Uhlich Children's Advantage Network
UCAN strives to build strong youth and families through compassionate healing, education and empowerment.
UCAN’s promise is to advocate for and provide opportunities that change lives through impactful programs, consistent presence and unrivaled diversity and inclusion. Founded 150 years ago as a Civil War orphanage, UCAN has a long history of creating safe and caring spaces for youth, adults and families to grow.
UCAN serves and impacts over 9100 historically under-represented children, youth, and families across Illinois.
UCAN’s primary clients are youth in care of the state child welfare system and youth who have been removed from their homes for reasons of abuse or neglect. We also work with the families of these children to enhance the full spectrum of support. UCAN provides a continuum of care which enables clients to move from one program to another as their needs change, sparing our youth the transitions and gaps caused by moves from one agency to another. All of our programs are united by a common clinical philosophy, which ensures that our approach to healing is cohesive and consistent.
Services and information
- Traditional Foster Care
- Specialized / Therapeutic Care
- Emergency Foster Care
- Respite Foster Care
Requirements to become a foster parent
You must meet minimum requirements to provide foster care for children in Illinois. To become a foster parent, you must:
- Be at least 21 years old
- Attend foster parent orientation
- Pass a background check
- Finish 30 hours of foster parent training
- Complete the Home Study
- Provide at least three references
- Clear a physical exam
- Maintain financial stability
Foster families must be able to provide a safe and comfortable home for a child. You must provide room for the child to have a bed and enough space for personal belongings.
Foster parents do not need to be married or have a partner. However, if married, couples must show a stable marriage of at least one year before they can foster a child in Illinois.
Foster parents need to meet a child's basic care needs, such as providing meals and clothing. Foster families must also support a foster child's education and assist them in developing social skills.
Contact the DCFS or a local licensed child-placing agency to learn more or begin the fostering approval process.
Ratings and Reviews
Average user rating
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Sep 03, 2023
The gym nice & people
Aug 29, 2023
This place is awesome for young kids and teens recovering, with a good atmosphere.
Jul 05, 2023
It's ok
Oct 07, 2022
Amazing staff and the community come together here to do what they can for children deserving lots of love. I would highly recommend volunteering.
May 03, 2022
(Translated by Google) nice environment and very friendly people
(Original)
anbiente agradable y las personas muy amables