Q: If my foster parent license is issued and mailed from DCFS, how do I know if I’m a private agency or DCFS foster parent?

A: Ultimately the state of Illinois, through DCFS, licenses all foster homes. However, licensed foster homes are either supported directly by a DCFS regional foster care program or by one of many private agencies that have contracts to provide foster care services. DCFS foster families will have a licensing worker who is a DCFS employee. Private agencies support families with their own staff. As another reference point, if your board check comes from your agency, you are a private agency foster parent. DCFS foster parents receive board checks from the state.

Q: Is it better to be a DCFS or a private agency foster family?

A: Every agency with a foster care program, including DCFS, maintains supports for its own foster families which are unique to that agency. Agencies also have contracts with DCFS to provide different types of foster care (i.e. regular, treatment, specialized, etc.) Prospective foster families should talk to a number of agencies with foster care programs to make an informed decision as to which agency provides supports and programs which match their needs, interests and special skills.

Q: If I am a private agency foster parent, can I transfer my license to another agency or to DCFS?

A: Yes, but the new agency or DCFS must accept your transfer. Consider your reasons for wanting to transfer. If you are dissatisfied with services provided by the agency, be sure your complaints have been heard by the agency’s administration, not just the caseworker. Additional help and advocacy is also available through the DCFS Advocacy Office for Children and Families (800-232-3798).