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Candidate says AG can intervene in child‑welfare failures and would use grand jury if needed
Summary
Asked about Illinois Department of Children and Family Services failures, Bob said the attorney general has statutory authority to intervene, including empaneling a statewide grand jury to investigate systemic problems and protect vulnerable children.
When the moderator raised recent problems involving the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Bob said the attorney general can and should intervene when agencies fail vulnerable populations.
"I think the attorney general has a right to intervene and oversee what's happening in all those agencies. It's statutorily given," he said, and added that where there is evidence of systemic problems the AG should consider processes such as a statewide grand jury to investigate and, if necessary, bring charges. He framed the intervention as protecting those who "don't have the power to speak out."
Bob's comments are declarative about the office's authority and his intent; the interview did not include citations to specific statutes or examples of planned investigative steps beyond the grand jury possibility.
