hair textures and styles of our youth, we defend the right of youth in care to express themselves and have some measure of agency.”

“I am so grateful to the precious and brilliant youth who conceived this crucial legislation, and for trusting me to be their voice in the Senate,” added Simmons.

House Bill 5097 goes into effect Jan. 1.