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The project will allow for the creation of seven brand new
homes, increasing residential capacity from 36 to 42 youth.
“These won’t just be beds, though, people will talk about it
that way,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “It’s more than that; we’re
building homes specially designed to support the developmental
and intellectual needs of children in residential care.”
The new facility, which will cost $16 million, has had more than
50% of its project costs funded by Illinois Department of
Children and Family Services through its capital development
program. Remaining funds will come from federal programs as well
as a capital campaign supported by both private and corporate
donors.
“In recent years, Illinois has lost more than 500 residential
beds which served some of our most vulnerable youth, and
rebuilding that capacity is imperative as the need for
high-quality care for our children and young adults in care
continues to grow,” DCFS Director Marc Smith said.
Each resident will have a private bedroom, semi-private
bathroom, sound and sensory-appropriate space, art spaces and
planned outdoor areas.
The housing portion of the project is expected to be completed
by January 2024 and no current residents will be displaced while
the work is being done.
Hoyleton Youth and Family Services was established in 1895 as an
orphanage.
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