Over the past week, I read the Tribune’s stories about the astonishing failures at DCFS’s residential treatment centers, and each day I become more troubled.

Last year, after the Tribune and other news sources reported on the disturbing number of children who die in DCFS custody, I launched a series of hearings about the problems at the state agency charged with protecting abused and neglected children. We found that the agency has problems that run from its director to its hourly workers, and we started taking steps to address them, passing several laws that should help protect children who may be victims of abuse.

Nothing we heard came close to the horror stories coming out of the agency’s residential centers recently reported by the Tribune.

Nearly 4,000 infants die unexpectedly every year in the U.S., with the most common causes being Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental sleep suffocation. In many other cases, a cause cannot be identified.

Reducing accidental sleep suffocation and promoting safe sleeping habits in infants is the main impetus behind Safe Sleep Awareness Month, held this October in Illinois.

“Safe Sleep is all about the ABCS: Babies should always sleep Alone, on their Backs in a safe Crib in a Smoke-free Environment,” said DCFS Acting Director Bobbie Gregg.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison and the city of Highland Park are hosting a forum on intellectual and developmental disabilities on Tuesday, Oct. 14. It will be at the Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Ave. West in Highland Park from 9 a.m. to noon.

Experts in the field will discuss housing, employment, how to help people with disabilities achieve their individual goals, and programs and services available to help. There will also be a brief explanation of federal and state resources and how to apply for them. Care providers will be on site with information.

For more information, call Sen. Morrison’s office at 847.945.5200 or click on the flyer to the left.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Julie Morrison is hosting a senior resource fair on Thursday, Sept. 18 at The Art Center of Highland Park.

The event, which runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will offer area residents free health screenings, technology demonstrations, consumer protection information, and information on senior driving and disability parking. Flu shots will also be available with proof of insurance.

Though the event is targeted at seniors, anyone is welcome to attend.

For more information, call Sen. Morrison’s office at 847.945.5200.