Illinois DCFS Announces Layoffs

Illinois DCFS announced 600 layoffs on Friday July 20, 2012. 250 caseworker positions will be added for a total of 375 net laid off. September 30 will be the date that the layoffs go into effect.

“The Department of Children and Family Services must find ways to absorb nearly $86 billion in budget cuts, a reduction of 6.8 percent.

Spokesman Kendall Marlowe said the agency will do that partly by cutting 375 jobs. In addition, 250 administrative positions are being cut so that the same number of front-line caseworkers can be added, he said.

That will require slashing most of the agency’s work that isn’t required by law or court order — primarily prevention efforts and services to troubled families where safety concerns aren’t severe enough to warrant removing a child.

Gov. Pat Quinn vetoed budget money for the operation of two state prisons, and wants legislators to shift it to DCFS in the fall veto session, although there has been no sign of support for that move.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees criticized Quinn for planning layoffs that will be official by Oct. 1 when legislators won’t have any chance to consider restoring money until November.

“There is no sound reason for the governor to make these reckless cuts to child protection,” Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31, said in a statement.

Bayer said the cuts mean DCFS will be “abandoning work that prevents child abuse, keeps families together, saves taxpayers money and stops harm to kids before it starts.”

Nearly 600 layoff notices are being sent out, although some of those people will end up with some of the 250 caseworker jobs that are being added.

Director Richard Calica said in a letter to DCFS staff that he understands the layoffs are a tremendous blow.

“In a field where we strive to help others in need, we now find ourselves in need of understanding and support,” Calica said.”

Illinois child welfare agency starts layoffs

[NECN 7/20/12]

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