Caritas Family Solutions will launch a new program this fall aimed at helping Southern Illinois families address safety concerns before children need to be removed from their homes.
The Safe at Home program, expected to begin in early November, will provide intensive, hands-on assistance to families experiencing issues that could potentially lead to a child’s removal.
Caritas says the program builds on its existing Intact Family Services program by providing additional support to address problems earlier and help families create safer and more stable homes.
Initially, Safe at Home will serve families in Jefferson, Franklin and Marion counties, with approximately 30 families expected to participate during the fiscal year.
Caritas Executive Director of Child and Family Services Mark Becker said assistance will be tailored to individual families and could address concerns involving home conditions, mental health or childcare.
The program comes as Illinois places greater emphasis on prevention and family preservation through its “Forward Together” initiative.
Caritas Family Solutions serves more than 7,500 people annually across Southern Illinois, providing foster care, adoption, family services, behavioral health programs and other assistance.