Legal Assistance and Juvenile Justice

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

• If you are not living with your brothers and sisters, you have the right to see them at least twice a month with some limited exceptions.
• You have the right to be at every juvenile court date.
• You have the right to a free public education that fits your needs. If you need support, you are entitled to special education services.
• You cannot be deprived of planned visits to see or speak to your family as punishment.
• You have the right to information and services including birth control or to make decisions about your pregnancy.

DCFS Youth Hotline

Did you know that DCFS has a youth hotline available to older youth? The purpose of the hotline is to handle complaints, concerns, inquiries and suggestions made by DCFS' teen clients. The hotline can be contacted when a youth is having trouble with his/her assigned agency. According to DCFS, the advocates working the hotline can help transfer a case from one agency to another, if doing so is in the client's best interest, and assist in obtaining services from the current agency. The phone number is 1-800-232-3798. The hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Placement of Youth Age 18 and over with Unrelated, Unlicensed Caregivers

Children over the age of 18 may be placed with unrelated, unlicensed caregivers, if the caregiver passes a safety check conducted by the child's caseworker. If the placement is approved after the safety check, the caregiver shall receive a monthly payment equal to what an unlicensed relative caregiver would receive. You may also be able to arrange with your caseworker a Placement Alternative Contract. Contact your caseworker or attorney/GAL if you have questions.

Success Stories

	Juvenile Success stories regarding our juvenile clients Read more
	Adult Success stories regarding our disabled adults Read more

What's New Read more

	New Policy & Legislation Recently passed laws of interest to those representing disabled adults and abused & neglected children in Illinois. Read more Adult Juvenile
	OPG Appellate Developments OPG files Amicus brief with the U.S. Supreme Court in Camreta v. Greene. Read more Recent Appellate and Supreme Court decisions Read more

	Youth Advocacy & Post-Emancipation Services Important information for current and former clients. Read more