The Tribune’s recent series on the Department of Children and Family Services was excellent. It gave an evenhanded perspective of DCFS’ awesome responsibilities. Obviously, DCFS needs significant improvement, but we should not ignore the many dedicated, competent DCFS workers who are doing a good job under adverse circumstances.
The plight of DCFS also impacts upon the Juvenile Court’s ability to handle the children and families who are brought into the juvenile justice system, because the system is dependent upon the services that are or should be provided to these children and families.
However, DCFS and the Juvenile Court cannot prevent the problems that bring these people into the system. The executive and legislative leaders of this state must decide and implement the best ways to help these people avoid the need for the services of DCFS and the Juvenile Court.
