Hearing highlights failures, needed reforms at DCFS

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) held the first in a series of summer hearings today in response to continued failures at the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

The hearing, held at the Bilandic Building in downtown Chicago, focused on 17-month-old Semaj Crosby, who was found dead in late April in her Joliet-area home. The death of Semaj uncovered a host of failures and questionable practices at DCFS, including reports of an incentive program for case workers who closed the most cases in a month.

“When our system fails a child, it is a reflection on all of us,” Morrison said. “Simply blaming DCFS for their failures will not enact the change this agency so desperately needs. Today we began the important work of shedding light on the causes of this tragedy. We will use what we learn to make sure we have not just policies but practices that ensure DCFS will protect children in Illinois.”

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Morrison joins DCFS, child welfare advocates in launch of Safe Babies Court Project

• DCFS
• Children

State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) joined the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and a host of child welfare advocates recently in announcing the launch of the Illinois Early Childhood Court Team, known as Safe Babies Court.

The new initiative will bring together the court system, DCFS and a host of child welfare organizations, including the Ounce of Prevention and the Erikson Institute, to change outcomes among abused and neglected infants and toddlers.

“Safe Babies Court will transform the way we respond to the abuse of some of our most vulnerable young children,” Morrison said. “Studies have shown the effectiveness of programs that integrate data-driven strategies to fully address and treat exposure to traumatic experiences.”

The Safe Babies Court model was first utilized in South Florida and later adopted by Zero to Three, a national organization devoted to advancing the healthy development of babies and young children.

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Morrison reacts to Senate budget vote

• Budget

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Julie Morrison (D - Deerfield) released the following statement after the Illinois Senate took action on three budget bills yesterday:

"Yesterday, the Senate voted on both a budget and an income tax increase. I voted no on the income tax increase.  

"I have heard from SO many residents telling me that they opposed this increase, especially without any property tax relief. I have voted consistently to support a property tax freeze and to consolidate local governments, both which would provide some relief to our high property taxes. Without that, I didn't believe that it was right to ask the same people to pay more income tax.

"I did vote yes on the budget bills (Senate Bills 6 and 42).  While not perfect, the budget was incredibly necessary to provide some stability for the state.  I have served on the Senate Appropriations Committee and find this budget, which cut $3 billion in state spending, one we can work with. While I do believe there is room for some additional cuts, this was a decent start.

"Please don’t hesitate to contact my District Office in Deerfield at (847) 945-5200 or my Springfield Office at (217) 782-3650 if you have any additional questions."

Morrison meets with new acting director of DCFS (VIDEO)

• DCFS
• Children
• Video
• Human Services

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison (D – Deerfield) met with new Acting Director of the Department of Children and Family Services Beverly Walker this afternoon during a hearing of the Senate Human Services Committee.

“Today’s hearing gave members of the Senate the opportunity to learn about Director Walker’s background and her ideas for bringing lasting change to DCFS,” Morrison said. “As seen by today’s high level of interest from Senators on both sides of the aisle, the Senate is committed to working with Acting Director Walker to address the monumental challenges facing this troubled agency.”

On Friday, Walker was named acting director of DCFS by Governor Rauner. Earlier this month, former Director George Sheldon resigned amid a series of high-profile failures at the troubled state agency.

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