Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Prevention Plan 2020-2025
The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) presents its Family First Title IV-E Prevention Plan to transform the child welfare system and improve outcomes for children, youth, and families. The plan aims to mobilize and broaden evidence-based parenting skills, substance use disorder prevention and treatment, and mental health services. It focuses on building a continuum of care, engaging families as active partners, and reinforcing a family-centered, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach. Key initiatives include enhancing community supports, reducing the stigma of child welfare involvement, promoting equity, and improving coordination across various state and local service systems. The overarching vision is to ensure children are safe, stable, connected, educated, healthy, and employable, thereby preventing foster care placements and helping families thrive.