A pilot program meant to provide supervision and care to adults and children with developmental disabilities will be expanded and made permanent under a measure sponsored by State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin). Senate Bill 3416 removes the pilot designation from what will be known as the Voucher Respite Program. Under the program, the Department of Human Services issues vouchers to participating families, which can be used to purchase services meant to provide supervision and care to individuals with developmental disabilities. The bill also removes the provider limit and expands the number of entities who may administer the program. The bill, which was an initiative of DHS, passed through the Senate Committee on Human Services Tuesday and awaits final action before the full Senate.