If successful, a pilot program that seeks private donors to fund social services with an eye toward cost savings and efficiencies could be a model used across the state.

This week the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services began the pilot program in four different counties. DCFS spokesman Andrew Flach (flahk) says if the program is successful it could be rolled out for other services the state manages.

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Flach says the initial evaluation could take upward of six months to gauge the success of the program, and investors will only get a return on investment if the programs they fund saves the state money.

The initiative was started by former Governor Pat Quinn and carried through by Governor Bruce Rauner.