ACLU Of Illinois Sues State To Enforce Terms Of 1991 Child Welfare Consent Decree

On February 13, 2015, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of Illinois sued the state to enforce the terms of the 1991 B.H. Consent Decree regarding the adequacy of services and placements for children in foster care. The consent decree requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to address systemic deficiencies that a Court-appointed expert panel identified in DCFS performance. During 2014, on behalf of the B.H class, which includes about 15,000 children in substitute care, the ACLU of Illinois attempted to negotiate a reform plan with DCFS to correct DCFS non-compliance . . .