DCFS expanding residential capacity for medically complex youth in care

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services will open a new residential facility in Chicago next month to help youth transitioning from hospitals to foster homes. This is just one step the Pritzker administration is taking to improve life for DCFS youth in care.

Illinois had a drastic loss of 500 residential beds during the budget impasse from 2015-2017, and the state is still trying to recover for children most in need.

"It takes years to build back the bed capacity and for the state to regain the trust of organizations that relied on the state to pay its bills on time," Pritzker said.

The new facility will house up to 10 DCFS youth, from newborns to 21-year-olds. DCFS will invest $4 million annually to pay for room and board, intensive nursing care, case management and transportation. Agency leaders said it is critical to have these services close to home so patients are near family, friends and school.

"This program works closely with families and caregivers to train them on how to support their children's medical needs at home so that children can return to permanent homes safely - homes that they yearn for and deserve," said DCFS Director Heidi Mueller.

DCFS will have an additional 40 new beds available over the next three months to help youth across Cook County. However, the Pritzker administration anticipates they will need to add 170 more residential beds across the state over the next 12 to 18 months.

"It takes strength and courage for young people to navigate the world with physical or medical challenges," said Dr. Dana Weiner, director of the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation. "It takes support, training and dedication for the adults who have committed to care for these youth."

The $1 million construction project for Maryville's St. Catherine of Sienna was funded through the DCFS capital development program.

"Vulnerable patients will receive comprehensive care in a warm comforting environment from a staff with the training and resources that's necessary to meet their complex medical needs."