Press Releases
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Gov. Pritzker Signs the Kinship in Demand ("KIND") Act
SPRINGFIELD- Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed House Bill 4781, the Kinship in Demand (“KIND”) Act, into law, allowing the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to develop more flexible standards to certify grandparents and other relatives who are able to safely care for youth in DCFS’s care.
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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), in collaboration with Microsoft, today unveiled Ally-IL, a custom application enabling DCFS caseworkers to connect and engage with youth and support networks virtually using a Microsoft Teams platform.
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Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of BEACON Children's Behavioral Health Portal
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs.
IL DCFS Partners to Prevent Human Trafficking, Promote Education, Awareness and Support Survivors
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
SPRINGFIELD - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is joining forces with the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and various community organizations to raise awareness of Human Trafficking, one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to control another person for labor or commercial sex purposes. Millions of men, women and children are trafficked worldwide, including in Illinois. As we reflect on this critical issue, it is essential to recognize the collaborative efforts across agencies and community organizations working together to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable populations.
"Human trafficking is a pervasive issue that affects every corner of our nation, from bustling cities to small rural towns, and no community is immune," said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. "This crime can impact anyone, and it is especially critical that we remain vigilant in protecting vulnerable children and youth from exploitation. Through our ongoing collaborations with law enforcement, community organizations and dedicated service providers, we are strengthening our ability to fight human trafficking to ensure the safety and well-being of Illinois' children and youth."
Building on this commitment, DCFS is taking proactive steps in January to raise awareness and support survivors of human trafficking. Through continued partnerships with other state agencies and community organizations, the department will host several key events. These events will foster a community that is aware, supportive and hopeful for a future free from trafficking.
On January 16 and 30, DCFS' contracted provider, Power Project, will offer training for DCFS staff, focusing on better identifying and supporting survivors of human trafficking. Additionally, DCFS will collaborate with Girls Night Out Outreach Events on January 11 and 24. Volunteers from DCFS and other community organizations will distribute food, blankets and resources in the Chicago area providing support to individuals seeking to leave lives of exploitation. These events will offer HIV/AIDS testing, drug treatment options and safe house placements. The DCFS Statewide human trafficking prevention program manager will also present at various programs to educate and raise awareness about the ongoing issue.
"Through enhanced training and focused operations, ISP continues to equip our officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to identify trafficking situations and respond effectively," said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
"Continued collaboration with DCFS is key to combat human trafficking and strengthen prevention and public education," said IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce M. Quintero. "These partnerships have a broad reach and will increase the state's support for survivors at a community level. I want to thank our sister agencies and all those joining us in these proactive efforts."
By working together—across agencies and with our partners in law enforcement and the community—Illinois is taking critical steps toward ending human trafficking. We can protect and empower the vulnerable with shared responsibility and unwavering commitment, ensuring no one is left behind in this fight.
To report suspected human trafficking or seek help, contact:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: www.humantraffickinghotline.org, 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.
- Illinois State Police Investigative Tips website: https://isptips.illinois.gov/.
- For children at risk, immediately call 911 and the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).
About the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) - Our vision is for every child and youth in Illinois to grow and thrive in a loving family. To achieve this goal, DCFS promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of suspected child abuse and neglect and providing family-centered care and connection to resources to strengthen families and keep children safely at home. Our values - family focused, integrity, respect, empathy and equity - are at the forefront of every decision we make to ensure children are safe and families have the resources they need to succeed. To make an anonymous report of suspected child abuse or neglect, visit childabuse.illinois.gov. In an emergency, call the DCFS Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE).
Press Releases
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CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) Director Jim Bennett and the Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (OPEH) issued a letter to remind public officials and local units of government of their obligations under the Illinois Human Rights Act (IHRA), the Illinois Civil Rights Act of 2003, and the Bill of Rights for the Homeless Act (BRHA).
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2025 Illinois State Archery Tournament scheduled for March 22 in Mattoon
SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Illinois State Archery Tournament is set for Saturday, March 22 at the Emerald Sports Complex in Mattoon. This highly anticipated event highlights the dedication and skill of student archers from across the state. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Conservation Foundation (ICF) have partnered with the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) to support Illinois’ top young archers by awarding 12 $1,000 scholarships at the 2025 Illinois State Archery Tournament. These scholarships recognize the dedication, skill, and academic achievements of student archers competing at the highest level.
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Apply now for the youth and family wingshooting clinic in Sangamon County
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Youth between the ages of 10 and 17 can register now for the youth and family wingshooting clinic Saturday, April 5 at the James Orlandini Foundation site located at 5522 Mechanicsburg Rd. in Springfield.