Rep. Sheehan Joins Fellow Lawmakers to Discuss Agency Mismanagement (Homer Glen, IL) – Today, State Representative Patrick Sheehan (R-Homer Glen) joined fellow Representatives Jeff Keicher, Bradley Fritts, and Charlie Meier at a press conference to address the urgent need for reform within the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The press conference (held during Child Abuse Awareness Month) brought attention to the critical shortcomings of the system and the devastating impact these failures have had on children’s lives.
Rep. Sheehan spoke with conviction about the importance of safeguarding children and the need for DCFS to fulfill its mission. He highlighted alarming statistics showing that since July 2018, DCFS has failed to produce incident-specific reports for over 1,200 child deaths and more than 3,000 serious injuries under the Abused and Neglected Child Reporting Act.
“The frontline workers at DCFS are dedicated and work tirelessly, but they’re overburdened and lack the resources they need to protect the children in their care,” Rep. Sheehan said. “This is not their failure; it’s a failure of leadership and outdated practices.”
Rep. Sheehan shared details about House Bill 3262, legislation proposed to require audio or video recordings during interviews with abused or neglected children. The goal of the bill is to ensure accuracy, accountability, and the protection of crucial information in abuse investigations.
“In 2025, there’s no excuse for relying on outdated methods that can leave critical details lost or overlooked,” Rep. Sheehan explained. “This bill would help ease the burden on DCFS workers while prioritizing the safety of the children who need us most. Protecting our children is a moral imperative. HB3262 is just the start, and I’m committed to fighting for every child to ensure their safety and well-being under state care.”
Rep. Sheehan joined his colleagues in calling for swift and meaningful reforms to prevent future tragedies and restore faith in DCFS’ ability to serve Illinois’ most vulnerable children.
Rep. Sheehan proudly serves the people of the 37th District.
Watch Rep. Sheehan’s full remarks here: Rep. Sheehan Joins Fellow Lawmakers to Discuss Agency Mismanagement
Rep. Sheehan Joins Fellow Lawmakers to Discuss Agency Mismanagement
