Immediately notify the child’s caseworker that a claim needs to be filed. The caseworker will view the damage and request that a claim form be sent directly to the caregiver.

Complete the claim form, have the child’s caseworker sign it, attach all pertinent receipts and other supporting documents, and have the caseworker make a copy of everything for the caregiver before they mail it to:

Foster Child Damage Reimbursement Program Coordinator
Department of Children and Family Services
James R. Thompson Center
100 W. Randolph, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-7294

Note: The insured caregiver must provide the names, addresses and the policy numbers for any homeowner or health insurance that is currently in force, including employer or school insurance. They must also provide documentation of what the insurance covered or a denial of coverage. The uninsured caregiver must provide a notarized written statement if there is no primary insurance coverage.

How does DCFS handle the claim?
The DCFS Program Coordinator will review the claim to ensure that all necessary information is present and forward it to the Review Committee. The Review Committee meets every month. Once a decision for payment is approved or denied, the caregiver will be contacted by mail. If payment for the claim is approved, the foster parent will receive reimbursement within 8 to 12 weeks. All payments for claims will be paid to the party which incurred the damage or sustained the injury.

When can a foster caregiver NOT collect?
• if the damages caused by the child resulted from inadequate supervision on the part of the caregivers OR as a result of the caregivers not following the standards and requirements set forth in the DCFS Licensing Standards;
• if the caregivers are covered for the full amount of the claim by their own insurance policy;
• if the caregivers don’t first file a claim with their own insurance;
• if the claim does not contain proof of payment or the estimated replacement cost of an item, from an established business;
• if an act allegedly occurs, but cannot be proven, such as the child denying a theft which cannot be verified;
• if the claim is untrue, false, fraudulent or the actual facts have been tampered with or distorted; and
• if damages arose out of the business pursuits of a caregiver.