In 2011, Illinois had the third largest number of youth in the U.S. who aged out of foster care at 21 percent, according to Northwestern University. The same year, University of Chicago reported that those young people face challenges including unemployment, homelessness and incarceration.

A plan from State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) to create internship opportunities for youth who have aged out of Illinois’ foster care system has passed the Illinois Senate and House.

A new measure that could help protect children’s rights during guardianship battles passed the Illinois General Assembly.

“Children need stable households while growing up. Constant relocation within and outside of the state disrupts the child’s life,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter, sponsor of the bill.

Today, the University of Chicago, located on Chicago’s South Side, won the bid for the future Barack Obama Presidential Center. State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is pleased the president selected his home city for his library.

“President Obama’s legacy will inspire youth across Chicago to aim for the highest offices,” said Hunter, a former colleague of then-State Senator Obama.

Unemployed and foster Illinois youth could soon find relief thanks to a new jobs plan sponsored by State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). The Illinois Senate passed the measure 42-10 today.

“Financial hardships pressure young people to find a job. Youth are going to find ways to survive regardless, whether it’s working for a business or on the streets. Our job is to create constructive options to uplift our most at-risk residents,” Sen. Hunter said.