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Extended Family Support Program | Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

2607 Woodlawn Avenue, Suite 3, Sterling, IL 61081

Eligibility

Open to relative caregiver who has been caring for their relative’s children for more than 14 days

Required documents

Call for details

Application process

Call for information

Fees

None

Service area

Winnebago County, IL
Whiteside County, IL
Stephenson County, IL
Sangamon County, IL
Peoria County, IL
Mclean County, IL
Mchenry County, IL
Macon County, IL
Logan County, IL
Lasalle County, IL
Dekalb County, IL
Coles County, IL
Champaign County, IL

Description

Offers to 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.

EFSP caseworkers meet with the relative caregiver monthly until guardianship has been obtained or until other services have been provided. These services can include crisis intervention, applying for benefits, working with local schools for the child's enrollment, and referral to a range of needed services that the caregiver may have to help meet the basic needs of the family.

Providing organization

Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

Promotes the safety and well-being of children, youth, and families by responding to reports of potential abuse and neglect and, when needed, providing family-centered care and connection to resources.