Illinois

Resources in your state

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Permanence

Mental health

Education: College / Higher Ed

Life skills

Rights in Foster Care

Children's Home & Aid

For 138 years, we have shown up for Illinois families. We are in the places where it’s proven to be the most effective: at home, in the classroom, and...

(312) 424-0200

https://www.childrenshomeandaid.org/

Education

Education: College / Higher Ed

Illinois: DCFS High School and Beyond

This is a list of continuing education resources for foster youth including ETV funds.

(800)232-3798

https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/independence/CYE/Pages/Continuing…

Youth or Alumni Group

Leadership Opportunity

Illinois: Chicago Area Project

A Youth Leadership and Development Program for youth in care. The link above leads to a youth advisory board. This program provides opportunities for...

(312) 663-3574

info@chicagoareaproject.org

https://www.chicagoareaproject.org/community-youth-services/city-wide-youth-com…

Ombudsman (Complaints)

Illinois: Office of the Inspector General (Foster Care Complaints)

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) or the Ombudsman's office responds to and investigates complaints filed by the state and local judiciary...

800-722-9124, 312-433-3000

DCFS.OIG.COMPLAINT@ILLINOIS.GOV

https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/aboutus/OIG/Pages/com_communications_inspector.as…

Independent Living Program

Illinois Independent Living Program

Independent Living (IL) Programs help current and former foster youth reach their independent living goals, providing services for education...

(800) 843-6154

https://www.illinois.gov/dcfs/brighterfutures/independence/Pages/default.aspx

If you don't find what you're looking for, or if there's info that should be listed here, contact us.

If you are being physically harmed — or are in danger of being harmed — it's an emergency. DIAL 911

Consider speaking with a foster parent, caseworker, an Independent Living Provider, your Attorney (or CASA or GAL), your school counselor, a therapist, or church pastor. You can also contact FosterClub by clicking the talk icon in the lower right corner.

When it is safe to do so, contact your caseworker first. If you do not receive a response within 3 business days, you could contact the Manager at the branch where your caseworker works. Finally, you could contact your State's Ombudsman. Check out our Youth Guide to Complaints.