Announcement - On Wednesday, May 4, 2016, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity held a joint press conference at the State Capitol in Springfield to announce the launch of the “Building Futures” initiative aimed at expanding state resources to improve employment outcomes for youth transitioning from foster care.

Youth and young adults who participated in the “Building Futures” initiative had access to approved training programs and employment services through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This program closed 12/31/2018.

​I want the business community to learn what we already know, our children in care are remarkable people with valuable skill sets and they are like any other children, just looking for an opportunity to grow, to learn, to achieve. - DCFS Director, George H. Sheldon