IL HB3002

Establishes the Department of Children and Family Services Ombudsperson Bureau as a separate bureau within DCFS to receive, investigate, and resolve complaints about Department violations of law, policy, or actions endangering health and safety.

Governor appoints a Bureau Director within 30 days of the Act's effective date; Director may hire technical experts and employees but cannot hire Ombudspersons who worked for DCFS in the preceding year.

Ombudsperson must report findings to complainants, create monthly reports on substantiated complaints, conduct facility investigations, and recommend policy changes; excludes complaints from Department employees about employment relationships and ethics violations (referred to Inspector General).

Department must provide timely access to all relevant records and facilities; Ombudsperson communications are privileged and complainant identity protected without written consent or court order.

Obstructing the Ombudsperson is a Class A misdemeanor, including interfering with investigations, offering compensation, retaliating against informants, or making threats related to investigations.