Report: 49 more children die in Illinois DCFS care last year than year before – Center Square

"This annual report shows a 40% increase in deaths in children who were on DCFS's radar," State Rep. Tom Weber said. "Gov. [JB] Pritzker may not want to admit it because he chose Director [Marc] Smith as his guy to control the agency, but it is clear it is time for a change." DCFS Director Smith has received eight contempt of court orders after failing to place youth in proper care in a timely manner.