FY26 Renewal: Family Matters

The Department of Children and Family Services is seeking applications for the FY26 Renewal: Family Matters program. This program aims to provide services for the development of secure legal care and custody plans for minor children living with caregivers who are over the age of 60, frail, or ill. The services may include short-term guardianship, stand-by guardianship, stand-by adoption, adoption, or other informal family arrangements. The provider will determine family composition, strengths, capacity, assessment of current situation, and needs. • The provider will coordinate with the DCFS subsidy unit to complete a subsidy agreement and any service/legal referrals in cases of death or incapacitation. • Social workers, caseworkers, and/or lawyers will provide services to all families. • The provider will assist families with understanding the special needs of their child and ensure all services are being delivered adequately to that child. • Advocacy may include writing letters, attending meetings, making home visits, attending hearings, and meeting with teachers.