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Questions about foster children
Questions about money
Questions about placements
Questions about DCFS
Questions about visitation
Questions about adoption/guardianship

Questions about foster children
Q. Who can I talk to about an out-of-control teen?
A. An out of control teen usually means that the teen needs help. If the caseworker hasn't been able to help you, the Guardian Ad Litem assigned may be able to recommend services to help get the teen back on track.

Q. What can be done when a foster child becomes pregnant?
A. If you have a foster child who becomes pregnant immediately contact the child's caseworker. The caseworker will be able to help assist the child with choices that are available to pregnant teens. Once the foster child's baby is born she will likely be enrolled into a teen parenting program and they will assign your foster child a new caseworker who specializes in cases of parenting teens.

Q. My foster child was supposed to be in school in February, but I didn't have the right papers.  Who can I talk to about getting the child in school?
A. Your foster child's caseworker should be able to enroll your child in school. If you have a problem getting a hold of the caseworker, contact the child's Guardian Ad Litem so they can assist you in tracking down the caseworker. The Department of Child and Family Services has two days to make "reasonable" efforts to enroll your foster child and in no event shall this period exceed more than five days.

Questions about money
Q. Vouchers weren't granted and I can't afford [whatever]. What do I do?
A. Foster parents are given vouchers for certain items when the child is first placed in your home. If there are extenuating circumstances such as your foster child has grown a great deal or there has been a disaster such as a fire then you caseworker should be able to get you a voucher.

Q. I haven't received services for these children since they've been in my home. Where can I get help?
A. If you believe your foster child is in need of services such as counseling, mentor services or the like, contact the Office of Public Guardian and speak with the child Guardian Ad Litem. When you call (312) 433-4300 be prepared to give the child's name and date of birth. The child's GAL should be able to help.

Q. I didn't get a check last month. What is the number I am supposed to call?
A. For all inquires relating to checks from DCFS, contact DCFS' Central payment Unit at 1-800-525-0499.

Q. I have had a foster child in my home for three months, and I haven't received a medical card.  Who can I talk to about this?
A. All DCFS wards are entitled to receive a medical card through the Illinois Department of Public Aid. If you haven't received a medical card contact the caseworker immediately. The caseworker has the ability to fill out the necessary paperwork for a medical card. In any event she should be able to get a temporary card within a short time which will allow your child to receive physician services.

Questions about placements
Q. We are moving out of town and want to take our foster child with us. What is the procedure?
A. As soon as you believe you will be moving out of town contact the foster child's caseworker. The caseworker will complete the necessary forms in order to get permission from DCFS to take your foster child with you.

Q. Can your office do anything when DCFS won't take action?
A. If you believe DCFS is not doing what they need to do contact the child's GAL. There are several remedies available to help the child get the services they need. Your foster child's GAL will be able to determine which course of action to take.

Q. My foster child wants and needs clothing and other personal possessions left at his/her last placement. Who should I talk to?
A. The assigned caseworker should be able to assist you in getting your foster child's personal possessions. If your caseworker is not assisting you enough please contact the foster child's GAL to help you.

Questions about DCFS
Q. Who do I talk to about getting another caseworker assigned?
A. If you are having great difficulty with the caseworker contact that caseworkers supervisor and tell them your reasons for wanting a different caseworker. It is usually difficult to get new caseworkers assigned, but yuo can call the Inspector General at 1-800-722-9124 to report inappropriate conduct on the part of caseworkers.

Q. Who do I call when I need help but can't reach the caseworker?
A. At times caseworkers are unavailable but there should always be a way to contact the caseworker in the event of an emergency. This may involve asking the receptionist at the agency to page the caseworker, or asking the receptionist to speak with the caseworker's supervisor. It is usually difficult to get new caseworkers assigned, but you can call the Inspector General at 1-800-722-9124 to report inappropriate conduct on the part of caseworkers..

Q. Who can I talk to when "they" call to say they are coming to get the children?
A. DCFS has the authority to remove children from a home. If you oppose the decision, the caseworker will give you information about appealing DCFS' decision.

Questions about visitation
Q. How can my foster child get visits with his or her siblings?
A. A foster child who has siblings in the system is entitled to visit them at least twice a month. The agency assigned is responsible for transporting the child to and from visits, however if you are willing to transport your foster child you can be reimbursed for mileage.

Q. I haven't seen my grandchildren since they have been in foster care. Who can I talk to?
A. Contact CARPLS at (312) 738-9200 if you are a grandparent who hasn't seen their grandchildren while in foster care.

Questions about adoption/guardianship
Q. How can I get help for a child whose parents are not able or willing to provide proper care?
A. Contact the child abuse hotline at 1800-25-ABUSE and someone will investigate the situation.

Contact Us
You can also contact us via email; direct your queries to Patricia Cintron-Bastin or Lisa K. Nelson.