Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will have a prominent presence at the 2024 Illinois State Fair, where they aim to engage with families and provide information about their various programs and services.

Located on Central Avenue, the DCFS tent will offer visitors insights into foster care, adoption, and guardianship. Agency employment recruiters will be available to discuss job opportunities and accept applications from prospective employees. Additionally, free gun locks will be distributed to promote child safety in homes with firearms.

Aligned with the fair's theme, "It's Showtime," the tent will feature a red carpet and superhero-themed backdrop for photo opportunities. Activities for children include games and a craft area where they can create their own superhero masks.

DCFS is also extending special offers to foster, adoptive, and guardianship families attending the fair by providing discounted parking, admission, concession, and carnival ride coupons.

"The Illinois State Fair is a perfect place for families to enjoy a day of fun and make memories that will last a lifetime," said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller. "This year our theme is ‘Be a child's superhero- transform a child's life,' which speaks to the heart of our agency's mission, both in the work our incredible team does every day as well as the heroic efforts of our dedicated foster parents who open their hearts and homes to thousands of children who are in need of a loving family."

The Illinois State Fair runs from August 8-18 in Springfield. For more information about Illinois DCFS, including becoming a foster parent or exploring employment opportunities, visit dcfs.illinois.gov.