Be Strong Families Presents the 1st Annual
WELLNESS FROM ROOT TO SOUL
HAIRCARE SYMPOSIUM
December 13, 2025
Governor's State University University Park, IL
Hairshow
Workshops
Resource Fair
Live Demos
Sponsored by:
All About the Haircare Symposium!
What is the Event?
Join us for a powerful day dedicated to the historic Illinois Haircare Bill (HB 5097). This free event is designed to support foster parents, child welfare professionals, and youth in care in implementing effective haircare plans. The day features interactive workshops, hands-on demonstrations, and a dynamic hair show that highlights the importance of honoring each individual’s unique identity through proper haircare.
Why It’s Important
Youth in care often face unique challenges related to cultural and personal identity and self-esteem. The Illinois Haircare Bill, championed by the IDCFS Youth Advisory Board (YAB), addresses these needs by ensuring that foster youth have access to training, products, and support that reflect their culture. This event celebrates the milestone achieved by the bill and its role in creating a supportive, inclusive foster care environment.
What Is the Haircare Bill?
Signed into law in 2024, HB 5097 mandates that Illinois foster parents and caregivers receive training on the importance of how hair expresses the diverse identities we hold. It ensures that youth in care receive the appropriate care and access to the products they need. Additionally, the law requires that haircare plans be developed for all youth in care, supporting them with individualized routines and resources. This legislation helps foster belonging, builds self-esteem, and empowers youth to embrace their identities.
What is the Impact?
The Haircare Bill is the first legislation of its kind in Illinois, inspired and driven by the voices of youth in care. It not only serves as a model for other states but also underscores the potential of youth-led initiatives to create systemic change. By giving youth the tools to advocate for themselves, this bill paves the way for a more equitable future.
Meet the Haircare Symposium’s National Advisory Committee
James Minter
Director of Advocacy, Selfless Love Foundation
Jacquelyn Dortch
Illinois DCFS Chief of Staff
Rhonda Scullark
Senior Deputy Director of CITY (Creating Independent Transitions for Youth) CASA of Cook County
Dr. Afiya Mbilishaka, PHD
Psychologist, Hairstylist, Founder/CEO
Ashley Lemaster
Academy Manager at L’Oreal ProLab (Former)
Elizabeth Richmond
IL Statewide Coordinator for Adoption and Guardianship Support Program
Kimberly duBuclet
Illinois State Representative
Dagene Brown
Illinois DCFS Director of Racial Equity Practice
Verletta Saxon
Illinois DCFS Dept Dir Research & Child Wellbeing
Tim Snowden
Illinois DCFS Asst Dir Youth & Families in Care
Christopher Towers
Illinois DCFS DEI Chief of African American Services
Anita Weinberg, JD
Loyola University Chicago School of Law
Denise Boston, PHD - Co-Chair
Equity and Restorative Practices Manager in the Office of Human Rights and Equity Howard County, Maryland
Daniel L. Fitzgerald - Co-Chair
Illinois DCFS EEO Chief Diversity Officer
Heavy Crownz
Artist / BSF Board member
Chevelle Bailey
Illinois DCFS, Deputy Director Office of Education and Transition Services
Rebecca Thomas
Chair, Illinois Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council (Outgoing)
Marla E. Courts
Illinois DCFS Statewide Chief of LGBTQIA+ Affairs
Jamie Digrazia
Founder, Hair Has No Gender
Tamekia Swint
Founder and Executive Director, Styles4Kids
Womazetta Robinson
Managing Director, Strategic Consulting, Casey Family Programs
Media Spotlight on the Haircare Bill
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Hairitage Talks S2 Ep 4: Empowering Foster Youth - Advocacy, Change, and Care in Illinois
This episode will highlight the challenges and needs of foster youth in Illinois, featuring a conversation with Christina Wolken of Be Strong Families and Jamika Smith, who are leading youth advocacy efforts in Illinois. The discussion will explore the impact of the youth advisory board, barriers faced by foster youth, and how advocacy is shaping change. A special focus will be placed on hair care, a critical yet often overlooked aspect of identity and well-being for youth, particularly in transracial placements.
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Black youth in foster care deserve hair care plans to build self-worth, cultural identity
Many of these youth face challenges related to their hair care needs not being adequately met, which can impact their sense of self-worth and cultural belonging.
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Styles4Kidz Podcast: Hairitage Talks Episode 5: HB 5097
Tamekia Swint speaks with Loyola University's Chicago School of Law, law and social justice professor Anita Weinberg, Jocelyn Fetting, an aspiring intern for the IDCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board, and Ni'Yuana Baker, intern for the central region of the Illinois Statewide Youth Advisory Board, about the HB 5097 bill. A call to action by the DCFS Statewide Youth Advisory Board to help youth maintain their connection to culture and identity while in foster care through proper hair care.
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Illinois Law Rules Haircare Plan Must Be Included In Youth's Care Plan Through DCFS
One new Illinois law will have an impact on Illinois youth, especially those within the foster care system. The Haircare Plan (HB5097) will require every youth in foster care to have a haircare plan included in their over all care.
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![Senator Mike Simmons]()
Simmons passes legislation to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care
“Hair plays a crucial role in young people's lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence that can positively influence all aspects of their lives.”
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Illinois House passes bill requiring cultural hair care plans for DCFS youth in care
The Illinois House voted unanimously Friday to pass a plan requiring DCFS caseworkers to develop hair care plans with youth in care and their foster parents.
Members of the DCFS Youth Advisory Board worked with lawmakers to make this recommendation into legislation.
Be Part of This Transformative Event
We’re seeking sponsors, vendors, educators, and community leaders to help bring this symposium to life. Partnering with us provides a unique opportunity to:
Support Youth Advocacy– Elevate youth voices in athe critical conversation around cultural identity and self-care.
Share Your Expertise – Help educate and inspire with insights into haircare, well-being, and identity.
Make a Difference – Your support will ensure this event’s success and create lasting impact for youth in care across Illinois.
For More Information
or to inquire about participation,
please contact us at yab@bestrongfamilies.net
or visit bestrongfamilies.org/haircare
