Statement on Ashley Deckert’s Resignation

It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that Ashley Deckert has been nominated by Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee to serve as their Director of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families.  

In her two years as the ICOY Director of Public Policy and Governmental Affairs, Ashley has been instrumental in our efforts to tackle the complex issues that we continue to face around racial disparities in the child welfare system. She researched and drafted legislation, testified as a subject matter expert, and advocated for a Bias-Free Child Removal Pilot Program Act at DCFS, which passed the General Assembly unanimously and is now in the implementation/planning phase. She also led important dialogues on shifting the narrative in child welfare, culminating in our Poverty is Not Neglect Bill, currently being championed in the Illinois House by Rep. Carol Ammons. In addition, Ashley has sought to strengthen statewide health and human services organizations by hosting our first-ever Workforce Symposium in partnership with Illinois Partners for Human Services that created dialogue between colleagues and offered solutions to known workforce shortages throughout the sector. Collaborating with Illinois Partners for Human Services legislatively, the Human Service Professional Loan Repayment Program passed in 2022 for the purpose of recruiting and retaining qualified human service professionals to work for community-based service providers.  Ashley, her team, and Illinois Partners for Human Services introduced an Amendment in 2023 that provides further funding for the Illinois workforce supporting children, youth, and their families in Illinois.

We are proud of what she has accomplished in her time with us and know that she brings her deep commitment to child and family well-being from Illinois with her to Rhode Island.

From the Policy Team:

“Ashley will be remembered at ICOY for her ability to not only dream big, but always get it done. No matter the challenges or opposition faced, her optimism and passion for youth and families always win! For that, we will greatly miss but carry those same qualities into future legislative sessions and policy initiatives with us. We are extremely proud for what the future holds for Ashley and we look forward to seeing her continue to win in her endeavors.”  

If you’re interested in applying to this or any other open position, please visit our Careers page for a more detailed job description and ways to apply.