The Latest Breaking News from Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Embattled DCFS director Marc Smith announces resignation

The news comes a week after a blistering report from the Illinois auditor general highlighting delays in reporting child abuse to other authorities, protecting children allegedly abused and finding placements for kids.

Chicago Sun-Times · Oct 4, 2023

DCFS blocking undocumented survivors of child abuse from applying for visas allowing them to stay in U.S.

The Illinois child-welfare agency for years has refused to issue “U visa” certifications to survivors of child abuse despite a law mandating that it must decide whether they qualify within 90 business days after they apply.

Chicago Sun-Times · Feb 25, 2023

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Wrongfully Jailed Children for Months, New Lawsuit Alleges

"Sometimes I even feel like they wanted me in there, because I was in there so long," said one 18-year-old who was wrongfully incarcerated for 166 days.

Reason · Jan 23, 2023

DCFS must release entire case file on Amaria Osby

Amaria’s mother is accused of killing her on May 24, hours after the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services was in the home investigating a report of abuse.

Chicago Sun-Times · Jun 8, 2022

Mother accused of killing 8-year-old daughter in Uptown home because she believed girl ‘didn’t love her anymore.’

Amaria Osby screamed, ‘Momma stop,” as Andreal Hagler placed a plastic bag over her head and held her down on a bed, prosecutors say.

Chicago Sun-Times · May 27, 2022