SPRINGFIELD — Seeking to reinforce the supportive role of the Department of Children and Family Services, State Senator Robert Peters advanced legislation aiming to remove the agency’s authority to operate its own law enforcement agency.

“DCFS should be a source of help for families in need, not a force of intimidation,” said Peters (D-Chicago). “This bill would create a necessary boundary to ensure families in crisis are met with care, not criminalization.”

Peters’ measure would remove the department’s statutory authority to appoint personnel to act as peace officers in counties with more than 500,000 people. Instead, it would reaffirm that any law enforcement needs involving DCFS would be handled by local or state police.

For families already navigating difficult situations, the bill would offer peace of mind and clarity, reinforce trust between communities and DCFS, and reduce chances of escalation.

“When families turn to DCFS they’re often facing some of the hardest moments of their lives,” said Peters. “It’s our duty to make sure these families receive the support they’re seeking, and this bill does that.”

House Bill 1715 passed the Senate Wednesday.