Good move. A better move would be increased funding... but that's not going to happen. :(

October 12, 2012 (SPRINGFIELD, Ill.) -- The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is canceling plans to lay off 375 employees.

Lee Enterprises' newspapers report that DCFS Director Richard Calica (KAL'-ihk-uh) announced the move in a memo to staff Thursday.

The agency says it will be working with state lawmakers to restore some funding to the department. DCFS says it also will pursue a reorganization plan that will reduce staffing while also trying to avoid layoffs.

Faced with severe budget strains, Illinois lawmakers approved a $50 million cut in the agency's funding for the new fiscal year. That led to plans for layoffs at DCFS this month.

Anders Lindall of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees says DCFS employees are "extremely relieved" that the agency has changed course.

Information from: The State Journal-Register, www.sj-r.com.