DCFS requesting $2.47 billion for Fiscal Year 2026 to hire more staff, improve critical services

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is asking state lawmakers to approve $2.47 billion for its operating budget next year. That is nearly 5% more funding than the agency currently has for critical services.

DCFS Director Heidi Mueller told the Illinois Senate Appropriations Committee Thursday that she is committed to ensuring her agency can help every child grow and thrive with a family. A major component of that goal is staffing, an area where DCFS has historically struggled.

New recruiting efforts have helped bring in 3,386 workers, the department's highest headcount in 15 years. Still, Mueller hopes to bring on 100 more people next year.

"That's because we have seen the vast improvement in outcomes, in our practice, and in our work that has come as a result of being able to have the resources we need, the human resources that we need," Mueller said.

DCFS is also asking for a $29.5 million increase in funding for services helping youth with complex behavioral and mental health issues.

"We're seeing increased acuity of the youth coming in," Mueller said. "We are continuing to work to build back individualized therapeutic residential programs for youth with complex medical and behavioral health needs. But we don't want to just build residential."

In fact, Mueller wants lawmakers to approve an increase of $15.8 million to support relative caregivers and community-based alternatives to residential care. The director stressed these investments could help DCFS reach compliance with more of the state's consent degree requirements.

It's a welcome idea for many in Illinois government who have consistently seen DCFS fail to provide adequate services to youth in the state's care.

"Thank you for your thoroughness. No one can question where your commitment is," said Sen. Karina Villa (D-Batavia). "I thank you and your staff for the work that you're doing on behalf of all the families and the children who need it the most."

The Pritzker administration's proposal of nearly $2.5 billion would be a 103% increase in funding for DCFS since Fiscal Year 2019. This request includes a $4.8 million increase for DCFS scholarships to help nearly 1,100 more youth in care go to college as well.

State lawmakers need to approve their Fiscal Year 2026 budget by May 31.