DCFS Supportive Services
Aunt Martha’s provides DCFS supportive services in Illinois through structured, community-based programs that strengthen families, stabilize placements, and prepare youth in care for adulthood.
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, our Child Wellness team delivers short-term intervention, placement preservation services, and transition planning support across the communities we serve.
Community Connection Services (CCS)
Formerly Child Welfare Services (CWS)
Community Connection Services is a voluntary, short-term component of DCFS supportive services in Illinois. The program helps families address concerns early, reduce risk, and strengthen day-to-day stability so children can remain safely at home.
How Community Connection Services Works
- Home visit within three business days of referral
- Family strengths and needs assessment
- Short-term service plan, typically 30 days and up to 60 days
- Weekly in-home visits and progress review
- Direct connection to community-based resources
Participation is voluntary. Families may withdraw at any time.
Services May Include
- Counseling and mental health referrals
- Domestic violence prevention services
- Substance use treatment referrals
- Parenting education and coaching
- Housing or transportation assistance
- Help obtaining food, clothing, or school supplies
Community Connection Services focuses on practical problem-solving, consistent follow-up, and connection to local providers.
CIPP (Clinical Intervention for Placement Preservation)
CIPP is a placement preservation program within our DCFS supportive services Illinois portfolio. It is designed to prevent placement disruption when a youth’s current living arrangement is at risk.
Through a structured staffing process, trained facilitators bring together caregivers, caseworkers, and service partners to determine the appropriate level of support.
CIPP Focus Areas
- Prevent placement disruption
- Increase caregiver engagement
- Align services with identified needs
- Improve placement stability outcomes
The goal is to preserve safe, stable placements whenever possible and ensure continuity of care.
Countdown to 21
Countdown to 21 supports transition-aged youth in care as they prepare for adulthood. It is another key component of DCFS supportive services in Illinois.
Beginning at age 19, structured meetings guide young adults through planning related to housing, employment, education, and financial literacy.
Program Components
- Facilitated transition planning meetings
- Financial literacy education
- Coordination with workforce and education partners
- Guidance on eligibility for transition-related financial support
Countdown to 21 promotes structured planning and accountability so young adults leave care with a clear path forward.
Our Approach to DCFS Supportive Services Illinois
Across all programs, Aunt Martha’s:
- Conducts structured assessments
- Maintains weekly contact during active service
- Connects families and youth to local providers
- Tracks performance against contractual benchmarks
- Maintains clear documentation and accountability
These programs are delivered by trained professionals who understand the complexity of family systems and the importance of timely, coordinated support.
