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Springfield, IL, Aug. 12, 2005 -- State Fair attendees can again look
forward to having family photos taken while visiting the Department of
Children and Family Services tent. Free popcorn and new giveaways, including
beach balls, are also available while supplies last at the fair, that
runs August 12th - 21st.
Located across
from the carnival midway, the DCFS tent photo area will also play an important
protective role. Foster children will be photographed as part of the Department's
ongoing effort to ensure their safety. Photographs of foster children
are stored in a missing children database to expedite the tracking and
identification of children that are missing from care. Last year, 600
photos were added to the database.
"The
State Fair provides us with a convenient opportunity to update our missing
children database," said DCFS Director Bryan Samuels, noting that
annual photographs are required for each of the nearly 18,000 foster children
served by the Department.
"Each
year, our Department sends State Fair entrance cards, meal tickets and
discount ride tickets to more than 10,000 foster and adoptive family members
as a way of saying thanks. Many of the families visit the DCFS tent during
their stay, and it only takes a minute to take a digital photograph that
may someday help save a child's life or return them to safety." Individuals
with information about missing or abducted DCFS children should call the
24-hour toll-free HELPLINE at 866-503-0184.
"The
State Fair has always been a great way for DCFS to show its thanks to
the families that have opened their homes to children who need their love
and protection, as well as to recruit new foster and adoptive families,"
said Director Samuels. "Now technology enables us to take quick and
easy steps to ensure a safer future for children in our care."
Visitors
to the State Fair can also pick up informational handouts, talk to child
welfare experts about how to become a foster or adoptive parent, and apply
for jobs at DCFS.
DCFS is the
nation's largest accredited state child welfare agency, as well as a leader
in the development of cutting-edge, child protection, foster care and
adoption services. For more information about becoming a foster or adoptive
parent, call toll-free 800-572-2390.
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Diane Jackson
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
312-814-6847
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