Youth Connections

Youth Connections is a family-supported adolescent foster care program. The program provides youth ages 12-16 with a safe, stable structured home environment, preparing them to become productive adults.  Youth Connections is designed to work with those who have experienced numerous challenges in foster care, such as multiple placements or a failed adoption.

Youth Connections Philosophy: Focus on the future by supporting youth’s potential and building on their strengths today.

Youth Connections Mission: Help youth make meaningful connections for secure and healthy lifestyles, and to assist and support their transition to adulthood.

Youth Connections Program Goals:

• Provide safe and stable living situations
• Improve educational and vocational experiences
• Support and enhance positive relationships with family members and significant others
• Promote positive sense of identity
• Address special needs
• Prepare youth for adult living

This program was crafted from our nationally recognized model of professional foster care for siblings. The service philosophy for all of our foster care programs is to treat individuals with dignity and respect.  We accomplish this by using a team approach, and working with a framework that is child-centered, family-focused and strength-based. 

Foster Caregivers & Youth Connections Team: Our program’s foster caregivers play a vital role.  The caregivers are responsible for creating a home environment that promotes healthy development.  They are well-trained on adolescent issues in the context of the foster care system. 

Comprehensive clinical, case management and family advocacy services are an integral part of the program.  The program also has a psychiatrist and an educational liaison. The Youth Connections team includes individuals who guide and mentor youth who are at risk. Youth are an active part of the team, and play a role in identifying the people important to them to include in the Youth Connections team.

Eligibility Criteria: Prior to referral, the youth must be approved by Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS) Child and Youth Investment Team or the IDCFS Specialized Foster Care unit; Youth must be between the ages of 12-16 years; Youth over 16 will be considered on a case by case basis; Youth usually have a goal of independence, however we will accept youth with a goal of returning home; Youth must desire a foster home setting; Youth and family should reside in Cook County.