The director of Illlinois’ child welfare system is praising a former ward who got a college scholarship through the state. But that program may be cut.
In a policy speech yesterday, Department of Children and Family Services director George Sheldon said Jeremy Harvey overcame a lot in his life.
“The Chicago Police found a 4-year-old young child foraging for food through a dumpster.”
Harvey grew up with a foster family, and went to college on a state scholarship for wards.
“I had been planning on enlisting in the military. So I was very close to signing my enlistment papers and I was really lucky to win this scholarship.”
Governor Bruce Rauner has proposed cutting DCFS scholarships and other services for young adults to help balance next year’s budget.
When asked why he’s highlighting a program that might be cut, Director Sheldon told reporters “it’s a long way between here and the end of this process.”