Statement by Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich on resignation of Jess McDonald

Today, Jess McDonald resigned as Director of the Department of Children and Family Services. His resignation will be effective April 30.

During his nine-year tenure, Mr. McDonald made substantial contributions toward improving our state's child welfare system. Today, however, DCFS is facing new challenges, which require reevaluation and a new approach to help address them.

In February, a special task force was appointed to conduct a top-to-bottom review of DCFS and the effectiveness of its policies and programs in addressing child welfare needs.

By mid-April, the task force will produce a report of its findings and a new leadership team for DCFS will be announced.