Neighbor to Neighbor

Developed in 1994, the Hull House Association Neighbor to Neighbor program works to keep large sibling groups together in stable foster placements. We believe that brothers and sisters should have every opportunity to stay together and that families should be reunified whenever possible. Intensive services are provided to birth and foster parents in order to achieve this family reunification. 

Our program recognized the integral role foster caregivers provide in supporting the family connections of the children in their care; as such, the program professionalized this role, making the foster caregivers full salaried employees of Hull House.

The Neighbor to Neighbor program works with children and families from the South and West sides of Chicago in a community-based model. 

Success and Adaptability
The program has consistently outperformed national averages in:  Keeping sibling groups of 4 or more together; Retaining foster caregivers; Providing stability and achieving reunification and adoption with minimal recidivism.

An independent research study by the University of Chicago and a successful replication of the program in Florida has demonstrated the program’s success and adaptability.

A comprehensive continuum of case management, clinical and family advocacy services is integral to the program. Case Managers, Family Advocates, Therapists, Family Development Specialists and an Educational Liaison are assigned to work in teams with the foster and birth parents. Children, youth and families in our program receive needed therapeutic services shortly after admission into our program. 

Program services include:

• Case management services (weekly supportive home visitation for sibling and adolescent foster care)
• Counseling services, including: Individual, family, couples and sibling group therapy; crisis intervention; adoption preparation counseling for children and youth
• Therapeutic visitation
• Parent coaching
• Psycho-education groups & workshops for children, youth and parents
• Psychiatric evaluation and medication monitoring for children and youth
• Educational advocacy for children and youth requiring special education
• Recreational activities for children and youth
• Social activities for children, youth and parents
• Referral and linkage to community resources for housing, employment, etc.
• Aftercare services for 6 months to one year post-reunification

Eligibility Criteria:  Initial placement in foster care preferred; We will consider re-entries and siblings who are currently in the system with another agency and are at risk of being separated; Children who are under legal custody of Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS); Sibling groups of 4 children or more between the ages of 0-14; youth over 14 may be accepted as part of sibling group; We will consider sibling groups of 3 children if they are at risk for being separated; Family must reside in targeted communities of the South and West side of Chicago, Illinois.