Cook County Public Guardian accuses DCFS of withholding information in death of Round Lake Beach child

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The Cook County Public Guardian is calling out the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) for withholding information in the case of 8-year-old Markell Pierce, who was found dead in his home in Round Lake Beach. Pierce's mother and her boyfriend are facing criminal charges for alleged long-term mental and physical abuse, and a preliminary autopsy indicated the child showed signs of malnourishment. DCFS has said the family was not receiving services and that state law and confidentiality rules prevent them from releasing further details during the ongoing investigation, but the Public Guardian argues that Illinois law allows DCFS to release information when a child has died, been critically injured, or when parents face criminal charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability at DCFS, especially in high-profile child death cases. The Public Guardian's accusations suggest a pattern of DCFS withholding information, even when state law allows for its release, which could undermine public trust and hinder efforts to improve child welfare policies and practices.

The details

According to the report, DCFS has refused to answer questions or provide a timeline of its involvement with the Pierce family, despite past cases where the agency has released such information after high-profile child deaths. The Public Guardian argues that DCFS has the legal authority to release details in this case, as the child has died, the parents face criminal charges, and the agency was not providing services to the family.

• Markell Pierce, an 8-year-old boy, was found dead in his home in Round Lake Beach.
• Pierce's mother and her boyfriend are facing criminal charges for alleged long-term mental and physical abuse.
• A preliminary autopsy indicated the child showed signs of malnourishment.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Lake County State's Attorney's Office and the Governor's office, which oversees DCFS, have been contacted to see if additional information can be released about the case.