It’s the agency responsible for protecting one of the most vulnerable populations in Illinois: children. And it’s had more than 30 years of issues, from failing many kids who come in contact with the agency, to a federally-mandated consent decree and a revolving door of directors. 

So what’s happening at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services? 

In this episode, WBEZ’s Alex Degman looks back at the start of the agency’s issues and examines the conditions that led Marc Smith, the longest-serving director in recent memory, to resign last month. “Leadership was steady, funding was increasing, but the outcomes weren’t there,” Degman said of Smith’s tenure. “And I think that’s what people are gonna remember.” 

We also take a look at the background of the new director, Heidi Mueller, who’s set to start Feb. 1.