Supportive Services - Case Management

It is not enough to place homeless people in housing without services to back them up.

They need support to ensure they don’t fall victim to the same issues that left them homeless in the first place. Supportive Services are a key component of the Plan To End Homelessness.

The Department of Family and Support Services provides case management through its six Community Services Centers and Emergency Response operation. DFSS also funds private agencies to provide case management and a range of support services including employment training and placement, education, substance abuse treatment, mental health care, domestic violence assistance and more.

Case Management

What is a Case Manager?

A case manager is a skilled professional trained to help individuals work through their issues and improve their quality of life. Many case managers have advanced degrees in social work. A case manager has an on-going relationship with the client. He or she wears many hats…counselor, coach, resource coordinator and friend.

DFSS case managers work out of six Community Services Centers and the Emergency Response Center. We also fund private agencies to provide case management.

Case managers begin by making a thorough assessment of their client’s needs. They work with the individual to set personal goals and develop a plan to realize those goals.

The role of the Case Manager includes the following:

Assess client’s situation and needs
Work with client to develop goals and an action plan
Facilitate access to community resources
Coordinate and monitor services
Meet regularly to evaluate progress Identify and provide emergency crisis services if necessary

Domestic Violence Assistance Programs

Domestic Violence can lead to homelessness as survivors try to escape abusive relationships. Programs are available to help survivors and their families achieve safe, stable lifestyles free from abusive relationships. Domestic Violence Advocates work with homeless women at three DFSS Community Services Centers. In addition, DFSS funds agencies that provide a range of supports to domestic violence survivors.

Domestic Violence Advocates are on site at the following DFSS Centers:

Garfield Community Services Center
10 S. Kedzie
312.746.5400

King Community Services Center
4314 S. Cottage Grove
312.747.2300

Trina Davila Community Services Center
4345 W. Armitage Ave.
312.744.2014

Counseling/Case Management

A trained professional works closely with the victim of domestic violence to help ensure their immediate safety and future well-being. Clients are counseled in individual and group settings. Social workers help them identify and access the support services they need.

Shelter

Safe, emergency housing is available for survivors of domestic violence and their children. Counselors are on site to advise and help clients access support services.

Legal Assistance

Programs help domestic violence survivors in civil court obtain Orders of Protection and provide legal representation in family law matters.

Court Advocates

Advocates guide and support domestic violence survivors through the legal process including criminal and civil court cases. Services range from advocating with attorneys and law enforcement personnel on behalf of the client to helping with transportation needs.

Child Visitation Centers

Child visitation centers provide a safe setting in which trained staff supervise court ordered visits between non-custodial parents and children.