Heidi Mueller, director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, appears on “Chicago Tonight: Black Voices” on May 8, 2024. (WTTW News)

Heidi Mueller was appointed director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services by Gov. J.B. Pritzker in February. She is the 13th director in 14 years.

Heidi Mueller, the current head of Illinois’ Juvenile Justice Department, has been picked to lead DCFS. (Credit: State of Illinois)

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Wednesday announced that he’ll appoint Heidi Mueller, the current head of Illinois’ Juvenile Justice Department, to head the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) starting in February.