"Contracting agency" – A licensed child welfare agency that contracts with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), as defined in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 401, or its successor.

"Forgivable loan" – A higher education student loan made through ISAC that a person has incurred while enrolled in a social work program approved by the Council on Social Work Education or an accredited human services degree program.

"Human services degree" – For purposes of this Part, a human services degree is one that is accepted by DCFS and listed in 89 Ill. Adm. Code 401, Appendix G.