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Last Updated: October 6, 2009

Illinois

State Coordinator(s)

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Frances Elbert
Acting Associate Deputy Director
Office of Education and Transition Services
100 West Randolph, 6th Floor
Chicago, IL 60616
Phone: (312) 814-6823
Fax: (312) 814-2656
Email: frances.elbert@illinois.gov

2009 Chafee Allocation

$4,772,059

2009 ETV Allocation

$1,604,698

Number of youth 16-21 (most current AFCARS data -2006)

4827

State's Chafee Mission Statement

It is the Department’s position that all youth in placement, regardless of their permanency goals, will be provided developmental activities and support services designed to enhance and monitor their independent living skill development. Transition planning for adolescents for whom family reunification, subsidized guardianship, or adoption is not an option must be an ongoing process beginning with an assessment of the adolescent’s needs and allowing for input from the youth, caregiver, teachers, counselors, youth’s family, and caseworker. It must also ensure accountability on the part of the youth, the Department and other service providers; and include periodic assessments of needs in light of services to ensure successful transition to independence. All adolescents are unique; however, they share common needs when preparing for independent living.

Who is Eligible for Chafee Services?

Youth in foster care ages 14-21. Youth with closed cases between the ages of 18 and 21 are eligible for the Youth Housing Assistance Program.

What is the State's Definition of Room and Board?

Information is currently unavailable.

Maximum Age that Youth may Remain in Care

21

No additional information is available.

Under what Conditions Can a Youth Remain in Care Beyond 18?

Section 2-31 of the Juvenile Court Act (705 ILCS 405/2-31) allows the Department to leave a youth’s case open until age 21 when the court determines that it is in a youth’s best interest to do so.

Is the Extended Medicaid Option Available for Youth Until 21?

No

No additional information is available. 

Can Youth in Care Get Driver’s Licenses?

Yes

The State of Illinois wards enroll in and complete the Driver Education Class in High School.

Does the State Offer Tuition Waivers for Foster Youth?

No

Youth in care can get tuition paid for four semesters at a community college. Illinois does have a competitive scholarship awarded to 48 youth. This scholarship includes tuition and fee waivers at a state university or community college.

Does the State Have a Youth Leadership Program?

Yes

Illinois has one Statewide Youth Advisory Board and four Regional Youth Advisory Boards: the Northern, Southern, Central, and Cook Central Youth Advisory Boards. Illinois currently contracts with the Chicago Area Project (CAP) collaboratively provide technical supports for the Youth Advisory Boards.

For more information, please contact:

http://www.chicagoareaproject.org/syab.htm

*Quoted from CAP website