McHenry Times

State Representative Steve Reick (R-Woodstock) has addressed recent allegations of sexual abuse involving foster children at Aunt Martha’s Integrated Care Center in Chicago. In a statement, Reick expressed concern over the child welfare system's failures, noting that although allegations surfaced in August 2023, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) only acted to remove children from the center in May 2024.

"Once again our child welfare system is having a bright light directed at it for failing children in its care," said Reick. He emphasized the need for a thorough examination despite an ongoing criminal case. "It’s not too early to find answers as to how these alleged perpetrators were hired in the first place. The most recent case involves a staffer who served four years in a federal penitentiary for armed robbery. How did this not show up on a background check?"

Reick also highlighted that Aunt Martha’s is currently under 170 ongoing DCFS investigations and questioned what measures are being taken to ensure children's safety. "The fact that they’ve been removed from Aunt Martha’s does not guarantee that they’re in a better place," he stated.

He called for legislative oversight rather than allowing DCFS to conduct its own investigation. "We can’t wait for the criminal cases to run their course because of what else may be out there now that puts children at risk."

Reick urged immediate hearings by the House Adoption and Child Welfare Committee to determine accountability within the agency and why other involved parties, such as the Cook County Public Guardian’s office and judges, were not informed.

"We need answers to the ongoing problem of background checks, and we must also conduct a thorough examination of the contracts for Aunt Martha’s and other organizations offering integrated care services," concluded Reick. "If DCFS is going to have a light cast upon it, it should come from us and not the media."