WEBSTER CANTRELL YOUTH ADVOCACY

COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY BASED YOUTH SERVICES Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services At-A-Glance ​ In addition to the 24 hour crisis intervention services that are available to youth and their family, this program provides community-based interventions including: formal assessment, counseling, case management, weekly teen groups, and linkages with other services in Macon, Dewitt, and Piatt Counties. ​ Our Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services Program ​ Youth served in this program are ages 11-17. The targeted length of services for this program is 3-6 months. ​ This is an open-referral system. Anyone can make a referral to the program by calling the Juvenile Justice Programs Director as listed below. ​ This program is funded by the Department of Human Services . ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Anna Logan CCBYS & Hilltop Shelter Supervisor 217-542-5663 ext. 108 ALogan@wcya.org

FAMILY ADVOCATE / SARs Family Advocate At-A-Glance ​ This program provides intensive in-home services for abused and neglected children and their families. This DHS/DFI funded 6-9 month contract serves Intact families in order to prevent out-of-home placements. ​ Our Family Advocate Program ​ Family Advocate Program provides intensive services to intact families with children from birth to age 17 who live within in Macon County that are referred by a community service provider, DCFS, and can also be a self-referral to keep the family intact. The family can consist of a single mother with children, a two parent family with children, single father with children and relatives that already have legal guardianship and custody of a relative’s children. ​ Family Advocate provides an array of services to the families which include but are not limited to advocating for the family or family member within the community such as schools, landlords, or other service providers. Transportation to medical appointments, public aid, counseling services, to obtain items that the family is need of such as groceries, clothing, etc. Parenting education when needed, financial education when needed, housing assistance as needed and general support. Referrals to local medical providers, mental health providers, local thrift stores and food pantries. Assistance to apply for government funds such as food stamps, medical benefits and TANF (cash assistance through the local public aid office. Assistance to apply for other monetary benefits such social security or local agencies for assistance with household bills such as power or water bills, and rent. Educational support for the children and the parent(s) with the local school district and also educational support for the parent(s) for their own educational need. Assistance and support to the parent(s) upon request for their own employment needs. Family Advocate is open to the community and allows families to request services at times when they most need assistance due to an unforeseen life event. Family Advocate Program’s goal is to provide services to families so they obtain the necessary skills to stabilize their environment for them and their children. ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Marley Reed Family Advocate Supervisor 217-423-6961 ext. 2294 MReed@wcya.org ​ Jessica Stafford Director of Intact 217-423-6961 ext. 2160 JStafford@wcya.org

DCFS MEDICAID COUNSELING DCFS Medicaid Counseling At-A-Glance ​ Everyone can use some help at some time in their lives. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, confused, or overwhelmed; if you want to improve your relationship with your spouse, children, and/or other family members; or you just need help dealing with feelings or issues that seem beyond your control, we are here to help. Our desire is for children, adolescents, and adults to reach their fullest potential by living lives that are relationally, emotionally, and psychologically healthy. ​ Our Counseling Program ​ Our counseling services provide specialized counseling and case management to children, adolescents, adults, and their families to address mental health issues. Services can be provided in the home, school of the identified client, or in an office setting. Our counseling services are provided to meet Medicaid mental health criteria. ​ We specialize in counseling in many different areas, including, but not limited to: Depression Grief Separation / Divorce Anger Management Trauma / PTSD Marriage and Family problems Self-Esteem issues Crisis Suicide Life-Skills Autism ​ How to use our Counseling Program ​ Counseling services are open to the following: DCFS referrals Referrals from the Macon County area ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Aimee Crask Clinical Director 217-233-6811 ext. 3217 ACrask@wcya.org ​ ​

NORMAN HOUSING ADVOCACY Norman Housing Advocacy At-A-Glance ​ Housing advocacy services assist clients in obtaining and/or maintaining stable housing. Services include: Assistance in securing affordable housing Consumer education Budget counseling Linkages to community-based resources (i.e. assistance with utilities, clothing, and food) Follow-up services for a minimum of three months after the client secures appropriate housing ​ This program is offered to all DCFS open cases. A referral must be made by the caseworker. ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Amanda Aubert Norman & Youth Housing Supervisor 217-422-7864 ext. 155 AAubert@wcya.org

FOSTER CARE Foster Care At-A-Glance ​ There are times when difficult circumstances prevent children from living with their parents. Sometimes when this happens, it is necessary for those children to live outside of their home with someone who can provide them a safe and nurturing environment. Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy provides a variety of Foster Care services that are tailored for each child’s unique situation, which may also include Visitation and Family Habilitation services. ​ Types of Foster Care ​ There are multiple types of Foster Care. ​ Traditional Foster Care offers non-relative homes to children who have been removed from their homes for safety reasons. The length of stay for each child varies. Services are provided to aid in the reunification of the family and other means of permanency for the child. ​ Relative Foster Care serves children who have been removed from their homes for safety reasons, but have relatives who can provide a safe and loving home environment. Services are provided to aid in the reunification of the family and other means of permanency for the child. ​ Fictive Kin Foster Care serves children who have been removed from their homes for safety reasons, but have an individual, unrelated by birth or marriage, who is shown to have close personal or emotional ties with the child or the child’s family prior to the child’s placement with the individual, who can provide the child with a safe and nurturing environment. Services are provided to aid in the reunification of the family and other means of permanency for the child. ​ Foster Family After Care serves children who have successfully returned home to their parents. This program provides case management and counseling services in order to stabilize the newly reunited family. Services can continue for up to nine months. ​ For help with terminology, please click here . ​ Many of our Children... ​ Suffered physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, and neglect Have been deprived of adequate food, clothing, and shelter Have watched years of domestic violence in their home Have not had education stressed as a priority Were victims of violent tempers often fueled by alcohol and/or drugs ​ What can you do to help? ​ There are many ways you can help to change the life of a child. For some, opening their hearts and homes by becoming a licensed foster parent is one way. However, because being a foster parent is not for everyone, donations that go towards providing much needed items for children in Foster Care is another way. ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are program supervisors that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Sandra Puhlman Director of Foster Care Services 217-423-6961 ext. 2145 SPuhlman@wcya.org BECOME A FOSTER PARENT FOSTER PARENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES 2022 FOSTER PARENT IMPLENTATION PLAN (see form below) 2022 Foster Parent Implementation Plan Feedback & Signature Please note any comments for improvement that you have at this time. Signature By checking this box I am confirming that I have read the 2022 Foster Parent Implementation Plan and have given any suggestions for improvement above. I understand that my typed name above in the "Signature" field ascts as my official and legally binding signature. Send Feedback & Signature Thanks for submitting!

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT ABOUT LEARN MORE ABOUT US PROGRAMS BROWSE OUR PROGRAMS DONATE DONATE ONLINE NOW NEWSLETTER SIGN UP NOW QUICK LINKS Learn How to Help Learn about the different ways in which you can help our organization by visiting our How to Help page . You can also view our Wish List here! HOW TO HELP + WISH LIST Check Partners in Parenting Class Schedule Stay up to date on when Partners in Parenting Class will be held each month by checking our Partners in Parenting page . PARTNERS IN PARENTING PAGE Register for Partners in Parenting Classes If you need to register for Partners in Parenting Classes, click here or the button. REGISTER FOR CLASS Become a Foster Parent Learn the requirements and steps to become a Foster Parent by visiting our Foster Parent page . BECOME A FOSTER PARENT

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN Dear Friends,​ Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy is a private, non-profit, child welfare agency with a solid commitment of helping hurting children and their families in our community. This name may seem new to you. On February 1, 2020, Webster-Cantrell Hall and the Youth Advocate Program merged, forming Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy. Through the merger of these two solid social service agencies, a multifaceted agency was created. This new agency is able to offer unduplicated, intense services to families in need within our community. The new agency is serving over 2,000 children and their parents each month through an Intact Family Services Program, Foster Care, Adoption, Counseling Services, Extended Family Support, Visitation Program, Advocacy Program, Family Habilitation Program, Parenting Education Programs, Family Advocate Programs, Youth Housing Assistance, Community Access, Norman Housing Advocacy, Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services, a Hilltop Youth Shelter, and TransParenting Program for parents who are separating or divorcing. Through these programs, our agency is able to provide a full spectrum of services to families to assist with strengthening or improving family systems. The function, or mission, of the agency is to serve at-risk youth and families through a wide range of strength-based, trauma informed services. We believe that children best develop into productive adults in a supportive, physically and emotionally safe, permanent home, and that a family represents the most desirable home environment. Our professional services facilitate family preservation and self-sufficiency. Even during this difficult year, our Agency has continued to assist so many children and their families in this community. One father and his four children were living in an apartment that was so infested with insects that nothing he did could get rid of them. The father was finally able to move into a house; however, appliances were not included. The family lived for several weeks without a stove and refrigerator. Many families do this for long periods of time; however, one of the children in this family has a liver disease that requires that his medication be refrigerated. The father was able to keep the medication in a refrigerator at his job and bring home enough for his son in a cooler each night. This was a stressful situation for everyone in the family. Our Agency was able to assist the family in obtaining a stove and refrigerator. When they were delivered to the home, one of the older daughters was so excited, stating that now her brother was going to live! This is just one of the MANY ways that Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy has continued to make a positive impact on the lives of children and their families. We are so thankful for those of you that have supported us throughout this year or over the years. We could not continue to do this life changing work without your financial support. We understand this has been a difficult year for so many families; if a large year end donation is difficult this year, we ask that you consider making monthly donations next year. Every dollar truly makes a difference. Donations can be made online at www.wcya.org or by mail. Wishing you and your family a safe, healthy holiday season. ​ Happy Holidays, Michael Warner, MS.ED, LCPC, CADC Chief Executive Officer Click Here to Donate Online

VOLUNTEER AT WCYA! Thank you for your interest in volunteering! ​ Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy offers many ways to get involved and volunteer your time. We are looking for tutors, mentors, and general volunteers. Learn more below. ​ To apply to become a volunteer, please download and complete the application below by clicking the "DOWNLOAD APPLICATION" button. DOWNLOAD APPLICATION Requirements ​ All potential ongoing volunteers must meet the following requirements: ​ Complete a volunteer application (click "DOWNLOAD APPLICATION" button above) Be at least 21 years of age (exceptions made for groups and students) Have a valid driver's license, insurance, and good driving record (when volunteering duties require driving) No felonies or other major offenses ​ All potential mentors and tutors must meet the following requirements: ​ Complete an application for employment Be at least 21 years of age Have a valid driver's license, insurance, and good driving record No felonies or other major offenses Be able to pass the background check and screening process Position specific requirements The background check and screening process includes applicants: ​ Completing and passing a drug screen Being officially fingerprinted Having a background check completed Completing any position specific trainings ​ How to Become an Ongoing Volunteer ​ Complete the volunteer application Submit your volunteer application to our Director of Human Resources Wait for further instructions on how to become a volunteer Wait to be contacted with a volunteer opportunity ​ How to Become a One-Time or One-Project Volunteer ​ Contact Director of Marketing & Giving, Holly Newbon at HNewbon@wcya.org ​ How to Become a Tutor or Mentor ​ Complete the employment application Submit your application to Director of Human Resources, Jenny Dawson Sheehy Wait for us to contact you ​ Submitting Your Application ​ Once you have completed your application, you can submit it through one of the following methods: ​ Dropping your application off in person at or mailing it to our main campus at Webster Cantrell Youth Advocacy 1942 E. Cantrell Street Decatur, IL 62521 Emailing your application to our Director of Human Resources ​ Director of Human Resources​ ​ Jenny Dawson Sheehy Director of Human Resources 217-423-6961 ext. 2139 JDawson@wcya.org

BECOME A FOSTER PARENT Become a Foster Parent​ Our Foster Care program offers homes to children who have been removed from their homes for safety reasons. The length of stay for each child varies. Services are provided to aid in the reunification of the family and other means of permanency for the child. ​ The Role of a Foster Parent ​ Provide a safe, nurturing, and loving home Provide social, physical, and emotional support Encourage and participate in the child's education Be supportive of the child's family Help create special childhood memories for the child Advocate for the best interest of the child Meet and follow the Foster Care licensing standards ​ Are you Right for this? ​ Do you have a desire to help end the suffering of children? Are you able to protect, nurture, and love a child positively? Are you a team player? Do you want to make a difference? ​ Basic Requirements to become a Foster Parent​ The following are some of the requirements in order to be considered to become a Foster Parent: Must be age 21 or older Be able to pay your own bills No one bedroom houses Physically able to take care of children To become a foster family; you must complete an extensive licensing and training process. ​ Steps to become a Foster Parent ​ The steps to become a Foster Parent goes as follows: Call a WCH Foster Care Licensing Representative to express interest An application packet will be mailed and we will schedule your first home visit (application includes background checks, fingerprints, physicals, references, and your financial standing) After the home visit, we will sign you up for Foster Care Pre-Service training offered by the State of Illinois Further home visits will be made to cover Foster Care rules and regulations with you After completion of training, home visits, and home study, the agency will determine if we will be able to license you into our Foster Family program Once licensed, you just have to wait for the call to have a Foster Child join your family ​ If you are interested in being a home for foster children, please contact one of our licensing representatives. ​ Licensing Representatives ​ The following individuals are our Licensing Representatives. Please contact them if you have questions regarding how to become a Foster Parent or would like to start the process. ​ Sandra Puhlman Director of Foster Care Services 217-423-6961 ext. 2145 SPuhlman@wcya.org FOSTER PARENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES FOSTER PARENT SURVEY

OUTPATIENT COUNSELING Outpatient Counseling At-A-Glance ​ Everyone can use some help at some time in their lives. If you're feeling anxious, depressed, confused, or overwhelmed; if you want to improve your relationship with your spouse, children, and/or other family members; or you just need help dealing with feelings or issues that seem beyond your control, we are here to help. Our desire is for children, adolescents, and adults to reach their fullest potential by living lives that are relationally, emotionally, and psychologically healthy. ​ Our Counseling Program ​ Our counseling services provide specialized counseling and case management to children, adolescents, adults, and their families to address mental health issues. Services can be provided in the home, school of the identified client, or in an office setting. Our counseling services are provided to meet Medicaid mental health criteria. ​ We specialize in counseling in many different areas, including, but not limited to: Domestic Violence Depression Grief Separation / Divorce Anger Management Trauma / PTSD Marriage and Family problems Self-Esteem issues Crisis Suicide Life-Skills Autism ​ How to use our Counseling Program ​ Counseling services are open to the following: DCFS referrals Referrals from the Macon County area ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Aimee Crask Clinical Director 217-233-6811 ext. 3217 ACrask@wcya.org

EXTENDED FAMILY SUPPORT PROGRAM Extended Family Support Program At-A-Glance ​ Services offered to homes that are not open DCFS cases but are relative placements that require intervention to maintain the placement. These services include assistance with court proceedings, purchase of supplies or necessities for children, and referral linkages. ​ Extended Family Support Program Overview ​ The Extended Family Support Program provides short term services to relative caregiver and close family contact (fictive kin) families that are not involved in the formal child welfare system. The goal of EFSP is to: Assist relative caregivers to obtain private guardianship of the child Assist relative caregivers to obtain the child-only grant and/or other services Assist school ages children to enroll in the relative caregiver's school district Assist the relative caregiver with obtaining basic goods and services needed to maintain a stable home for the child Link relative caregivers to community resources to meet other needs ​ How to Make a Referral ​ Contact the DCFS hotline (1-800-25-ABUSE / 1-800-25-22873) Request "Extended Family Support Services" Wait for a caseworker to contact you once the hotline has referred you ​ Services to Obtain Guardianship​ The Extended Family Support Program (EFSP) can assist a relative caregiver who wants to obtain guardianship through probate court of a relative's child living in the home of the caregiver. This includes: Educating and helping the caregiver negotiate the probate court system Assisting caregivers to obtain required documents Arranging for legal counsel in counties where legal counsel is necessary ​ Services Provided ​ The EFSP caseworkers will meet with the relative caregiver monthly until guardianship has been obtained or until other services have been provided. During this time, the EFSP worker will provide other services to stabilize the relative family, including: Provide crisis intervention and short term interventions to address issues in the family Assist eligible families to obtain TANF benefits, subsidized daycare, and other benefits that are available to the caregiver Advocate with local schools to enroll the caregiver's child in their school district Coordinate family meetings and mediation Refer to and advocate for needed services such as: financial employment and/or housing counseling, legal services, medical and mental health services, parenting counseling and training, special education, and vocational training Referral for cash assistance and in-kind assistance to help meet the basic needs of the family ​ Cash Assistance ​ EFSP has a limited cash assistance program to assist relative caregivers to meet the basic needs of their relative's child. Cash assistance may be used to: Obtain legal counsel for probate court in counties where legal counsel is necessary Pay for court fees and court-required documents by the court Obtain basic goods and services needed to ensure that the family is stable ​ Services Not Provided ​ When deciding whether to obtain services offered by EFSP, it is important to know what services the program does not provide. While the EFSP worker can assist the relative caregiver obtain a child only grant through the Illinois Department of Human Services, DCFS will not provide a monthly stipend to the relative. ​ In addition, EFSP does not : Assist caregivers when either the caregiver or the child have an open DCFS case Assist caregivers living outside of Illinois Assist with guardianship when a biological parent objects (the program provides other services if the biological parent objects to guardianship) Assist caregivers when a biological parent lives with the relative caregiver and is able to care for the child themselves ​ Contacts ​ If you are a client, please contact your caseworker first and foremost. Below are individuals that can be contacted in the case of an emergency or for questions/concerns. ​ Jessica McGinn EFSP & Advocate Supervisor 217-422-7864 ext. 155 JMcGinn@wcya.org ​ ​

BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Officers ​ K atie Baggett- President Ruby James - Vice President William "Pen" Shade - Treasurer Charlotte Ballance - Secretary ​ Board Members ​ Mark Avery Bruce Campbell Rev. Courtney L. Carson Mary E. Herald Kevin Jackson Cluney John Barbara McNutt Mirinda Rothrock Linda Rowden Jack Vance Toby J. Williams Emeritus Board Members ​ Mark Barthelemy Carolyn Butler Monte Cherry J. Gerald Demirjian Charlotte Dipper Kathryn Farrington Larry Fichter Larry Foster The Late Jon French The Late George Hill G. Peter Johns Jr. Marilyn Masey Attorney Bill McNutt Shirley M. Moore Robert C. O'Connell Christopher Schroyer Lucy Smith Linda Virgil Susan Vitale Rev. Charles Watkins The Late Joann Williams