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.

Reunification rates have shown variability over time but demonstrate a generally positive trend in recent periods. The first quarter of fiscal year 2026 reached 51.2%, one of the highest rates in the review period, followed by 46.3% in the second quarter of fiscal year 2026. DCFS will continue to make every effort toward reunification whenever safely possible. DCFS tracks case counts internally with the percentages each quarter and will report annually when appropriate.