Collaboration with DCFS

Caseworkers with the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) are trained in the protective factors and are committed to working with educators and families to create a seamless strength-based approach to services. Strengthening Families Illinois early childhood education programs are listed in the DCFS Statewide Provider Database, and School Readiness Specialists and caseworkers link children in DCFS care to these programs.

DCFS is committed to joining with early childhood educators to bring a strengths-based approach to family-serving systems through collaboration among DCFS staff, early childhood educators, and foster parents. All children over the age of 3 in DCFS care are enrolled in Head Start, a state pre-Kindergarten program, or an accredited child care center.