Sangamon Sun

Illinois Rep. Sandy Hamilton (R-IL), a candidate for the 48th District Illinois State Senate seat, is calling on Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D-IL) to reform the state's Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which has once again been cited for contempt for violating court orders.

"How many more children have to suffer due to the governor’s mismanagement before something changes?" Hamilton told the Sagamon Sun. "Gov. Pritzker needs to make this a priority, as this has gone on too long and our children, especially our most vulnerable, need to be safe, secure and taken care of."

Pritzker's DCFS Director, Marc Smith, faces his ninth contempt citation this year for failing to place children in safe settings that comply with the agency's recommendations and court orders, Hamilton said.

Rep. Sandy Hamilton | RepHamilton.com

“I am saddened that for the ninth time, Pritzker’s DCFS director is in contempt of court for failing to keep children safe," Hamilton said. "While more instances of negligence are coming to light, Pritzker has continued to support and enable this behavior for over three years."

A recent article from The State Journal-Register highlights the issues and concerns of the public and legislators over the contempt citations, child deaths and the death of a DCFS investigator. Pritzker has been asked on multiple occasions about his confidence in Smith’s leadership at DCFS, most recently on April 9, the Journal-Register reported.

Hamilton has sponsored legislation to protect DCFS case workers and is calling for Pritzker to do more to support the agency.   

Hamilton is running to represent the State Senate District that includes much of Springfield and Decatur.