Erwin McEwen is currently operating Kindu 4 Humanity LLC that he established in March 2018. The motto is “A humane approach to Human Services”. His approach calls for an understanding of the impact that home living environment has on children in strengthening their ability to be successful in overcoming community and system challenges. He focuses on the psychology of space. McEwen guided his visionary leadership of the Illinois Department of Children & Family Services from November 2006 to September 2011. Director McEwen sought to refocus child welfare practice on ensuring the well-being of children in addition to their safety. Before joining IDCFS in 2003, McEwen was Child Welfare Administrator at Lakeside Community Committee, a social service agency located on the Southside of Chicago. McEwen has a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University in Economics, A master’s degree from the University of Chicago in Social Work with a clinical concentration in Family Systems, and a Georgetown Followship on Crossover Youth. He was appointed by two Governors and confirmed by the Illinois Senate twice as Director of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services.