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Illinois Dept. Of Children And Family Services Head Discusses Plan To 'Turn Things Around'

It’s been a half year since Beverly Walker stepped in to take over Illinois’ child welfare agency. Walker took over at a time when the Department of Children and Family Services was facing harsh criticism. The agency’s former director had just resigned in the midst of an ethics probe involving state contracts and several children in state care had died — including Semaj Crosby. The 17-month old was found dead just hours after her home was visited by a caseworker.

Walker joins Morning Edition host Lisa Labuz to reflect on her first six months with the agency and to discuss her plan to turn things around.



By  Lisa Labuz and Max Green
   

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It’s been a half year since Beverly Walker stepped in to take over Illinois’ child welfare agency. Walker took over at a time when the Department of Children and Family Services was facing harsh criticism.

The agency’s former director had just resigned in the midst of an ethics probe involving state contracts and several children in state care had died — including Semaj Crosby. The 17-month old was found dead just hours after her home was visited by a caseworker.

Walker joins Morning Edition host Lisa Labuz to reflect on her first six months with the agency and to discuss her plan to turn things around.

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