Educational/Professional Background

Geraldine Rodriguez graduated from DePaul University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1993 and later earned a master’s degree in information systems technology in 2005. She has worked in child welfare for more than 30 years, beginning with roles that built her foundation in case reviews, data collection, and data analysis systems. Over time, she expanded her expertise by providing technical support and CQI and outcomes‑focused training for DCFS and Child Welfare Contributing Agencies across Illinois.

Research/Practice Interests

In 2005, Geraldine joined the Foster Care Utilization Review Program, where her work centered on federal and state reviews, project management, and technical assistance. As her responsibilities grew, she became increasingly involved in statewide quality improvement efforts, eventually becoming co‑lead of the Illinois Child and Family Services Review (CFSR) team. In this role, she has been instrumental in connecting federal CFSR outcomes to practical casework expectations, developing training, presentations, and materials that help practitioners apply federal standards in their daily practice.

Current Projects

As Program Director, Geraldine continues to focus on helping child welfare staff understand and use data to improve casework practices. Her current work emphasizes building strong partnerships with individuals across various roles in child welfare to support continuous quality improvement through training, data analysis, and clear data communication. She is committed to helping practitioners recognize the importance of quality review systems and how they shape the services provided to children and families. She also maintains an interest in exploring how technology can strengthen efficiency and enhance organizational management structures.