325 ILCS 42/5: Definitions.

In this Act:

(1) "Department" means the Department of Human Services.

(2) "NPO" means a not-for-profit organization.

(3) "Municipality" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 1-1-2 of the Illinois Municipal Code.

(4) "Kinship care" means, as defined by Child Welfare League of America, the full time care, nurturing, and protection of children by relatives, members of their tribes or clans, grandparents, godparents, stepparents, or any adult who has physical custody and a kinship bond with a child. This definition is designed to be inclusive without age restrictions on the kinship caregiver and respectful of cultural values and ties of affection. It allows a child to grow to adulthood in a family environment.

(5) "Kinship Navigator" means a statewide program designed to ensure kinship caregivers the necessary resources for the preservation of the family.