Thursday, June 25, 2009

Governor, Guardian and DCF Being Sued

Governor Pat Quinn and two Department of Children and Family Services officials are being sued over state budget cuts that will eliminate counseling services to abused children in foster care.

The children filed suit--110 wards of the state, listed in the complaint only by their first names. Also listed as a plaintiff is Robert Harris, Public Guardian of Cook County.

Named as defendants are Governor Quinn, as well as Erwin McEwen, Director of DCFS, and D. Jean Ortega-Piron, Guardianship Guardian of DCFS.

The complaint explains that "The children bring this action challenging the failure of the defendant, Pat Quinn, Governor of the State of Illinois to implement a budget which funds the Department of Children and Family Services in a manner consistent with the Department's responsibilities to the children in its care."

As a result of the current state budget, the general revenue fund for the Illinois DCFS will be cut in half, ending "all counseling services to children who are in state care due to physical or sexual abuse, neglect or dependency," a decision already announced by Director McEwen.

Full Article and Source:
IL Governor Pat Quinn and DCFS officials sued over state budget cuts

See also:
Senior Protest Against Gov. Cuts

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

I really don't know what to think about this one.

I tend to think DCF is filing suit so that if something happens to a child (and DCF doesn't react or react appropriately), they'll have something to point to as to why.

Anonymous said...

That's a good thought, Anonymous. It could be a CYA thing.

Sue said...

Unique action, certainly is, looks like Anon 1 is right, this is a "cover our behinds" action.

I hate to sound evil, but I see $$$$ signs flying out of the state budget (which is billions in the red already) for their defense.

Who benefits from this action?

L A W Y E R S!

Anonymous said...

I can't imagine 110 children getting together to file suit either.

It's got to be staged.

Anonymous said...

And who is footing the bill for this suit?

AntiShyster said...

I hope the lawyers are working pro bono!

Anonymous said...

You can be sure that this somehow benefits those in the racket rather than the children.

kimhanhauser1 said...

No one benefits from anything except the Laywers and all the other corrupt officials..they don't care about anyone but themselves and how to fatten their own pockets...