The Pathways ILO program is comprised of a collaboration of six social service agencies that provide an array of services to a diverse population of children, youth, and adults across the Chicagoland area as well as the state of Illinois. The Collaborative members are Youth Network Council (YNC), Youth Outreach Services (YOS), Universal Family Connection (UFC), Youth Service Project (YSP), Aunt Martha's Youth Service (AMYS)and Adapt Community Alternatives (ACA).

Pathways is an Independent Living Program (ILO).  The Pathways Program provides services to Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) wards of the state. Pathways provides services to young adults in the Chicagoland area and surrounding suburbs (Cook County, Will County, Kane County, Lake County, Dupage County, DeKalb County, Kankakee County). Youth must be referred to the program by DCFS through the CAYIT process. Eligible youth are between the ages of 19-21 years of age. Youth must possess a high school diploma or GED in order to be referred to the program. Once youth have been matched to the Pathways program youth will have an opportunity to meet with an intake worker who will interview the youth to determine if the referral to the Pathways Program is appropriate. During this process youth have an opportunity to discover information about the program as well as what will be expected of the youth while they are in the program. A decision is made by the youth and the agency. If both agree that Pathway is a good fit, the youth will begin their Pathway to Independence.
Pathways * Chicago, IL 60615 * (888) 667-9110