CHICAGO (AP) — The acting director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services says he accepts the findings and recommendations of a new report from a court-appointed panel criticizing the agency.
A Friday statement from George H. Sheldon e-mailed to the Associated Press describes the report as “thoughtful, concise and thorough.” He adds the department “accepts its findings and recommendations.”
The report filed in Chicago federal court says bureaucracy and a litany of other problems plague the quality of care offered to around 14,000 children. The report, filed Thursday, stems from long-running civil litigation.
Sheldon says he’s observed many of the problems highlighted in the report since becoming acting director in February. He says the agency has “already begun implementing changes” to better serve children” and to “streamline the bureaucratic process.”