In another highly negative audit report, with seventeen material findings, Illinois’ Department of Children and Family Services again stands out as the state’s most problem-plagued agencies. And Illinois House Republicans are only too happy to pile on.

This time, it’s really on Gov. JB Pritzker, said State Rep. Steve Reick (R-Woodstock), as spinning the revolving door of directors won’t help.

“You could replace (DCFS director) Marc Smith (pictured) with St Germaine Cousin,” said Reick,”who is the patron saint of abused children. And nothing ould change.”

In an emailed response, the agency noted the pandemic, aging technology infrastructure, and the largest staff in fifteen years.

The audit is here.

Department of Children and Family Services’ full statement:

The audit covers the years during the height of the pandemic – a historic, unprecedented time when many uncertainties around the world existed and staffing at DCFS and other businesses worldwide were at an all-time low.  Nonetheless, the agency continued to provide services to children and families across the state and has invested in new technology infrastructure to further alleviate administrative burdens. 

DCFS always notifies law enforcement and/or the State’s Attorney when required. 

At times DCFS must begin the investigation to determine that notification is required prior to contacting law enforcement or the State’s Attorney.  (It is the work of the investigation that informs whether we need to contact law enforcement and/or the State’s Attorney.)

As noted throughout the report, in some cases statute specifies that DCFS file reports with other entities such as law enforcement within a “reasonable timeframe.”  Recognizing that this is vague language, DCFS has given itself a self-imposed corrective action item to define the parameters of this timeframe. This action item feature will be automated pending the launch of new technology (Illinois Connect) later this year.

In terms of budget, a large percentage of our budget has been allocated towards technology infrastructure improvements which has not been upgraded in more than three decades. This investment will absolutely help drive system wide improvements. 

Staffing needs will continue to grow as the needs of our services grow.  Our staffing is the highest in 15 years and we are incredibly proud of our recruitment efforts. In the last five years staffing increased from a total headcount of 2,665 to 3,348; the focus is to hire caseworkers and case managers – the frontline workers who are responding to the needs of thousands of Illinois, children and families annually.