We cannot allow DCFS to continue to fail Illinois families. The agency needs a complete overhaul, strong leadership, and a clear direction forward to ensure children in our state’s care are protected.
https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/illinois-dcfs-report-card-more-failures/#
Rep. Frese and other members of the Sustaining and Protecting At-Risk Kids (SPARK) working group are fighting for passage of new safeguards to protect children in the state’s care, including:
- House Bill 3471, which would allow local law enforcement to conduct their own abuse and neglect investigations and requires DCFS to share their investigation reports with local County State’s Attorneys;
- House Bill 3002, which creates an independent Ombudsperson to investigate complaints against DCFS, provide recommendations, and report to law enforcement when necessary;
- House Bill 2935, which requires DCFS to establish a caseload tracking system which will monitor and evaluate the interrelationship between case plans, the Department’s case tracking system, and work responsibilities;
- House Bill 3614, which provides that prior to final approval for placement of a child, DCFS will request that the Illinois State Police conduct a criminal records background check of the prospective foster or adoptive parents; and
- House Bill 3618, which requires DCFS to develop a plan to phase in mandatory intact family services for at-risk families who are in need of continuing assistance and monitoring following an abuse or neglect investigation.