Illinois DCFS

Illinois officials are seeking answers after the killing last week of a state child welfare worker during a home visit — the second such tragedy to occur in less than five years.

The Illinois Department of Children & Family Services has determined that a report of “suspected child abuse or neglect” related to Rev. Michael Pfleger is “unfounded,” the agency wrote in a letter to the long-time St. Sabina minister on Feb. 23, 2021.

The St. Sabina faith community joined together Wednesday in a rally to support Rev. Michael Pfleger while the Chicago Archdiocese continues its investigation into allegations. NBC 5’s Charlie Wojeciechowski reports.

A second person has come forward with accusations that they were sexually abused by the Rev. Michael Pfleger, and now the priest has responded forcefully to those allegations. NBC 5’s Christian Farr has the details.

Additional charges were filed against a couple from Guatemala that allegedly used two undocumented girls as slaves in suburban Aurora.

The Illinois agency responsible for investigating child abuse has updated its system for accepting online reports of neglect and abuse. Leaders of the Department of Children and Family Services said the changes include clearer instructions and fewer necessary clicks, aiming to reduce the amount of time required to complete abuse reports. “The earlier suspected abuse or neglect is reported, the…