Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

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Contact Information

406 E Monroe St
Springfield, IL 62701
United States
Online Contact Form
DayHours
Monday 8 AM-5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM-5 PM
Wednesday 8 AM-5 PM
Thursday 8 AM-5 PM
Friday 8 AM-5 PM
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Social Media

Over the last decade, more than 15,000 children got the chance they deserve to love and be loved, and to reach their fullest potential thanks to families across our state that chose to adopt through DCFS. By providing a child with a loving and permanent home, adoptive families have discovered the unique joy of making a life-changing difference to a child. It is a feeling you can't get any other way.
At the same time, the decision to add a child to your family is serious and life changing. We want to help you make sure that opening your heart and your life to a child is the right decision for the child and your family. If you choose to adopt, DCFS and our non-profit partners are committed to providing your new family with the help you need.
Waiting children come from all across the state, from all ages and backgrounds. Many are in need of a loving home not only for themselves, but also a little brother or sister. We offer special supports to help families offer a loving home to children with medical difficulties or other special needs.

Services and information

  • Traditional Foster Care
  • Emergency Foster Care
  • Respite Foster Care
  • Adoption

Requirements to become a foster parent

You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Attend foster parent orientation
  • Pass a background check
  • Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
  • Complete the Home Study
  • Provide at least three references
  • Clear a physical exam
  • Maintain financial stability

Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.

Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.

Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.

Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.

Ratings and Reviews

Average user rating

2.0 / 5
Rating breakdown
5
4
3
2
1
If you have an experience with this agency, please write a review.
Irena Vaitkute
Feb 19, 2016

DCFS of Cook County is misusing their power given by Government. A lot of unprofessional staff.They are not properly communicating with parents and destroying OUR family! Without their interruption OUR FAMILY would be a lot better ! They are taking custody of children without ANY proof and evidence of parents guilt.

Rating: 1
Kim Early
Jan 14, 2016

Over worked with more cases then they can handle. They will blanty lie. They will destroy your family with the swipe of a pen. Many of those I have dealt with were uneducated and not well versed with the court system. I would be afraid of the misuse of power they have. Best bet move out of Illinois. The governor needs to really check out the Winnebago County Department of Children an Family Service. Lots of shady employees there. Thank you for screwing with my life.

Rating: 1
Brittany Redd
Dec 31, 2015

Horrible office that doesn't care about children

Rating: 1