By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The roll call continues – of dead or missing children. And State Rep Tom Weber (R-Lake Villa) says it’s evidence the performance of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is unacceptable.

“Since I last stood before you,” Weber told reporters at the Capitol Thursday, “two more babies have suffered high-profile DCFS tragedies. Sophia Faye Davis and Zaraz Walker. DCFS was aware of allegations that put both children in danger, but, once again, did nothing.”

Also unacceptable, says Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst), is the track record of DCFS director Marc Smith: “If six contempt of court orders is not enough of a wake-up call for Gov. (JB) Pritzker that his approach isn’t working, what will be? I am an attorney. I want to be clear,” Mazzochi said with a knowing chuckle. “Courts do not issue contempt of court orders lightly.”

An overarching criticism is that the structure of the agency is top-down; it could be, these lawmakers say, localized. And, they argue, supermajority Democrats will not give them a hearing.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].