Kane County Circle of Care
Vision
The goal of the Kane County Circle of Care is not only to reduce the number of children entering foster care through prevention and early intervention, but also to create opportunities for families and youth of Kane County to be connected with the tools, resources, programs and services to meet their needs.
We began by engaging community leaders within the community, including but not limited to those in health care, education, social services, law enforcement, human services, and more. Many of these community leaders now serve on the Steering Committee or the Advisory Council that meets regularly to assess community needs; establish priorities; define, execute, and monitor action plans; collaborate with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS); and to evolve the vision and prioritize appropriate next steps.
Categories of Well-Being Resources
2026 Priorities
Launching Kane County Circle of Care Website and Resource Tool
- General Resources
- Prevention & Early Intervention
- Older Youth (Ages 14+)
- Stay Tuned for What’s Next
Conferences/Summit
- Thrive – Prevention & Early Intervention Community Summit (May 1, 2026) – Details to follow
- Educational Conference with Older Youth Resources Track (October 15, 2026)
Launch “Hope Clinics”
- Experiential Opportunities for engaging in “positive childhood experiences.”
What You Will Find Here
General Community Resources
General Community Resources
Includes community-based services spanning multiple areas of well-being. It helps individuals and families find supports that enhance health, stability, and overall well-being. The resources that have been incorporated into an integrated search tool include, but are not limited to the following:
- Illinois 211:
- Dial 211 or call 1-877-770-9995
- Crisis & Emergency. Disaster Recovery.
- Housing. Housing Expenses.
- Food. Food Programs & Benefits.
- Health. Healthcare Expenses.
- Dial 211 or call 1-877-770-9995
- Illinois Department of Children & Family Services Resources: https://spider.dcfs.illinois.gov/
- Kane County Health Resources: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Resources.aspx
- Kane County Early Childhood Resources: https://aoknetworks.org/local-networks/kane-county/
- Kane County Family Resource Guide: https://www.kanehealth.com/AOK/Pages/Resources.aspx
- Crisis Response
- Family Stabilization
- Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment
- Services for Elevated-Risk Populations
Child Abuse Prevention and Early Intervention Resources
Child Abuse Prevention & Early Intervention Resources
- These resources offer essential prevention and early intervention supports to help families and reduce the risk of child abuse and/or neglect, including but not limited to the following:
- Prevent Child Abuse Illinois: https://www.preventchildabuseillinois.org/
- Illinois Department of Human Services Early Intervention: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30321
- Kane County Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Resources: https://www.kanehealth.com/Pages/Child-Abuse.aspx
- Child Abuse & Neglect Gateway: https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/safety-and-risk/definitions-child-abuse-and-neglect/?top=86
- Brightpoint: Children Home & Aid Strong Families/Thriving Children: https://www.brightpoint.org/helping-families-from-the-start/
- VNA Healthy Families – Home Visitation Support:https://vnahealth.com/service/healthy-families/
Older Youth Resources (Age 14+)
Older Youth Resources (14+)
- These resources offer important programs and services for older youth (ages 14+) and their families, supporting multiple areas of need as youth prepare for a successful transition to independent living.
- Kane County Youth Services: https://www.kanecountyil.gov/WDD/Pages/youthServices.aspx
- DCFS Housing Assistance Program: https://dcfs.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dcfs/documents/brighter-futures/documents/housing_tip_sheet.5.0.pdf
- Drivers Education Training Grants: https://driversfoundation.org/license-to-the-future
Stay Tuned for What’s Next
Updated as of January 1, 2026; stay tuned for further updates
search for resources
Find the Support You Need
CHAT GPT BOX
(Under Construction)
Steering Committee Members
A steering committee has been established to oversee and influence this long-term initiative. Initial efforts will focus on prevention and early intervention resources and older youth (ages 14 and above) resources, with expansion planned in future phases.
Lynette Berry-Weston
Acting Family First Prevention Services Administrator
- Illinois Department of Children and Family Services
Carissa Ellison
Community member
