FY26 Renewal: Advocate Agency - Safe Families PLUS

The Safe Families PLUS program is a mentoring program for 14 to 21-year-old youth and young adults who are at risk of not achieving permanency and aging out of care. The program will connect these youth with volunteer adult mentors who will provide support and guidance as they navigate independence and the transition to adulthood. The program follows six core standards of practice for successful mentoring, including recruitment, screening, training, matching and initiation, monitoring and support, and closure. The program is funded by the State of Illinois, with a total funding amount of $235,596.00. The grant award will be subject to state statutory requirements that limit administrative costs to 20% and fringe benefits to 25% of total salaries. • The program aims to provide a supportive relationship between the mentor and the youth. • The mentor will connect with the youth at least three times per month, including at least two in-person meetings. • The program will follow the six core standards of practice for successful mentoring. • The grant award will be subject to state statutory requirements. • The program is a multi-year award, with the current application being for Year 2 or 3 of the award.