This measure represents the percent of children able to return to the caregivers they were removed from after entry into DCFS custody.

DCFS moved to internally-observed quarterly reports for this measure around September 2023. DCFS made this decision to improve consistent and contemporary understanding of the measure and how various initiatives may impact it. Previously data was pulled annually in February from the federal Child and Family Services Reviews (CFSR) data indicators using round 4 formulas. The federal data came from information provided every year to the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS). The NCANDS reporting period runs from October 1 to September 20 (over a 12-month period) and is sent in every year.

Reunifying children safely with their families is one of DCFS's highest priorities and a central measure of the agency's success in achieving permanency. When children can safely return home, it preserves family bonds, cultural continuity, and long-term stability in ways that other permanency options sometimes fall short of. Reunification rates vary from quarter to quarter based on the specific circumstances of the cases closing in each period. The first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reached 51.2%, followed by 46.3% in the second quarter, 50.3% in the third quarter, and 44.03% in the fourth quarter, ending the year just below the 45.90% goal. Across the full year, the majority of quarters met or exceeded the goal, reflecting sustained focus on returning children home whenever it is safe to do so. DCFS remains committed to making every effort toward reunification through timely, family-centered casework, robust safety planning, and close support of parents working toward reunification.