Welcome to the DCFS Guardian Consent Portal
About Us
The DCFS Guardian is appointed by the Director of DCFS and serves as the:
• acting custodian for children in DCFS protective custody
•
temporary custodian
of each child or youth placed in the care of the department through an order of temporary custody by a juvenile court
•
legal guardian of each child or youth adjudicated to be an abused, neglected or dependent minor and placed in the guardianship of the department by a juvenile court
•
legal guardian
and custodian with power to consent to adoption of a child for whom one or both parents have executed a written surrender for adoption
• legal guardian
of youth in care over 18 years of age who are unable to consent on behalf of themselves, with court authority
The Guardianship Administrator is charged with making important decisions affecting the general welfare of children served by the department and protecting their legal rights. Specific duties include, but are not limited to: consent to the adoption of a youth under the care of the department; making other important decisions in conjunction with youth and parents when possible, such as consents to marriage, enlistment in the armed forces, major medical, surgical and psychiatric treatment, travel; removal from life support and/or Do Not Resuscitate Orders; and representing and arranging for legal representation of youth in litigation.
Who Can Submit a Consent Request?
Requests for consent can be submitted by:
• DCFS caseworkers
• Medical providers
• Child Welfare Contributing Agencies (CWCAs)
• Other designated service providers
Foster parents, biological parents, or caregivers should not submit consent requests. However, they can use the portal to understand the consent request process and what information they may need to provide requestors.
Want to share the Portal with others in your agency? Click here to download a one-page flyer.
Consent Request Process
With a few exceptions, the DCFS Guardian is authorized to consent to important decisions affecting the child or youth while the child/youth is under 18 years of age and in the Department’s care.
The DCFS Guardian has authority to deny consent when appropriate. The Guardian will rely heavily on information and recommendations from the child's permanency or adoption worker and supervisor in this decision making process. In order to make medical, dental and psychiatric decisions on behalf of youth in care, the DCFS guardian works closely with medical experts.
Submit Request
Fill out the consent request form on the portal and the CFS form will be generated for you upon submission. You will receive a confirmation number and email with a copy of the CFS consent request form. Keep the confirmation number for your records.
Review Request
Consent requests will be reviewed and processed by the Guardian Consent Unit staff. DCFS will consult with a medical professional for Psychotropic Medication and Medical/Surgical requests.
Provide Consent Outcome
The outcome of your consent request will be sent back to the requestor email / fax number provided. Please expect 5-7 business days to receive your consent outcome. For a status update please, call the Consent Unit Hotline with your confirmation number. Do NOT re-submit your request.