The McHenry County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to have a deputy accompany DCFS staff during home visits to increase safety.
McHenry County Government and the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) that will be effective on October 1.
The agreement, which was passed by the McHenry County Board on Tuesday, will add a new sheriff’s deputy position funded by DCFS.
The intergovernmental agreement says the sheriff’s office is in a “unique position” to help support CPS as they perform their duties related to home visits, safety assessments, well-being checks and other responsibilities.
The sheriff’s office worked with the DCFS to create a special unit comprised of a sheriff’s deputy and CPS staff to enhance safety.
The agreement, which will continue until June 2028, will result in DCFS reimbursing the county $150,629 in the first year, $206,596 in the second year and $210,496 in the third year to cover salary, benefits and equipment.
Earlier this month, McHenry County Sheriff Robb Tadelman mentioned the initiative in his announcement for re-election.
“We continue to strengthen cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. One key initiative currently in development is a partnership with the Department of Children and Family Services to embed a deputy within their office,” Tadelman said.
“This collaboration will help enhance child protection investigations and ensure vulnerable children receive the support and safety they deserve,” he said.