Illinois DCFS Cancels Mass Layoffs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) – The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is canceling plans to lay off 375 employees.

DCFS Director Richard Calica announced the move in a memo to staff Thursday.
The agency says it will be working with state lawmakers to restore some funding to the department. DCFS says it also will pursue a reorganization plan that will reduce staffing while also trying to avoid layoffs.

Faced with severe budget strains, Illinois lawmakers approved a $50 million cut in the agency’s funding for the new fiscal year. That led to plans for layoffs at DCFS this month.