DCFS

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is making a major push to expand its workforce. Part of the effort includes an employment workshop Wednesday afternoon at Career Link in Canton.

The father of Navin Jones, an 8-year-old boy who died of severe malnutrition and abuse in 2022, was found guilty of first degree murder Friday after a weeklong trial that detailed the abuse and further revealed how the Department of Children and Family Services did not act to remove the child from his parents' care.

Walker, 41, is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in the death of his 8-year-old son, Navin Jones. Navin died March 29, 2022 due to extreme neglect and abuse.

The prosecution said in opening statements that the evidence would show that the boy's father, Brandon Walker, 41, withheld food and medical care from Navin. The defense said it would show that Navin’s mother, Stephanie Jones, was the guilty party.

The trial of Brandon Walker — the father of 8-year-old Navin Jones, who was killed in March 2022 — is delayed until Sept. 18.

Child deaths involving the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services increased by 40 percent in the last fiscal year.

Ta’Naja Barnes was two years old when she was found wrapped in a urine-soaked blanket amid rodent droppings, garbage and rotting food.

In the wake of several child deaths — including Peoria boy Navin Jones — Republican lawmakers on Wednesday called for a performance audit of the state child welfare agency.

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reporting a growing lack of investigative muscle needed to grapple with skyrocketing caseloads.

Navin Jones' death was a ruled a homicide and his parents were arrested this week.