Transitional Living Program

The Transitional Living Program serves young adult wards of the Department of Children and Family Services who are at least 18 and not yet 21, and who face challenges related to managing serious mental illness. Participants must be exiting from DCFS residential care centers. A young adult is eligible to stay in the program until their 21st birthday.

TLP helps youth build skills necessary to successfully integrate into self sufficient community life. Critical to success are learning basic life skills. These include completing educational goals or securing employment, learning how to manage a residence, learning how to manage money, learning how to make and keep friends, and learning how to keep well physically and mentally. At exit, residents are linked with adult mental health services in the community of their choice.

Group home and supervised apartment settings are available for a total of 16 young adults. Residential advisors are available around the clock to act as mentors and support.

How to Apply - DCFS caseworkers can begin the referral process when a young adult is 17.5 years of age by referring the young adult to a CAYIT committee, who will determine if placement is appropriate. If approved, the CAYIT supervisor refers the youth to the TLP-MI placement committee, which in turn presents the case to SIRSS. More information can be obtained by calling SIRSS at 618-457-6703 and asking for the TLP Manager at extension 254.