Illinois DCFS Child Sex Trafficking Case Reveals Systemic Failures
The child welfare attorneys at Justice for Kids, a division of Kelley Kronenberg, regularly review cases where DCFS negligence claims arise from institutional failures in Illinois child advocacy. This particular case exemplifies why legal intervention is sometimes necessary to protect foster care rights and hold agencies accountable.
Each year, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) publishes an Annual Report to the Governor and the General Assembly of Illinois, investigating misconduct and violations by DCFS employees, foster parents, service providers, and contractors. In this year’s report, the OIG found that all the caretakers utterly failed a female youth in care, A.Z., who was eventually sex trafficked.
Background of the Investigation and History of Neglect
The OIG received a complaint alleging that 16-year-old youth in care, A.Z., was being human sex trafficked by two women. The complainant alleged that the investigator and supervisor of a subsequent child protection investigation were aware of related police reports but did not address these concerns.
A.Z. has been an alleged victim in eleven child protection investigations. Between 2015 and 2018, she alternated between living with her mother and two different aunts. One aunt, Ms. Farley, had a substantial methamphetamine abuse history and had just been paroled from a six-year prison term for manslaughter. A.Z.’s placement worker failed to obtain basic background information or contact the Placement Clearance Desk about the foster mother’s prison record. The OIG investigators found that DCFS procedures lack guidance regarding background checks for unauthorized placements, a critical gap in Illinois child advocacy protocols.
In January 2018, A.Z.’s mother gave guardianship to her uncle, Larry Hanks. By April, A.Z. reported that Hanks had been forcing himself on her and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. Despite this traumatic experience that violated her foster care rights, A.Z. was later placed with Ms. Farley again in September 2019.
Ignored Warning Signs and System Failures
Between January and May 2021, DCFS placed A.Z. with Margot Ibarra and unfounded five child protection investigations. These investigations contained similar allegations that A.Z., her mother, and others were living in a shed where drugs were being used and sold, with multiple allegations of sexual abuse – precisely the type of case where a child abuse lawyer could have intervened.
By May 2022, A.Z. was recruited by 19-year-old Bree to work at an adult entertainment venue where she used drugs and engaged in sexual acts. A.Z. alleged to law enforcement that she had been sex trafficked, and two reports were made to the DCFS hotline.
The response system failed at multiple points: The call floor worker didn’t follow up with law enforcement, caseworker Diana Duke failed to ascertain details about the alleged incident, and the child protective investigator didn’t address the alleged sex trafficking. DCFS has a Statewide Human Trafficking Prevention Program Manager, but she stated there is no policy or procedure for when referrals should be made to her office – creating potential grounds for DCFS negligence claims.
How A.Z.’s Trafficking Could Have Been Prevented
A.Z. had several risk factors making her vulnerable to sex trafficking victimization:
- Being the alleged victim in eleven child protection investigations
- Seven allegations of sexual abuse, one of which was indicated after her uncle allegedly raped her over a period of a year
- Multiple reports of unstable housing and drug use in her environment
- Reports indicating she may have been exchanging sex for drugs or money
Between January and May 2021, the hotline received numerous reports that A.Z. lived with her mother and others who were using and selling drugs and that A.Z. was having sex in exchange for drugs or money. All of these investigations were unfounded, which raises serious questions about the adequacy of DCFS investigations and Illinois child advocacy services. Despite these clear warning signs, DCFS took no preventative action.
System’s Final Failure
A.Z.’s last cry for help also failed when the call floor worker and supervisor classified her report as “Information Only.” The report included disturbing information that A.Z. was working in an adult entertainment venue, “on stage and stripping her clothes off,” and engaging in sexual acts with patrons.
The state central registry Deputy Director noted the report did not identify an eligible perpetrator and there was no indication that A.Z. was “forced or recruited” to work at the venue. Thus, it was determined to be an investigation for Law Enforcement and merely information for the caseworker – a decision that child welfare attorneys would recognize as potentially actionable negligence.
The most shocking part of A.Z.’s story is the countless reports and documentation of her abuse to numerous agencies, yet each time she cried out for help, nothing was done. Many state actors were aware of A.Z.’s situation, yet each state department basically just noted her abuse and neglect and moved her file aside, resulting in a lifetime of preventable suffering.
Taking Action
These are exactly the types of abuse cases that we handle at Justice for Kids. As child welfare attorneys dedicated to protecting children’s rights, Justice for Kids has seen firsthand the devastating impact of DCFS’s systemic failures. If you are a foster parent or relative caregiver concerned about a child in DCFS care, we can help evaluate potential negligence claims.
Our team has extensive experience representing families facing similar issues within the DCFS system. Contact us today to discuss your specific situation and how we can work together to protect the children in your care. Every child deserves safety, stability, and proper care – and we won’t stop fighting until they receive it.
Julianna B. Walo, Esq.
Attorney, Justice for Kids
Kelley Kronenberg-Chicago, IL
754-888-KIDS (5437)
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