DCFS Director George Sheldon

DCFS Director George Sheldon
DCFS Director George Sheldon

DCFS Director George Sheldon

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George Sheldon comes to Illinois’ Dept. of Children and Family Services at a shaky time. The agency has had five directors in a year and a half. The turnover could be attributed to the scrutiny DCFS has been under after a series of investigative reports. Back in 2013 WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times reported that more kids were dying than at any time in the past 30 years, despite being watched by state welfare officials. Late last year, Chicago Tribune reported young people at residential treatment centers across the state reported abuse, sexual assault and some ended up in prostitution. Acting Director Sheldon gets high marks for turning around a troubled agency in Florida, but can he turn around an Illinois’ Dept. that’s so in need of reform? We talk to Sheldon. (Flickr/ dougsmi)