BEACON is a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking services for behavioral health needs. It's common for young people to struggle with behavioral and/or mental health challenges. Please know you are not alone, and neither is your child. We are here to help. Visit the BEACON Portal at: https://beacon.illinois.gov/
Transition aged youth consists of individuals ages 14-25.
The resources below are specific to the transition from School to College, Career, or living in the community. Illinois has many programs to assist individuals with mental illness or physical or mental disabilities to be successful in the community. Many other resources are already available on the Parent/Guardian, Teacher, Middle School, and High School Student pages.
Illinois Programs for Education, Employment, and Community-Based living
- Illinois IPS- Assisting individuals with obtaining and keeping a job
- Dept. of Rehabilitation Home Services- for Individuals with physical disabilities living in the community instead of a facility or wishing to exit a facility to enter a community-based setting
- Dept. of Rehabilitation Vocation Services- Help finding employment or education to achieve substantial, gainful employment.
- CRSS Success- Program for individuals with lived experience in mental health to become employed Certified Recovery Support Specialists and provide support to others seeking mental health assistance. This is not limited to ages 14-25, however there is an additional Young Adult Endorsement for those who's lived experience with mental health was during the ages of 14-25.
Resources for Mental Health During Transition to College or Career
