Admissions & Referrals
How to refer a teen to our youth residential program in Illinois
Our admissions process is designed to be clear, responsive, and collaborative for agencies, courts, and professionals seeking residential treatment for adolescent girls.
Referral-Based Admissions
Partnering with agencies to find the right fit
Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home accepts referrals from professionals such as Illinois DCFS caseworkers, juvenile probation officers, school districts, and mental health agencies. We do not take walk-in or private-pay admissions; instead, youth are referred as part of the child welfare or juvenile justice systems. This approach ensures that we have the background information needed to assess risk, plan appropriate services, and coordinate with the broader team supporting the youth. Our goal is to be a reliable partner for agencies seeking a Qualified Residential Treatment Program for teen girls.
Eligibility and Admission Criteria
Matching youth needs with our residential treatment setting
To promote safety and effectiveness, our program follows clear admission guidelines. In general, we serve:
- Adolescent girls, typically ages 12–18, who are involved with child welfare or juvenile justice systems and need a structured, therapeutic group home environment.
- Youth with a history of trauma, behavioral or emotional challenges, or placement disruptions who can benefit from 24/7 supervision and intensive services.
- Teens with cognitive abilities that allow them to engage in treatment and group living; in most cases, this includes an IQ above 70 and no active psychosis or acute psychiatric needs that require hospital-level care.
When a referral indicates needs outside our scope, we communicate this clearly and, when possible, help referrers consider more appropriate options.
The Referral and Intake Process
Clear steps from inquiry to admission
Referral sources begin by contacting our Intake and Care Coordinator to discuss the youth’s situation and determine whether a formal referral is appropriate. We then request relevant documentation such as psychological evaluations, social histories, and education records to complete an admission review. Our multidisciplinary team examines the information to ensure we can safely meet the youth’s needs and that our program is a good match. If accepted, we coordinate with the referring agency to schedule admission, arrange transportation, and start treatment and educational planning right away.
Here, healing isn’t just talked about in therapy—it’s practiced in every conversation, every routine, every small win.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Admissions and referrals for Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home
Who can make a referral to your program?
Referrals typically come from Illinois DCFS, juvenile probation departments, school districts, and community mental health agencies that are already involved with the youth. These professionals have access to the records and legal authority needed to coordinate a residential placement. If you are a family member or caregiver, we encourage you to speak with your caseworker, probation officer, or service provider about whether a referral to our program might be appropriate.
What information is needed to consider a youth for admission?
We generally request a comprehensive packet that includes social and psychological evaluations, education records, medical information, and a summary of the youth’s placement and treatment history. This information helps us understand both strengths and needs, assess safety, and determine how our services could support the youth. Having complete and up-to-date documentation speeds up the review process and helps us make a well-informed decision.
How long does the referral and admission process take
Timelines can vary based on the completeness of the referral packet, current capacity, and any special considerations. In many cases, we can review referrals promptly once all necessary documents are received and communicate a decision as quickly as possible. Our team understands the urgency agencies face when coordinating placements and strives to balance thorough assessment with timely responses.
What happens if the program is at capacity?
When we are full, we communicate this to referrers and may discuss anticipated openings or waitlist options if appropriate. We can also provide general information about our program to help agencies plan for future placements. While we cannot guarantee timelines for openings, we remain responsive to inquiries and aim to maintain clear communication about our current capacity.
Who should I contact to discuss a potential referral?
Agencies and professionals interested in referring a youth should contact our Intake and Care Coordinator for more information and to begin the discussion. The coordinator can provide details about our current openings, answer questions about eligibility, and outline the documents needed for review. This single point of contact helps streamline the process and ensures consistent, accurate information for all referral partners.