The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services has published a new guide,"EDUCATING AND SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN: A Guide to Education for Children and Youth in DCFS Care in Illinois
," to help you navigate the unique policies and procedures associated with youth in care. This guide provides resources, links, and other information in a user-friendly, question-and-answer format. It also frequently cites an applicable DCFS rule or procedure that may assist school staff when communicating with DCFS employees about students in DCFS care."
The 99th Illinois General Assembly passed
99-0781, which amends the Illinois School Code to encourage all school districts to appoint a DCFS School Liaison by the 2017-18 school year. This law will facilitate school enrollment of youth, build capacity and infrastructure supports, and allow school personnel to become more knowledgeable about DCFS while supporting the educational needs of our children in care.