All children need the stability and security of a permanent, loving home to thrive and develop into successful adults; and not only do they need it — they deserve it.
When a child is placed in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, we work tirelessly with parents to address the concerns that brought their child into care, with the goal of reunifying the family.
We know that youth in care do best when they are able to stay in the community they know, attend the same school, see their friends and stay connected to family members. This is where fictive kin can play an instrumental role in the lives of children.
On June 1, 2015, Illinois passed the “Fictive Kin Law,” which expanded the definition of “family” to include any individual, unrelated by birth or marriage, who is shown to have a strong, family-like relationship with the child or the child’s family.
This means that a close family friend or godparent; step relative such as a stepsister; or the spouse of a relative or party to a civil union can foster or adopt a youth in care. The law allows children to stay in their communities and connected to people they know and love, and who will help them maintain a sense of belonging, identity and relationships with extended family.
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The Fictive Kin Law opened the door for Illinois DCFS to cast a wider net to ensure each youth in our care is living with the most appropriate family to meet their individual needs.
Illinois DCFS understands how important it is for children to stay connected to people and places they are familiar with and are important to them, especially during a time when they are experiencing trauma and feelings of uncertainty.
This is why we look to extended family members and fictive kin first when a child comes into our care. And our efforts are paying off. In fiscal year 2024, 562 youth achieved permanency through guardianship placements with relatives — a record number. Today, 65% of the youth in our care are living with relatives and fictive kin.
Of course, this would not be possible if not for the hundreds of families across Illinois who have opened their hearts and homes so a child they love, and who loves them, can grow up in a safe, stable and happy home. To all these families, thank you. To learn more about how you can be a fictive kin caregiver, please visit: dcfs.illinois.gov/loving-homes.html.
Heidi E. Mueller, director, Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Cycle forward
Go to any European city. Observe the successful bike vs. car traffic. Symbiotic relationship. Take notes. Bring successful ideas back to Chicago. Implement.
This is not rocket science. It is traffic science. Already solved. Figure it out.
Sandra Minor, McHenry