Illinois DCFS celebrates national #1 ranking in kinship care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is celebrating being ranked number one nationally for kinship care.

DCFS, the ACLU of Illinois, and community partners gathered at the Center for Youth and Family Solutions in Springfield Tuesday to highlight accomplishments and progress in implementing the Kinship in Demand (KIND) Act. The legislation was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker in 2025.

The department said it has been focusing on ensuring timely permanency for youth in care. Illinois was ranked number 1 in the country for kinship care by the Administration for Children and Families.

House Resolution 0905 recognizes the progress Illinois DCFS has made in implementing the relative caregiver program as a result of the KIND Act.

The resolution urges the department to continue work to expand permanency options for children and youth in care and make sure family connections are maintained.

It also calls on DCFS to pursue new federal funding for kinship navigator services and continue to provide training and resources for staff.

It also encourages the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts to provide statewide judicial education on the KIND Act.

As of May 14, more than 340 youth currently live with caregivers certified under the new program.

Governor Pritzker said, "Seeing a comforting face every day can make all the difference in the life of a youth in care. Last year, I was proud to sign the landmark KIND Act into law, and I applaud the tireless efforts of DCFS to implement the Relative Caregiver Certification program as we continue to support children and families across Illinois."

Officials said a key component of the KIND Act's success is the department's new Relative Caregiver Certification program, which provides increased financial benefits and a simplified process for relatives to become certified caregivers for related youth.