Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
Tony M. McCombie, Illinois State Representative from the 89th District | www.ilga.gov
House Republicans are calling for action following an audit that identified significant failures and ongoing mismanagement at the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The agency has come under scrutiny after a series of incidents, including the death of 18-year-old Mackenzi Felmlee in May 2024. Felmlee, who was previously known to DCFS, died last year, leading to charges against her foster mother and the foster mother's mother.
The department has not released further information about Felmlee's case. Lawmakers have instead learned details through investigative news coverage.
A recent report from the Auditor General revealed that out of 34 documented failures at DCFS, 29 were repeat findings—about 85% recurring issues.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie addressed the Governor regarding oversight of DCFS: “Enough excuses. Investigate. Report. Reform. Fix DCFS—or get out of the way.”
McCombie, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2023 to represent the state's 89th House District, replacing former representative Andrew Chesney.
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