Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
FFY 2011 Annual Progress and Services Report
371
Overview of the 3 Statewide Citizen Review Panels
Panel #1: Children Justice Task Force
The Illinois Children’s Justice Task Force is a 28-member, multidisciplinary advisory group
to (DCFS). The Task Force was formed in March 1989 to meet the requirements set forth in
section (106) (C) (2) of the federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. Illinois
abides by all provisions of CAPTA, including revisions authorized in December 2010 by
the Keeping Children and Family Safe Act, P.L. 108-36. The Director of DCFS, as
Designated by the Governor of the State of Illinois, appoints members to the Children’s
Justice Task Force according to federal guidelines. The Task Force elects a chairperson
and a vice-chairperson to serve a one-year term that can be extended for a second year. A
secretary is provided by DCFS. Subcommittees are formed to reflect members’ interests
and to involve the members more directly in activities and responses related to the Task
Force recommendations. The current subcommittees are formed to reflect member’s
interests and to involve the members more directly in activities and responses related to the
Task Force recommendations. The current subcommittees are: 1) Legal, legislative and
court issues; 2) Coordinated investigation and case handling; 3) Health, mental health, and
disabilities services. Subcommittee chairpersons together with the Task Force officers form
an Executive Committee to advise the Task Force on Citizen Review Panel tasks and to
assist in researching and implementing specific Task Force recommendations. A DCFS
administrator in the Division of Child Protection serves as the Task Force Coordinator.
The Children’s Justice Task Force meets five times throughout the year to consider reforms
to Illinois State statues and DCFS policy that may improve the investigative, administrative
and judicial handling of cases of child abuse and neglect (particularly sexually abused
children), to their family, and those accused as perpetrators of such abuse. Additionally, the
Children’s Justice Task Force (CJTF) serves an active role in the planning process within
DCFS to develop a consolidated and long-term focus for federal grants and program
requirements. The Task Force has contributed to the Department’s Child and Family
Services Plan that integrates Title IV-B, Title IV-E and CAPTA services in order to achieve
the safety, permanency, and well being of children. The Task Force looks at systems and
outcomes related to the administrators of DCFS programs in the areas of child protection
and child safety.
A Children’s Justice Act (CJA) Grant is available on an annual basis to states meeting the
eligibility requirements set forth in the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act
(CAPTA) as most recently reauthorized in 2010, Public Law 111-20 into law on December
20, 2010. CJA grant funds are awarded according to provisions of the Victims of Crime Act
of 1984 and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994. The U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau, Office on Child Abuse and
Neglect is the federal agency that administers CJA grant awards to states. The Department
of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is the agency designated by the Governor to apply
for and manage the CJA grant award.
