MARION, Ill. -- Lawmakers and community members gathered on Thursday to celebrate a new regional field office for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.
Multiple people were on hand from across the state, including Illinois DCFS Director Heidi Mueller, Senator Dale Fowler, Mayor Mike Absher and more.
State and community leaders cut the ribbon, signifying the opening of the new field office; a 51,000 square foot building which is valued at $4.5 million and can accommodate 400 employees.
Housed at the new site is the agency’s clinical, contract administration, day care and foster family licensing, education and transition services, permanency and quality assurance operations.
The agency's child protection team will also call the new building home next year.
This new facility will help streamline operations and create a better environment for families served by the DCFS in Franklin and Williamson counties.
DCFS is responsible for protecting children from abuse or neglect by responding to reports received by the Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-252-2873 (1-800-25-ABUSE) or (non-emergency).
