Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

About this resource

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of potential abuse and neglect and, when needed, providing family-centered care and connection to resources.

You might contact Illinois Department of Children and Family Services for several reasons, including:

• Concerns or Complaints: To report a concern about their foster care placement, caseworker, or services they are receiving.

• Case Information: To ask questions about their own foster care case, benefits, or services (such as Independent Living Program (ILP) support, Chafee funds, or transition services).

• Appeals or Grievances: To file a grievance if they feel their rights as a foster youth have been violated.

• Records Requests: To request access to their personal case file or other official documents.

• Support Services: To find out about programs that help with housing, education, employment, or mental health as they transition out of foster care.

• Foster Youth Advocacy: To connect with opportunities to improve the foster care system. 

• General Assistance: If they aren’t sure who else to call and need help being directed to the right local office or person.