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Illinois child-welfare agency starts cutting of 375 jobs

The interior of the dome at the Illinois State Capitol.
(via Flickr/jglazer75)
The interior of the dome at the Illinois State Capitol.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services began sending out layoff notices Friday as it tries to cut 375 jobs without weakening its ability to protect children.

The department has to absorb an $86 million budget cut.

Director Richard Calica said in a letter to staff that the agency must focus its remaining resources on core responsibilities required by law.

The (Springfield) State Journal-Register reportsthe agency will have to reduce programs aimed at preventing abuse and neglect.

The department is sending out 600 layoff notices but also filling some vacancies directly related to handling cases.

Gov. Pat Quinn says he wants legislators to shift money away from state prisons to help reduce cuts to DCFS.

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