Chicago, IL (July 9, 2003) - The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will host a reception to introduce its new management team. Under the direction of Director Bryan Samuels, the Department re-designed its management structure to emphasize teamwork, collaboration, innovation, and communication. The new structure represents a more integrated, comprehensive approach to effectively delivering high quality services to children in state care.

"The new management structure emphasizes collaboration," said Samuels. "By increasing our information-sharing capacity, the Department will be able to successfully move toward inclusive decision-making practices."

The reception will be held on Wednesday at the DuSable Museum, 740 E. 56th Place in Chicago, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. At 7:30 p.m., Samuels will discuss the structure and how it will impact the Agency's work, and introduce the new team.

The new structure supports the priorities of the Department which are: protecting and serving the abused and neglected children of Illinois who come into the Agency's care; building an efficient system around the needs of the children DCFS serves, and providing wards with an array of quality services that reflect their needs.

The Department utilized an aggressive outreach and interview process to identify the new management team. Approximately 50 people were interviewed, including existing staff members and outside candidates.

"When you look at the deputy director level of the Agency, you'll see significant diversity," said Samuels. "There are five African Americans, two Hispanics and three Caucasians. Five are new to the agency and five are veterans. We succeeded in finding a good mix of skills and ethnic diversity while maintaining a balance of stability and change. In short, we've found the team we're looking for."

Contact:
Jill Manuel
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847