The 2024 Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program Evaluation Report, developed by the Children and Family Research Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, examines the early implementation of a new initiative to reduce racial bias in child removal decisions by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). This pilot was launched in three counties: Champaign, DuPage, and Williamson, following legislation passed in 2022.

Under the program, when a child is temporarily removed from their home, a specialized team reviews the case within 24 hours. Reviewers are provided only with case facts, with all identifying and demographic information removed. This approach is designed to prevent unconscious bias based on race, income, gender, or location. An advisory board provides oversight to ensure the process is followed correctly.

Throughout 2023 and 2024, a steering committee developed key elements of the program. These include a logic model, eligibility guidelines, review timelines, redaction procedures, and decision-making rubrics. These tools help ensure that review teams make fair and consistent decisions. The report also highlights training, stakeholder engagement, and legal policy updates as essential supports for successful implementation. One of the program’s most important features is its focus on redacting any potentially biasing information and emphasizing safety concerns and available family supports in the review process. Advisory board observations provide feedback to help refine the system over time.

The evaluation plan for the program includes three components: an assessment of how well the program is being implemented, a check on whether its core processes are followed faithfully, and an analysis of outcomes. The outcome evaluation will determine if the program achieves its intended purpose of reducing the over-representation of Black children who are taken into protective custody, while still ensuring child safety. Although this initial report does not include outcome data, it establishes a strong foundation for future assessments that will inform decisions about expanding the program statewide.