Under the proposed legislation, DHS will have the authority to contract with a lead entity responsible for overseeing the statewide Domestic Violence Hotline. The lead entity will be required to provide 24/7 confidential referral services that are multilingual and accessible to both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. It must also demonstrate experience in providing referrals and adequate staffing to meet the demands of the service effectively. Moreover, the legislation emphasizes the necessity for the lead entity to utilize up-to-date technology, particularly to serve individuals with disabilities.
Summary
SB1470, introduced by Senator Karina Villa, amends the Domestic Violence Shelters Act, focusing on enhancing support services for victims of domestic violence in Illinois. The bill mandates the establishment of a single, easily accessible telephone number managed by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide information and referrals for domestic violence services. This will create a centralized hotline intended to streamline access to crucial resources for victims, their families, and first responders.
Contention
Notable points of contention surrounding SB1470 may arise from differing views on the management and allocation of resources for domestic violence services. Concerns may center on the selection of the contracted lead entity, particularly regarding its capacity to deliver quality services. Stakeholders may debate the effectiveness of a centralized hotline versus localized services that enable more tailored support to victims. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance the existing framework of domestic violence services but could face scrutiny over its implementation and oversight mechanisms.