Experience

King Technology, Inc. (KingTech) designed, developed, implemented and has operated the Diligent Search Service Center (DSSC), a Program of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, since 2001. The DSSC site is a web based application that provides diligent searches for missing persons significant to a child in Department care. The web application provides on line search request service and search results on the DCFS Intranet website. DSSC Operators assist users of the system by phone and e-mail and perform extensive computer searches using multiple state and national databases. The DSSC has been very successful in assisting workers by providing detailed information on missing persons, as required by the juvenile courts. This service saves the workers valuable time and helps them successfully meet court requirements in a timely manner. It also provides information that may lead to possible placements for children with relatives and others significant to their lives.

Diligent Search is conducted for the following:

• DCP – The case is still in the investigation stage with the Division of Child Protection.
• Post-TPR – following termination of parental rights, when timing of placement is critical.
• Intact Family – Child(ren) are in custody of parent(s) who are receiving support services from DCFS.
• ACR – Administrative case review, conducted by a DCFS reviewer without court involvement.
• Help Unit – The DCFS program designed to facilitate resolution of court identified, case specific, complex clinical and procedural issues that have not been adequately addressed and are preventing a case from moving toward permanency.
• 30 day follow-up – Case review during the first 30 days or when it is assigned to a different worker.
• Ongoing – Regular periodic case reviews.
• TPR – Termination of parental rights; a legal proceeding separating the child from his/her parent.
• Post TPR – Parental Rights have been terminated and relatives or others are sought for visitation or placement purpose.
• SG – Subsidized guardianship.
• Expedited Adoption – A program in Cook County wherein a trial is not necessary to terminate parents’ rights.

The DSSC can be used to look for the following:

• Missing Parent – An absent birth or adoptive parent.
• Relative /Other – A person related to a child in DCFS care who is not a parent or sibling. This may include foster parents, step parents, paramours, relatives or neighbors of the aforementioned and others with whom a child may have had a significant relationship.
• Sibling
• Missing involved subject of CANTS-Person identified by CANTS check.
• Ward/Client- Child/Youth in Care who is Absent From Placement, has been abducted, run away or is otherwise missing.