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In January, a report released by the Illinois Inspector General
showed that in 2022, nearly 50 more children died while in the
custody of DCFS than in 2021.
Pritzker was asked about those issues during a Monday forum.
"Addressing the problems that these children face requires a
comprehensive solution," Pritzker said. "It is not just about how we
protect that child, but also how do we change the dynamic for their
family."
State Rep. Steven Reick, R-Woodstock, has been vocal on this issue
and told The Center Square Pritzker has been unwilling to discuss
these issues with lawmakers.
"Instead of going to Boston and talking to the Kennedy Center, he
ought to be coming to us and talking to us about the problems that
we have with this agency," Reick said. "I don't want this to become
a political thing. It can't be a political thing. It's got to be
done through the agency of government, but the fact is he is turning
it into a cause of the left, and there are kids dying as a result."
The report by an inspector general for the Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services shows 171 children died while in
contact with the department last year alone.
Pritzker said he is working on getting DCFS the resources it needs
to improve.
"I came into office and because I have been involved with young
children for a long long time, and said I am going to stand with the
Department of Children and Family Services to put the resources in
and get the help that is needed," Pritzker said.
Reick said nothing can be fixed with DCFS until Pritzker opens up
and starts to work with the lawmakers in Springfield.
"It isn't like we are not getting the attention we deserve, we are
being completely ignored," Reick told The Center Square. "The fact
that remains is, all the things I am doing about DCFS is with an eye
towards getting the agency fixed and keeping kids safe."
DCFS in Illinois receives $1.5 billion in taxpayer money annually.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April of
2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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