Cwss-2026 - child welfare social services

The Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families awarded the Illinois Department of Children and Family Service $18.158 million under the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Child Welfare Services Program (CFDA 93.645) on October 1, 2025.

The award supports the delivery of coordinated child and family services throughout Illinois, utilizing community-based agencies in the development and expansion of state child welfare programming. Performance runs through September 30, 2027, with work conducted in Illinois.

The Stephanie Tubbs Jones program operates as a formula grant requiring recipients to submit a five-year agency plan jointly developed with HHS, due by June 30 of each year, with approval or disapproval occurring within 60 days. The plan must coordinate services under Title IV-B with other federal or federally assisted programs serving the same populations and incorporate consultation with appropriate public and nonprofit private agencies and community-based organizations. Funds are awarded following plan approval, with draw-down managed through an account established by the Division of Payment Management.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Service operates as a pass-through entity, distributing sub-grants to local government entities, nonprofit organizations, and community-based providers across the state. The Department is a child entity of the State of Illinois, headquartered in Springfield.