AKA:

DCFS

Description:

Provides information to help children & families figure out next steps, when problems arise. Complaints and concerns are handled by an advocate or passed on to a better resource.

Toll-Free Help Line during normal business hours to answer questions on:
- welfare issues
- problems
- concerns

A Youth Hotline for the youth served by the department to handle:
- complaints
- concerns
- inquiries
- suggestions

The Advocacy Office Does Not:
- investigate actions that do not involve DCFS or its contracted agencies
- investigate the acts or decisions of courts, judges or their staff
- investigate the Office of the Public Guardian or Attorney General
- accept or investigate reports of child abuse or neglect

The DCFS Director can grant waivers to policy requirements by caseworker recommendation. For example, requests to expand the capacity of a foster home, to care for children than the policy allows.

Eligibility:

Open to all

Languages:

Spanish

Program Fees:

No fee

Intake Process:

For assistance contact the Advocacy Office by letter, telephone, or email

Anyone can contact the Advocacy Office. Frequent callers include foster parents, biological parents, adoptive parents, service providers, children and adolescents and DCFS staff.

Handicap Accessible?

Yes

Wishlist:

None

Volunteer Opportunities:

None

Legal Status:

State

Date of Official Change:

December 13, 2023

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