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* Background is here if you need it…
January 19, 2021
State Representative Camille Lillycc: Governor J.B. Pritzker, Speaker Chris Welch
Chairperson Lilly,
Since the original letter I sent you more than a week ago requesting an immediate hearing into the ongoing failures at the Department of Children and Family Services, further damning incidents have come to light.
We have learned that DCFS Director Marc Smith has been held in contempt of a court yet again – his third time in less than a week. This time it was because the agency held a 17-year-old boy in a psychiatric facility for four months after he was ready to be placed in a more appropriate setting.
We found out that DCFS may have failed Damari Perry, the 6-year-old North Chicago boy who was murdered, allegedly by his mother. Before his death, DCFS opened two investigations into the family, including looking into threatening messages his mother wrote about harming the boy. Somehow, those investigations were closed and marked as “unfounded.”It has also become clear that House Democratic Caucus refuses to act on this matter despite the fact that every day these issues at DCFS go unchecked is another day that the Pritzker Administration is failing kids in the care of the state of Illinois. Additionally, there has still been no Appropriations Human Services Committee scheduled to publicly investigate the shortcomings at DCFS.
The children of Illinois need a functioning DCFS to ensure their safety. As committee chair, it is your duty and obligation to schedule a hearing so the General Assembly can get to the bottom of the critical question of what is happening at DCFS. The Republican members are prepared to meet immediately. Please do not follow the path of silence the Governor is taking on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Jim Durkin
House Republican Leader
*** UPDATE *** The House just posted an Appropriations-Human Services Committee hearing for January 28th…
SUBJECT MATTER: DCFS - Child Placement, Operational Oversight.
…Adding… From Rep. Lilly…
Amid the recently reported shortcomings of the Department of Children and Family Services, Chairwoman Lilly will be calling a public hearing on Friday, Jan. 28, to inquire about the department’s ongoing financial and operational issues.
“The current concerns with the DCFS have made it necessary to call a hearing so we can better understand the needs of the children and form holistic, long-term solutions. These problems have been going on for years and our focus is on the children and workers, so I request everyone in the hearing to conduct themselves in a serious, bipartisan fashion without losing focus,” said Lilly.
* Media advisory…
WHO: House Republican Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs), Assistant House Republican Leader Ryan Spain (R-Peoria), Assistant House Republican Leader Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont), and State Representative Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis)
WHAT: House Republicans will discuss legislation filed to repeal the SAFE-T Act.
WHEN: 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 20th, 2022
WHERE: Zoom and Live on BlueRoomStream
* ILGOP…
Pritzker’s state-sponsored child abuse
Behind the violent crimes ravaging our state are the faces and names of victims. Instead of standing up for those victims – and working to prevent more people from becoming victims – Pritzker has signed legislation putting criminals first and victims last.
It’s no surprise Pritzker doesn’t care about the victims of crime. This is the same governor that let 36 veterans die of COVID at the LaSalle Veterans’ Home in 2020.
Now we learn that Pritzker’s administration has engaged in state-sponsored child abuse at the Department of Children and Family Services. JB Pritzker should be held accountable for what his administration has done.
When did Pritzker find out his agency director was abusing kids and why has he not fired his director?
The coordinated campaign is most definitely on.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 9:50 am
Sorry, comments are closed at this time.
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Why wouldn’t Durkin include Anna Moeller in his letter? I’ll take my answer off the air.
Comment by Google Is Your Friend Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 9:54 am
Yes because Rauner did such a knockout job…
Comment by Reddevil1 Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 9:58 am
The first time in a long while seeing the GOP not only looking or appearing organized, but give the feeling they can sustain this type of barrage, with GriffinBucks
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 9:58 am
Dog-whistle Comet Pizza-like rhetorical territory for the ILGOP.
Ah, yes, the Democratic governor’s DCFS director is “abusing kids.”
Comment by Moe Berg Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:00 am
Hyperbole much?
Comment by Amalia Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:01 am
Hasn’t DCFS been in Federal Court continuously, more or less, since late Walker / early Thompson? Yet now it is entirely Pritzker’s fault? SMH.
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:04 am
Not like anything is going to change… GOP does not exist here. These guys would run as Dems if it was convenient for them. Less to grift I suppose…
Comment by Lotso Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:10 am
First time in years they’re actually attacking a soft spot instead of simply shouting into their own echo chamber. Of course DCFS has been a dumpster fire for decades, but Governors own.
Comment by Lt Guv Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:13 am
==Hasn’t DCFS been in Federal Court continuously, more or less, since late Walker / early Thompson? Yet now it is entirely Pritzker’s fault? SMH.==
Quincy Veterans home had been having Legionnaires outbreaks for years, but Pritzker and the comments section here were happy to lay it entirely at Rauner’s feet.
As someone else here says: Governors own. Get used to it.
Comment by well... Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:15 am
Is the ILGOP comparing Pritzker’s administration to the Catholic Church?
Comment by Henry Francis Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:23 am
I despise the ILGOP as much as anyone, but everyone dismissing this as hyperbole is whistling past the graveyard. The director needs to be gone yesterday, and new personnel need to be brought in until these problems start getting fixed.
Don’t listen to GOMB, or any other bureaucrat saying they’re doing everything they can, find the money and start fixing the problems.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:24 am
I look forward to the proposals from Jim Durkin to expand DCFS staffing and funding as well as the tax proposals (no magic beans, please) that would pay for it.
Comment by AC Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:24 am
Not that it matters for their purposes, but what part of the Safe-T act that is currently active is to blame for the increase in crime in their minds? What’s the cause and effect here?
Comment by JJJJJJJJJJ Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:25 am
DCFS, DNR, DOC, DHS, and recently DVA… these agencies are “bad news” agencies for *any* governor, and the governors own their agencies and what happens in them. Same as it ever was… and will be.
The question now is how much of a political liability will the Director be, how much of a political liability will these attacks be, if unanswered, and to the actual, real issue, all politics and hyperbole aside, can things get better so the agency is better, no matter the politics.
Incumbency has many an advantage, but owning the agencies is a double-edged proposition.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:27 am
Funny, I don’t see a ILGOP proposal on fixing DCFS anywhere. Fancy that. I’m sure it’ll be released soon.
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:27 am
= state-sponsored child abuse =
The GOP would prefer to privatize child abuse. Paprocki is one of their unofficial consultants after all.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:31 am
- Funny, I don’t see a ILGOP proposal on fixing DCFS anywhere. -
It’s not funny. These are kids. Pritzker has made great progress in many areas, time to focus on this one.
Comment by Excitable Boy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:31 am
The standard GOP playbook: complain about something they also had an opportunity to fix, but didn’t, and also won’t fix if they win.
They only know how to throw stones.
Comment by Former DCFS Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:32 am
“When did Pritzker find out his agency director was abusing kids?”
Are you kidding me? This isn’t the coordinated campaign gearing up. This is gross people being gross. Name a single time ILGOP or Durkin have lifted a finger to help vulnerable kids in this state? Durkin ready to support budget increases for DCFS and social services that support vulnerable families or will he be voting against those as he does every year.
Let’s talk about Z and the people behind this trash too. Last time Z elected a governor in this state he took a DCFS already hobbled by years of underfunding and curb stomped it. They cut staff, destroyed hundreds of beds, and left the agency in tatters for the next guy. Now they chirp from the sidelines while the next guy actually does the work to fix their mess. Not really interested in hearing about what a brilliant strategist Z is when his primary legacy in Illinois is electing a guy that spent four years destroying this state.
Comment by Gross Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:34 am
Insert truisms about beanbags and owning things. These are more or less honest deficits in JB’s performance and I don’t blame the GOP for piling on. He needs to get on them fast if it is not too late. He also needs to get on with a larger vision for government…an ongoing effort on how to deliver services better in all areas, maybe even saving a few bucks in the long run. Where does he want Illinois to be in 5 years, not at the end of this session, and how do you start getting there? Covid has helped foster tunnel vision, but that needs to end.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:35 am
Well, I’m glad that you’re on board for increased funding for DCFS, in order to increase staffing and training, and a plan to pay for it. See, you can’t continue to underfund state agencies, and then complain about terrible outcomes now, can you EB?
Comment by PublicServant Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:38 am
“Behind the violent crimes ravaging our state”
Then clearly the GOP won’t accept any more Raunerite money, right? Griffin financed the slashing of social services and violence prevention programs that resulted in a spike in homicides and other ills.
This isn’t 1989. Always living in a state of fear and rage over crime, the GOP is. White fear may not work very well anymore, on the 2022 electorate and based on recent history. Many apparently want different solutions to deeply-entrenched problems than the stale talking points and policies of a bygone era.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:38 am
“When did Pritzker find out his agency director was abusing kids and why has he not fired his director?”
Phew, ok. Let me catch my breath for a moment.
From a coordination standpoint, well done. Voters love a well-tuned dog whistle.
From a reality standpoint, are you banned word kidding me with this banned word? That’s just revolting, particularly considering the republican refusal to actually fund the only programs that can improve the lives of any of these families and children. You know what funds DCFS and programs like CCBYS, Teen REACH, and Home Visiting? Budgets. You know what we didn’t have for years under the last guy? Budgets.
But again, accusing a Black agency head of abusing children (a claim that is inaccurate) is a very effective way of communicating with many people. So, well done from a campaign perspective if that’s the sort of campaign you’re into.
Dog whistles blow one note, and they blow it quite well.
Comment by Who else Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:40 am
I think that it is really too soon for the GOP to sing responsible government to anyone except the choir. Memory of Rauner (and of Trump) as awrecking balls is too fresh.
Comment by Banish Misfortune Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:40 am
= what part of the Safe-T act that is currently active is to blame =
These discussions have showed up in the minutes of my county board meetings, from the republican board members. They have been practicing this message at board meetings since October at least. HB3653 has been mentioned by name during these meetings. They do NOT like body cameras on police.
There is no direct connection between what the republicans are complaining about here and the legislation that was passed. This is just being used to incite an emotional response that is being attached to HB3653, so the mindless mob will latch onto their push to repeal that bill as a campaign issue.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:42 am
This passes for coordination. Whew .
First a blank fired on DCFS. THEN
the move against police reform. Coordination ain’t what is used to be.
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:43 am
I sure hope we see a lot of ads blaming Governor Rauner, who has been out of office for 3 years, is responsible for huge uptick in violent crime, and the Democrat’s reimagining public safety campaign is a smashing success.
I don’t think it’s just whites who are concerned Grandson given the exodus of black residents of Chicago
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:44 am
It’s a fair (but cheap) shot.
What is particularly rich is their mention of the LaSalle Veteran’s home while conveniently forgetting about the legionnaires outbreak in Quincy.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:45 am
=== This passes for coordination. Whew===
It’s not the circular firing squad that is more true to form.
The over the top hyperbole takes the eye off the ball a bit while trying for style points.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:48 am
=== I don’t see a ILGOP proposal on fixing DCFS anywhere ===
This isn’t about GOP solutions. This is the GOP jumping on an issue to smear Pritzker. I wish I could say it’s unfair criticism, but it’s not. However, when governing, the GOP failed as well. And given the party’s track record of deconstructing government, I wouldn’t expect any solutions from them in the future either.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 10:52 am
==I sure hope we see a lot of ads blaming Governor Rauner, who has been out of office for 3 years, is responsible for huge uptick in violent crime==
With the continued efforts by the ILGOP to make Madigan relevant again, it would be like a repeat of the 2018 election.
Comment by AC Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 11:01 am
Jocko - It’s not only pointing out LaSalle deaths while ignoring Quincy. By using this particular strategy they are expressly acknowledging that COVID is a public health crisis and that mitigation efforts could have saved lives. ILGOP hypocrisy knows no bounds.
Comment by SomeGuy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 11:10 am
So how high is Durkin gonna hike taxes so DCFS can get the staff it needs and also pay enough for treatment facilities to take these kids instead of them languishing in the hospital? If he wants to pretend he’s looking for a solution, let him actually propose one
Comment by Perrid Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 11:12 am
Some of you are a bit sensitive here. This is campaigning, same as it ever was. The incumbent touts his/ her accomplishments, and the challenger attacks perceived failures. The message seems to be standard GOP stuff. This obviously isn’t meant to sway Gov Pritzker’s supporters to abandon him. Are campaigns dirty, hypocritical, devoid of solutions etc? Of course they are. Both parties do this, it’s not new. Most on here obviously don’t support the Republican candidates and want to point out the lack of solutions offered. These releases aren’t meant for you. The question is whether this will energize the GOP base to get behind this candidate. That remains to be seen.
Comment by Independent Thinker Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 11:33 am
==holding a 17-year-old boy in a psychiatric facility for four months after he was ready to be placed in a more appropriate setting. ==
As a person who spent a career in that world I would guess:
- it was very hard to find an appropriate setting close to where the boy lived.
- being in a psychiatric setting implies some serious behavioral issues. A provider organization would review referral information to decide if they could handle that behavior and what it would cost (staff, money, facility, services, community relations) to be successful/safe. If the cost is higher than what DCFS rates allow they will simply pass.
- beds and services have been cut significantly by budget changes and simply not keeping up with inflation. There are simply fewer community places to go to, what exists remain full, and providers are very hesitant to expand. Why? Budgets and real costs.
As others have said what is Durkin willing to do beside writing nice letters?
Comment by zatoichi Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 12:13 pm
Im shocked they didn’t find a way to mention Madigan. Griffin will be upset by this slip by Durkin…
Comment by low level Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 12:44 pm
==Funny, I don’t see a ILGOP proposal on fixing DCFS anywhere. Fancy that. I’m sure it’ll be released soon.==.
Its another blank sheet of paper; namely, HB0000
Comment by low level Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 12:49 pm
I’m disappointed to see Windhorst, a former State’s Attorney, participating in an effort to repeal the bail reform bill. He and Grant Wehrli had a meeting with AG Kwame Raoul’s staffers (but not Kwame) about the AGs office investigating public corruption, as reported in Center Square.
Windhorst as a lawyer/prosecutor should know that statewide grand juries bypassing the bias of local prosecutors is the way to do this, so where’s that bill?
Comment by Payback Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 12:50 pm
=== These releases aren’t meant for you.===
I disagree. These are meant for all voters. And voters everywhere should ask their candidates, at every fundraiser, rally and townhall, Republican or Democratic, what he or she plans to do to fund DCFS.
Comment by Da big bad wolf Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 12:51 pm
The attacks on DCFS are going to continue until Pritzker replaces the top two at DCFS. It goes not matter 5hat Rauner “hollowed out” DCFS or that the GOP does not have a plan.
“Governors own.”
The plan with DCFS is to suppress Black voter turnout and flip as many Black voters as possible. DCFS and crime are the levers to do that.
Comment by Jayne Adams Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 1:20 pm
=== The plan with DCFS is to suppress Black voter turnout and flip as many Black voters as possible. DCFS and crime are the levers to do that.===
Possible, but that works only with the candidate that could do such a thing.
For example, Bailey, that won’t fly…
The want is to make DCFS issues bigger than any one candidate and place the blame on a sitting governor.
Suppression or flipping is months down the line to an actual. It’s blame today.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 1:24 pm
I agree with Gross at 10:34. That was done 100% with Ken Griffin’s support. Don’t be hoodwinked by the next GOP effort to regain the statehouse.
Comment by Lincoln Lad Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 2:33 pm
“WHEN: 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, January 20th, 2022″
I didn’t get my e-mail from Ugaste until 2:31 p.m. HGOP still working out some bugs.
Comment by Proud Sucker Thursday, Jan 20, 22 @ 4:28 pm