Hello!
I hope you enjoyed your weekend and are staying warm in these temperatures! There’s a lot happening in our district, and I want to make sure you’re aware of several upcoming opportunities to connect with resources and give back in meaningful ways. From a property tax appeal workshop in Palatine to a foster care and adoption seminar, along with ways to spread some Valentine’s cheer to local seniors, my office is here and ready to help.
This week’s topics include:
- Senator Hills Introduces Legislation to Improve Transparency for Missing Foster Youth
- Property Tax Appeal Workshop in Palatine – This Wednesday!
- Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar – This Saturday!
- Collecting Valentines for Seniors
- My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
Senator Hills Introduces Legislation to Improve Transparency for Missing Foster Youth
If there is one missing child, it alarms me, let alone 193.
That is why I introduced Senate Bill 2869, legislation that would require the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to publicly report how many children in state care are reported missing, how many are found, and how many remain missing.
According to reporting from The Center Square, DCFS data shows that 193 foster children were reported missing while under state care in 2025, as of October 9. Illinois has a responsibility to protect vulnerable children and to ensure accurate, transparent reporting when children go missing from the foster care system.
Senate Bill 2869 would require DCFS to consistently track and publicly report missing foster youth, giving lawmakers and the public a clearer understanding of the scope of the problem and helping ensure children in care are not falling through the cracks. We cannot protect vulnerable children if we do not know the full picture, and one missing child is already too many.
Senate Bill 2869 has been filed and is awaiting committee assignment.
Read my full interview with Center Square here.
Property Tax Appeal Workshop in Palatine – This Wednesday!
As property tax bills arrive, we know it can be frustrating. That is why we’re working to make sure hardworking taxpayers have answers and support.
There is a team from the Cook County Board of Review coming to Palatine to answer your questions, explain your bill, and help submit completed appeals — in person. Please click here or see the full details below.
This is for Palatine Township and Schaumburg Township residents only.
Date: Wednesday, January 28
Time: 6–8pm
Location: Palatine Township Building, 721 S. Quentin Rd.
Note: The Palatine Township appeal deadline is Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Upcoming Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar – This Saturday!
I’m proud to partner with Let It Be Us and fellow legislators for a Foster Care and Adoption 101 Seminar on January 31st from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Libertyville at the Libertyville Civic Center.
Whether you’re just starting to learn or looking to get more involved, this free event offers valuable information and resources for supporting children and families impacted by foster care and adoption.
All are welcome and attendance is free. Seating is limited, register now at letitbeus.org/senatorhills. Please contact Kate at katesoldan@letitbeus.org if you have any questions.
Collecting Valentines for Seniors
With Valentine’s Day approaching, I am inviting you to write a Valentine’s Day card for seniors in our district. These small gestures mean so much and help remind our seniors they are valued and remembered.
Last year, our caucus collected and delivered more than 60,000 Valentine’s cards statewide, helping brighten the day for thousands of seniors.
Residents interested in participating are encouraged to contact my office for drop-off details or visit https://www.senatordarbyhills.com/events/ to learn more about the program.
Drop off or mail cards by February 6th, 2026 to my district office at 795 Ela Road, Suite 208, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Drop off hours are between 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Monday- Friday.
My Office is Coming to Palatine – Traveling Office Hours
I loved spending time last week at the Palatine Library for Traveling Office Hours, connecting with neighbors, answering questions, and hearing directly about the issues that matter most to you.
Staying connected to our community is a priority, which is why we’re bringing the office back to Palatine. I invite you to stop by one of our upcoming Traveling Office Hours to meet with our team, share your thoughts, and get help navigating state issues. Your input truly matters, it helps guide my work in Springfield and ensures your voice is heard.
Upcoming Traveling Office Hours:
Thursday, Feb. 19th from 5 PM – 7 PM
Thursday, March 19th from 10 AM – 12 PM
Thursday, April 9th from 5 PM – 7 PM
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Senator Darby Hills