The Chicago Tribune has an editorial that builds on its investigative series "Harsh Treatment," which looks at the failure of the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) to care for children placed in treatment centers across the state. For the past 20 years, the ACLU of Illinois has been involved in litigation to improve care and services for children in DCFS custody. Although the number of children in DCFS custody has declined over the years, it is clear from the Tribune's reporting that the quality of care and services provided to them is on the decline.
The ACLU says it's pleased that more children are in safe, permanent homes, but the well-being of those in state custody has worsened in recent years. Associate Legal Director Ben Wolf says the ACLU is prepared to go back to court to enforce the consent decree.