Programs & Services

Older Adolescent Program

There are 1,300 youth ages 17 to 21 in Older Adolescent Programs throughout Illinois.

Illinois is one of four states nationwide to provide services for young adults, 17-21 years old, to ease the transition to independence from the state child welfare system.

Without assistance and support, half of these young adults would be unemployed and many would be homeless or incarcerated. Like many young adults, they still need support and guidance to become positive, contributing members of society.

Lawrence Hall's Older Adolescent Program provides young adults with comprehensive services designed to meet their individual needs as they prepare to emancipate from the child welfare system. The goal is to help these young adults to develop the tools and skills needed to create a successful future that is stable, healthy, and safe.

Each young adult receives preparatory services, coaching, mentoring, training, support, and supervision as they progress to greater levels of personal and financial independence. We offer a seamless transition between Family Community Homes and Supervised Apartments.

With the additional support that our Older Adolescent Program participants receive in preparation for leaving the care of the state child welfare system, they are more likely to graduate from college or a vocational program, maintain employment and housing, and become contributing members of their community.