Hearing reveals progress, shortcomings in DCFS ability to provide data on children in care

• DCFS
• Children

CHICAGO – After a series of high-profile media reports highlighted failures within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to protect abused children, State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) passed a law reforming the troubled agency. 

Part of Morrison’s efforts included an audit of DCFS to ensure children in the agency’s care do not remain in psychiatric hospitals, emergency shelters or detention centers for longer periods of time than necessary.

The findings of the audit, which were released in September and were the subject of a Human Services Committee hearing today in Chicago, found DCFS did not track and could not provide the majority of the data requested.

“For too long, DCFS operated with antiquated technologies and insufficient oversight that allowed some of our most troubled youth to slip through the cracks,” Morrison said. “While there has been progress made on a number of fronts, there is still much work to be done to ensure that no child who has been abused or neglected gets left behind by the state.”

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Morrison: Families right to be concerned about state’s commitment to individuals with disabilities

• Human Services
• Disability Services

CHICAGO - For families of individuals with disabilities in Illinois, the process of securing job training services, residential housing options or day programs can be an arduous process that can takes years. 

“My son has been waiting for services since 2008,” said Mike Baker, parent and State Advocacy Chair of Autism Speaks.

Baker testified today about the importance of providing services for individuals with disabilities at a Senate Human Services Committee hearing held at the Bilandic Building in downtown Chicago.

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Environmental Town Hall coming to the Botanic Garden

• Events
• Environment,
• Glencoe
• Botanic Garden

Join Senator Julie Morrison, Representative Elaine Nekritz and Representative Scott Drury for a town hall on environmental issues, taking place on Wednesday, September 21 at 7 p.m. at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Have a question or want to RSVP?
Please contact John Amdor in Rep. Nekrtiz's office at (847) 229-5499 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Disability Employment Summit - Sept. 27

• Events
• Highland Park
• Disability Rights

Join Senator Julie Morrison, Division of Rehabilitation Services Bureau Chief Louis Hamer, representatives from Aspiritech and a host of other distinguished guests on Sept. 27 at Highland Park Country Club as they discuss employment opportunities for Illinoisans with disabilities.

Questions?
Contact Senator Morrison's office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200.

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