Latest news with #DCFS
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about Childhood Drowning Prevention Month
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — As trips to pools and lakes ramp up with the warmer weather, the Department of Children and Family Services reminds people how to prevent childhood drowning. Through all of 2024, 19 children in Illinois lost their lives to accidental drowning, with eight in pools, four in lakes, four in rivers, two in ponds, and one in a bathtub, a DCFS spokesperson said. Of these 19 youths, nine were under the age of five years old, with six of those drowning in pools. With May being Childhood Drowning Prevention Month, DCFS released the following tips to prevent drowning, they said. They say in bathrooms to never leave a child alone in the tub or rely on a bathtub seat, secure the toilet lid, and don't let them play in the bathroom alone, they said. Five-gallon buckets pose a risk to children as well, as they can 'topple' into them and be unable to get out, they said. Inflatable pools should be completely drained and stored upside down, as babies can drown in as little as one inch of water, they said. The following were tips for hot tubs and swimming pools, according to the spokesperson: Appoint an adult who can swim to always watch children when they are in the pool. Enroll children in swimming lessons. Keep ladders, patio furniture and toys away from above-ground pools. Install a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate around all pools and spas. Young children can wear personal flotation devices, but do not be lured into thinking these are able to prevent drownings. Keep hot tubs securely covered when not in use. Children should not be left in a hot tub alone. Learn CPR and keep rescue equipment, a phone and emergency numbers by the pool. The American Red Cross offers online CPR training classes anyone can take at their own pace from the convenience of home. The last aspect was ponds, fountains, and other water hazards in your yards, and check those places first if a child goes missing, they said. For more information, visit the DCFS website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Part of Garden Hills Drive closing for construction in Champaign
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Starting next week, a portion of Garden Hills Drive will be fully closed to traffic due to construction. On May 27, the street will be shut down between the south leg of the Paula Drive/Garden Hills Drive intersection through where Garden Hills Drive dead ends just north of the train tracks. During construction through this area, residents will not be able to enter or leave their driveways. Champaign County approves new Sheriff's deputy, allows for full-time DCFS deputy However, residents will be able to park on the street where street parking is available, but not within the construction zone. Pedestrian access to all homes will be maintained throughout the construction. This work is expected to last six-to-eight weeks but is weather dependent, meaning it could be delayed in the event of inclement weather. Additionally, more lane and/or road closures will be announced throughout the phases of the project. Drivers are asked to use alternate routes to avoid the road closure. All 2025 City Engineering Division projects can be found on the city's Construction Projects website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Champaign County approves new Sheriff's deputy, allows for full-time DCFS deputy
URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign County Board approved on Thursday the addition of a new deputy at the Sheriff's Office, which would help fill a special role within the agency. It would give Sheriff Dustin Heuerman the ability to move an experienced deputy into a full-time role assisting DCFS, stationing them at Champaign County's local DCFS office. A new deputy would be hired to fill the position left vacant by the transfer. Illinois DCFS marks Childhood Drowning Prevention Month Heuerman said this partnership with DCFS is something he's kept his eyes on for a long time. 'DCFS has been establishing partnerships with local sheriff's offices for a couple of years now,' Heuerman said. It started after social worker Deidra Silas was killed during a home visit in 2022. DCFS was looking for a way to keep its employees safe and saw a partnership with law enforcement as a way to do it effectively. It's called the DCFS Co-Responder Program. So far, 15 locations across the state have joined, but not Champaign County. 'I was a little hesitant because, with all new programs, I want to make sure all the kinks are worked out before we enter into that collaboration,' Heuerman said. Now, Heuerman said he's seen and heard enough. He talked to sheriff's offices and departments across the state, including Sangamon County. They started as a part of the Co-Responder Program but pulled out this year. 'I actually spoke with [Sheriff Paula Crouch] about that because I wanted to know why they weren't in that arrangement anymore,' Heuerman said. 'And she had good things to say about the arrangement. It's just she didn't have enough people to cover the streets, let alone those specialty assignments.' Former Champaign Co. deputy arraigned on theft charge Which is why Heuerman is asked the County Board for permission to hire another deputy. He sees a more experienced person moving into the role with DCFS. 'Not all home visits are high-risk, but law enforcement does have access to databases and to information that DCFS workers may not,' Heuerman said. He sees this extra information — the option of sending the deputy on home visits — and streamlining the process between agencies as valuable. And it won't cost the county a dime. 'It is 100% reimbursed [by the state], so the county is 100% reimbursed for the equipment and the personnel, and anything that goes into this position,' Heuerman said. 'This collaboration really is a benefit to all individuals involved.' Heuerman said he's excited to get this started and believes this will benefit all parties involved. The referendum will go into effect on July 1, but Heuerman isn't sure if he'll have someone in place by then. WCIA reached out to DCFS for comment and was provided with the following statement: The DCFS Co-Responder Program, which is already active in 15 other locations across the state, contributes to the increased safety of our front line staff who work tirelessly every day to ensure the safety and well-being of our children and youth. We are grateful to the Sheriff's Office for their support of our work and shared mission of safety. Heather Tarczan, DCFS Director of Communications Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Yahoo
Georgetown father mourns daughter, victim of apparent murder-suicide
DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A father has been without his daughter for more than a week. Steve Williams said that while nothing can bring her back, he hopes her death raises awareness of domestic violence. 32-year-old Lacy Williams was found shot near Grace Street and Cleveland Avenue in Danville on May 9. 67-year-old William Rudy died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound the same day. Lacy's father, Steve, said the two knew each other for about seven years, and had been dating for part of that time. Danville police officers said they found Lacy lying in the front yard of a house while Rudy was inside. Woman arrested in Danville for illegal weapon, drug possession Steve said she had just given birth to her third child about two weeks before her death. She was working to overcome addiction when her life was cut short. 'Friday, May 9, the day it happened, she was supposed to go to rehab for DCFS [and] jump through the hoops, and she didn't go,' Steve said. 'She was supposed to go [at] 4 o'clock and she called and told me, 'Dad, I'm going to go get clean' and I said, 'Ok, if you need anything let me know, call me whenever.' She never made it.' Steve said Lacy's newborn is staying with the Rudy's family. He also said there's no bad blood between the two sides as they're both mourning their loved ones. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Arkansas Foster Family of the Year winners announced
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) hosted its annual Foster Family of the Year Gala Thursday night at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts. At the end of the night, Teddy and Luz Garcia of Rogers were named the state's 2025 Foster Family of the Year. Longest-waiting child in Arkansas foster care system finds forever family DCFS officials said the Garcias became foster parents five years ago when two of their relatives entered the foster care system. They said what was initially a temporary opportunity to care for family members has grown into a blended family. Also at the gala, nine families were named as the 2025 Arkansas Foster Family of the Year for their area: Lori Cooper, Fort Smith Israel and Adriana Villaloz, Hot Springs Matt and Laura Smith, Texarkana Calvin and Hailey Manion, Conway David and June Simpson, North Little Rock Pamela Thomas-Nelson, Pine Bluff Joey and Jessica Patten, Mammoth Spring David and Kristian Ingle, Beebe Justin and Brandy Morphis, Monticello Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam said that foster families fill a critical need. 'Foster families are everyday heroes,' she said. 'They are the backbone of our child welfare system, and we are deeply grateful for their partnership and dedication.' New nonprofit started by Little Rock teen focuses on building friendships with kids in foster homes, struggling with mental health DCFS officials said Arkansas has approximately 3,400 children in foster care. Each year, caseworkers, child advocates, and fellow foster parents nominate families who go above and beyond to support vulnerable children and families. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
