|
In January, a 248-page report released by the Illinois Inspector
General shows that in 2022, nearly 50 more children died while
under the supervision of DCFS than in 2021.
Smith has received at least eight contempt of court orders after
the agency failed to place youth in proper care in a timely
manner.
Pritzker said he will not change leadership within the
department. Earlier this month, the governor reappointed Smith
for another term at $200,000 a year.
State Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, was asked about
Pritzker's appointment, which still needs to be approved by the
Senate within 60 session days of the appointment.
"We will be taking that up as part of the executive appointments
process, so I am not going to get ahead of that," Gillespie
said. "We know there are issues within DCFS that need to be
fixed. Nobody is denying that."
Gillespie also introduced legislation that will give youth in
any abuse or neglect case legal assistance.
"We are proud to announce that we have filed legislation to
provide youth in care in DCFS with legal representation,"
Gillespie said in early February. "Children in youth with lived
experience in our child welfare system have overwhelmingly
voiced their desire to be seen, heard, and represented."
Republican lawmakers have been critical of the decision to
reappoint Smith.
State Rep. Charles Meier, R-Highland, said Smith needs to go.
"It seems like in Illinois, we never learn from our mistakes.
Children have been dying in their custody, and here we are going
to go and keep the same gentleman running it," Meier told The
Center Square. "We have to make changes. These kids' lives
matter."
Pritzker proposes DCFS receive nearly $1.4 billion in state
taxpayer funds for the coming fiscal year.
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.
|
|
