Nearly 100 Illinois children who died within the last two years were involved with the state’s Department of Children and Family Services. That’s according to a recent Inspector General report.
Illinois state legislators and advocates say state employees need more protection from a growing trend of workplace violence. But statehouse measures addressing that have gotten a mixed reception.
A law passed in 2014 was supposed to ensure Illinois families no longer have to give up custody of their children in order to get them necessary mental health treatment. Even so, for years families with no other options have been forced to abandon their children to get them the help they need, and legislators say state agencies are to blame.
Denise Kane, the longtime top watchdog for Illinois’ troubled child-welfare system — who’s been highly critical of the agency’s former director leading up to his resignation amid a corruption scandal last year — is now being replaced by Gov. Bruce Rauner.
On The 21st: How is the community of Mattoon recovering one month after a shooting at the local high school? Plus, we learn about a Chicago Tribune investigation into the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services. Also: the recovery of the Illinois River and alternatives to pumpkin spice.
