Illinois DCFS Cuts Ribbon On Donated Region/Field Office In Marion

On Sunday, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) opened a new regional office in Marion, attended by Senator Dale Fowler, Mayor Mike Absher, and other officials. The facility, located at 912 Pentecost Dr., was donated by the Blettner Group and spans 51,000 square feet, accommodating up to 400 employees.  The facility features a large warehouse that will serve as a distribution center for southern Illinois, improving the efficiency of delivering essential items like pack-and-plays and car seats to DCFS offices throughout the region. Additionally, it includes a self-defense training area, OC Pepper Spray training space, and four large classrooms. The first child welfare foundation class for 40 Illinois DCFS permanency workers has already taken place in the new classrooms.  Plans for a simulation lab for hands-on training are also underway, enhancing support for Illinois’ most vulnerable children.