Legislator says new laws not enough to fix Illinois' troubled child welfare agency

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[December 20, 2023]  By Andrew Hensel | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois will enact new laws that aim to fix issues within the Department of Children and Family Services. However, one lawmaker says there is still a long way to go.   

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Director Marc Smith next to Gov. J.B. Pritzker in May 2019 - BlueRoomStream

House Bill 3705 places children in suitable permanent family arrangements rather than in suitable adoptive homes, in cases where restoration to the biological family is not safe. House Bill 2861 states that DCFS shall prepare a written report for filing with the court and send copies of the report to all parties involved. Senate Bill 375 requires DCFS to develop and implement a safety-based child welfare intervention system.

(The Center Square) – Starting Jan. 1, Illinois will enact new laws that aim to fix issues within the Department of Children and Family Services. However, one lawmaker says there is still a long way to go.

House Bill 3705 places children in suitable permanent family arrangements rather than in suitable adoptive homes, in cases where restoration to the biological family is not safe. House Bill 2861 states that DCFS shall prepare a written report for filing with the court and send copies of the report to all parties involved. Senate Bill 375 requires DCFS to develop and implement a safety-based child welfare intervention system.

 

 

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