Our Founding Story​

Following the historic passage of the Civil Union Act in 2011, the state was required to make their practices more equitable – including affording same-gender couples in a civil union the right and opportunity to be foster and adoptive parents. Some social service agencies in Illinois were not willing to comply with the new law and therefore would no longer be eligible to provide foster care or adoption services. A few of these agencies were also making decisions to end all social service programs supported by state, federal, or United Way funding.

Our founders were convinced there had to be a way to protect the thousands of children in foster care from further disruptions in their lives, help communities throughout central Illinois retain critical social services, and ensure children in need of foster and adoptive families had access to all families interested in providing them with safe and loving homes during a crisis. In dialogue with state and community stakeholders, a solution emerged. The Center for Youth and Family Solutions, a new, independent, not-for-profit human service agency was formed and facilitated a seamless transition of critical social services for thousands of children and families in 39 counties in mid-state Illinois.

Driven by a shared commitment to the well-being of the children and families, this unique solution is testament to our ability to achieve solutions together. The same core values that led to the creation of The Center for Youth and Family Solutions guide our work today as we partner with children, families and communities who are facing critical challenges. In every situation, CYFS focuses on the innate strengths of all people with whom we work; treats everyone with dignity, compassion, and respect; advocates for equity, inclusion, and social justice; and demonstrates that with the right support and access to resources, all can heal, cope, and thrive.