The Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council and its membership is mandated by the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council Law.  

The Council has two primary functions: 

1. to advise DCFS on foster care and other matters which affect foster care in Illinois; and 
2. to ensure that caregivers’ rights and responsibilities contained in the Foster Parent Law are followed in the everyday operation of child welfare agencies and DCFS regions.

Having the Statewide Council mandated by Illinois law ensures: 

• input of those who provide foster care services for DCFS, regardless of any changes in DCFS leadership; 
• two-way communication from caregivers to DCFS and from DCFS to caregivers; 
• input from private agency caregivers and staff  about implementation issues unique to private agencies or private agency homes; and 
• equitable representation on the Council of recognized foster parent groups and all geographic areas of Illinois.

Meetings 

Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council meetings are held six to nine times per year throughout the state, and visitors are always welcome. Meeting dates and times may be obtained by calling the caregiver and parent support office at 217524-2422 or by checking the foster care link on the DCFS website (www.DCFS.illinois.gov). 

Subcommittees 

Several subcommittees work on ongoing issues of interest to foster families, such as licensing and other foster care policy. Ad hoc (temporary) committees are formed to study a time-limited issue or help DCFS draft proposed rules as needed.  The Council is always looking for caregivers with particular skills or expertise to join a subcommittee or ad hoc committee.

Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council Membership 

Composition of membership, terms of office and qualifications are all given within the Statewide Foster Care Advisory Council Law (See pages 11-12). All  members are appointed by the DCFS director. Membership is open to any caregiver with a license supervised by a private agency or DCFS foster care program. Prospective members with proven leadership ability who have been active in their regional council or have other applicable skills are eligible to contact his or her DCFS regional administrator and inform him or her of their interest. Regional administrators make recommendations for region-based members, but the DCFS director officially appoints members.