Immigration Enforcement Resources for Families and Day Care Providers

Non-regulatory guidance on immigration enforcement actions at day care facilities

In collaboration with the Illinois Department of Early Childhood and the Office of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has issued new Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions at Day Care Facilities (October 17, 2025). This guidance is designed to help day care providers understand key steps they can take to prepare and respond appropriately and lawfully if immigration enforcement personnel visit or contact their program – while still protecting the safety, privacy and well-being of children and families. It focuses on maintaining confidentiality, preparing staff and supporting families through emergency planning.

Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions at Day Care Facilities (English)

Non-Regulatory Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Actions at Day Care Facilities (Spanish)

DCFS support for families facing immigration challenges

Children under age 18 are presumed to be cared for by their natural parent(s). If a parent becomes unavailable to provide care for their child, a relative or other back-up caregiver can step in. If a parent identifies who this back-up caregiver will be in advance and takes some additional steps, the back-up caregiver will have additional legal rights to make important and necessary decisions for the youth.

When there isn’t a plan in place, DCFS is an expert in helping find family members or fictive kin who can care for a child. Only when necessary and all other options are explored, the State of Illinois can seek to have a legal guardian appointed to ensure that a youth without an adult caregiver is provided proper care and to consent to legal, medical and educational matters on the youth’s behalf.

Please contact the DCFS Advocacy Office with questions about how to support youth and caregivers dealing with immigration concerns. Please contact a private attorney with questions about different legal options for guardianship. Click on the document below in your preferred language to learn more.

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (English)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Spanish)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Polish)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Arabic)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Haitian Creole)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Hindi)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Russian)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Simplified Chinese)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Swahili)

DCFS Support for Families Facing Immigration Challenges (Vietnamese)

Illinois Family Support: Guidance for Times of Heightened ICE Activity Social Media Toolkit