Understanding Illinois Child Welfare: Frequently Asked Questions About Foster Care
The Illinois child welfare system faces unprecedented challenges in protecting our state’s most vulnerable children. As child protection services struggle with systemic issues and DCFS oversight remains under scrutiny, families and advocates need clear information about the foster care system. Here are the most pressing questions about foster care in Illinois, answered by experienced child welfare attorneys.
How Many Children Are in Illinois Foster Care?
As of January 2025, 18,129 children are under Illinois DCFS care. This includes:
- 9,495 children in relative care arrangements
- 7,429 children in foster care placements
- 628 children in group homes or similar settings
- 577 children in “other” placement categories
Source: Illinois Department of Children and Family Services Youth in Care by County Report (https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/about-us/reports-and-statistics/documents/youth-in-care-by-county.pdf)
What Types of Placements Exist?
Illinois child welfare services offer five main types of foster care:
- Family foster care: Licensed foster parents provide temporary care for children in their homes
- Kinship foster care: Relatives or close family friends serve as foster parents
- Pre-adoptive foster care: Placement with foster families who plan to adopt the child
- Residential or group care: Structured living environments with 24-hour supervision for children requiring intensive support
- Treatment foster care: Specialized care for children with significant medical, emotional, or behavioral needs
What Is the Difference Between Adoption and Foster Care?
Foster care is a temporary arrangement where children are placed in a foster home while their biological parents prepare for reunification. Adoption, however, is a permanent legal process where a child becomes a full member of their adoptive family. Foster care focuses on providing safety and support during a transitional period, while adoption provides lifelong stability and parental rights.
How Long Does a Child Remain in Care?
A child remains in their placement until their permanency goal is completed. These goals may include:
- Adoption
- Guardianship
- Returning home to biological parents
Each child’s timeline varies based on their individual circumstances and case progression through the Illinois child welfare system.
Why Is Foster Care Considered Dangerous in Illinois?
Several factors contribute to safety concerns in Illinois foster care and DCFS oversight:
- Children being held in medical facilities beyond necessity
- Failure to investigate abuse claims
- High caseworker turnover resulting in discontinuity of care
- Inadequate supervision during parent visits
- Neglect by child protective services personnel
- Neglect of children’s mental health needs
- Placement shortages leading to inappropriate housing
- Placement with known abusers despite abuse reports
What Causes Child-on-Child Sex Abuse in Foster Care?
Sexual abuse can create a complex cycle of trauma within foster care settings. Children who have experienced sexual abuse may develop different coping mechanisms and behaviors. Some children might react by perpetrating abuse on others, while others become more susceptible to further victimization. This dynamic creates significant risks when placing children in foster care settings, particularly if a child with a history of perpetrating abuse is placed alongside a child who has previously experienced sexual trauma.
How Can I Protect My Child’s Rights in the Illinois Foster Care System
If your child has been harmed while in DCFS care, our experienced attorneys at Illinois Justice for Kids, a Division of Kelley Kronenberg, can help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your Illinois DCFS case.
Julianna B. Walo, Esq.
Attorney, Justice for Kids
Kelley Kronenberg-Chicago, IL
754-888-KIDS (5437)
Email
Bio
Comments are closed here.