Watch CBS News

DCFS Comes Under Criticism At State Senate Hearing

CHICAGO (CBS) -- The Department of Children and Family Services came in for some scathing criticism at a State Senate hearing today. The accusation? DCFS isn't protecting children well enough, reports WBBM Political Editor Craig Dellimore.

DCFS Comes Under Criticism At State Senate Hearing

At the hearings, State Senator Mattie Hunter told acting DCFS Director Denise Gonzales she was very concerned about the number of children who died while under the agency's watch.

"We have 111 children that have died. That is not acceptable. It is not acceptable. Every single one of you all need to resign," said Hunter.

But Michele Lorand, a top child abuse pediatrician at Stoger Cook County Hospital warned lawmakers recent headlines overstate the problems.

"This discussion should not be in my mind about DCFS failure or medical failure or law enforcement failure. That is not productive and with the rare exception of gross professional incompetence or neglect of duty will not solve this problem," said Lorand.

But she does call for more teamwork among all agencies involved.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.