This measure represents the average number of placements a child may experience while in the custody of DCFS. The goal is to reduce the number of placements as much as possible to support stability for the child. This measure reports placement setting changes per 1,000 days in care.

These data come from federal Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) indicators and use round 4 formulas. DCFS receives updates twice each year for a 12-month reporting period. Data are returned in February and August.

Our primary goal is to maximize stability for children by keeping placement changes to an absolute minimum. To track this consistently, we have transitioned to using our internal state data. (Note: While federal reports often show higher rates due to methodological differences, our internal tracking remains aligned with federal measurement standards.) The rate remains below the 4.48 goal and declined to 3.65 in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2026, down from 4.10 in the third quarter. Rates have moved up and down between quarters over the past two fiscal years, and the long-term trend indicates that children are still moving more frequently than in recent years. We remain fully committed to reducing these transitions so every child can thrive in a stable, consistent environment.