State of Illinois Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Lottery, and the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois and are highlighting ways the state is working to prevent gambling disorder and support those in need of recovery.
March 3, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act (HB793) into law alongside bill sponsors Representative Theresa Mah and Senator Cristina Castro. The Dignity in Pay Act primarily implements a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage authorizations in Illinois, joining 18 other states in doing so. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) and the Illinois Department of Labor will lead the 5-year process-eliminating subminimum wage for people with disabilities by December 31, 2029.
January 22, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of BEACON Children's Behavioral Health Portal
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs. BEACON is now live for use by Illinois residents and can be accessed at beacon.illinois.gov.
January 15, 2025
IL DCFS Partners to Prevent Human Trafficking, Promote Education, Awareness and Support Survivors
SPRINGFIELD - January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) is joining forces with the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and various community organizations to raise awareness of Human Trafficking, one of the most under-reported and under-identified crimes.
January 6, 2025
Notice to Media from Illinois Department of Human Services - Incident Involving Protected Personal Information
Pursuant to the requirements of the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA), 815 ILCS 530/12, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) is notifying the media of an incident within IDHS State of Illinois email accounts: On April 25, 2024, IDHS experienced a privacy breach. An outside entity, through a phishing campaign, gained access to multiple employee accounts, and files associated with the accounts. The files included the Social Security numbers (SSNs) of 4,701 customers and three employees.
December 20, 2024
More Press Releases
Illinois Department of Human Services line up leader for consolidated mental health, substance abuse division | Chicago Tribune
A consolidated Illinois Department of Human Services division overseeing mental health and substance abuse will be led by a licensed psychologist who now runs one of the units, a department spokesperson confirmed Thursday.
David Albert, head of DHS's Division of Mental Health, will lead the new Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery. Rafael Rivera, interim head of the Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery, will be assistant director of the combined department, the IDHS spokesperson said.
February 20, 2025
Pritzker's $55 billion Fiscal Year 2026 budget: Breaking down proposed investments, cuts | WAND TV
Gov. JB Pritzker proposed a $55.2 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2026 during his State of the State and budget address. The budget includes massive investments for education and housing, but ends a program providing free health benefits for immigrant adults.
The budget includes massive investments for education and housing but ends a program providing free health benefits for immigrant adults. The governor's seventh budget proposal is a roughly $2 billion increase in spending over the current budget.
February 19, 2025
Community violence intervention saves lives. Keep funding it for public safety's sake. | Chicago Sun-Times
For too long, many of our communities have suffered extreme levels of crime and violence. And for too long, our society has addressed gun violence with only one approach: arrest and incarceration.
But thanks to a 2021 law called the Reimagine Public Safety Act, Illinois is pursuing a viable and proven alternative that complements traditional enforcement while offering people at risk a safe and legal off-ramp from the street life.
February 14, 2025
'Luckily, we have time': Transitions of Western Illinois officials react to newly signed Dignity in Pay Act
Disabled workers in the Land of Lincoln will soon have the same protection as those who are not disabled when it comes to pay. That's under a new Illinois law called the Dignity in Pay Act. The goal is to eventually ban subminimum wage for disabled workers.
January 23, 2025
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: 2024 IDHS Accomplishments Video
As we close out another remarkable year at IDHS, Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on all we've accomplished together. From expanding critical programs to reaching more families in need, we thank our staff and all our partners for their hard work, compassion, and commitment.
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on the culture and impact of the Latino/Latine/Latinx community. Learn more about their personal journey and the giants who inspired them to stand up for what is right.
DRS Director Patrick: ADA Celebration & Disability Pride
In celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, Department of Rehabilitation Services Director Rahnee Patrick discusses her journey as a disability activist, and she emphasizes the importance of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and disability pride in the ongoing work to secure equity for people with disabilities.
A Legacy of Neurodiversity Pride
"My community needs to gain more equity and inclusion, and that is where the advocacy for and by myself and others comes in." IDHS is honored to share insights from Daniel Olsen, a summer intern at the IDHS Office of Communications in Springfield. The article details his journey from shame to celebration.
A Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Designate Quintero
Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
February 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
January 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
December 2024 Stakeholder Newsletter
