Illinois enacted a law prohibiting discrimination against employees who must care for family members at home. The law will not require employers to make accommodations or modifications to reasonable workplace rules and policies to allow employees to fulfill their caregiving responsibilities.
In conclusion, there are 4 types of caregivers: family caregivers, professional caregivers, volunteer caregivers, and informal caregivers. Each caregiver faces unique challenges, including physical and emotional exhaustion, financial strain, and balancing personal and caregiving responsibilities.
Illinois Caregiver Training Requirements In-home Service Workers: Required to complete 8 hours of topic specific initial training and a minimum of 8 hours CE annually. Homecare Aides: Required to complete 2 hours of agency specific orientation, 22 hours of topic specific training, and 12 hours CE annually.
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides eligible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job protected leave. Leave is available for 26 unpaid weeks for the care of a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.
CHICAGO - Workers in Illinois who provide personal care to family members are protected from employment discrimination based on family responsibilities as of January 1, 2025. Illinois is now one of fewer than 10 states to provide employment protections for family caregivers.
Some Golden Rules of Caregiving: Identify yourself as a caregiver. A caregiver is anyone who provides unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled. Know your right to benefits. If you feel you need help, ask. Tell your doctor. Take breaks. Eat well. Get adequate sleep. Get a hobby.
File a Complaint with IDFPR The Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is the regulatory body for ALL social workers in Illinois, and ultimately has oversight over all Illinois social workers. IDFPR can take formal complaints.
Filing a complaint If you wish to file a complaint with the OIG, complete the online Request for Investigation form. To contact the DCFS Office of the Inspector General by phone, please call 312-433-3000 or 800-722-9124.
Families involved with DCFS have the right to: Receive and understand information and instructions about their service needs. Consent to or refuse services before they are provided. Know the nature and purpose of services. Refuse services, with the receipt of information on the consequences of refusal.