Transition Age Youth Resource Guide – Illinois

Suicide Prevention

Suicide Prevention - Illinois Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics - https://illinoisaap.org
- Resources and training for youth, adolescents, and providers on suicide prevention.
Youth, Adolescent, and Young Adult Suicide Prevention - https://www.preventsuicideil.org
- Illinois statewide initiative offering prevention resources and data.
The Trevor Project - Suicide Prevention for LGBTQ+ Young People - https://www.thetrevorproject.org
- 24/7 crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ youth.

Peer Support

Students with Psychosis - https://sws.ngo
- Peer-led organization supporting students and young adults with psychosis.
IDHS: Peer Recovery Support Services - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=97186
- Peer-based recovery supports offered by the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Youth MOVE National - https://www.youthmovenational.org
- Youth-led organization promoting mental health advocacy and leadership.
Active Minds - https://www.activeminds.org
- Peer-driven programs on college campuses promoting mental health awareness.
Project LETS - https://www.projectlets.org
- Peer mental health advocates offering mentorship and workshops.
7 Cups - https://www.7cups.com
- Free online peer support and chat service for youth.
Peers Envisioning and Engaging in Recovery Services (PEERS) - https://www.peersnet.org
- National peer-led programs offering recovery-focused leadership opportunities.

Medical

Health Insurance Basics (for Teens) - https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/insurance.html
- Overview of health insurance and how to access care for teens and young adults.
Health Care Coverage Options for Young Adults - https://www.healthcare.gov/young-adults/coverage/
- Information on affordable healthcare options for young adults.
Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/tips-for-talking-with-your-health-care-provider-about-your-mental-health
- Guidance on effective communication with healthcare professionals.
Mental Health Medications - https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications
- Educational overview of common mental health medications and their uses.
Illinois HFS Medical Programs - https://hfs.illinois.gov/medicalprograms.html
- Healthcare and medical coverage programs for Illinois residents.

Mental Health Wellness & Support

FIRST.IL - https://firstil.org
- Program for individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Beacon Portal - https://www.beaconhealthoptions.com
- Behavioral health provider directory and support portal.
Teen Depression: More than Just Moodiness - https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/teen-depression/in-depth/teen-depression/art-20046033
- Educational article on signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
FindTreatment.gov - https://findtreatment.gov
- National treatment locator for mental health and substance use support.

College Resources

FAFSA® Application | Federal Student Aid - https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- Apply for financial aid for college or career school.
Students with Psychosis - College Supports - https://sws.ngo
- Guidance for students with psychosis navigating college life.
Child Mind Institute - College and Suicide Risk - https://childmind.org/article/are-some-colleges-high-risk-for-suicide
- Explores how campus factors affect student mental health.
Scholarship Finder | CareerOneStop - https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-scholarships.aspx
- Search tool for scholarships and grants.
Foster Care to Success - https://www.fc2success.org
- College readiness and financial aid for youth from foster care backgrounds.
Strong365 - How a Student with Psychosis Can Succeed at College - https://strong365.org
- Tips for academic and personal success in higher education.

Job Readiness & Education

Pathways to Employment - Putting Illinois to Work - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=48361
- Job placement and training for Illinois youth and young adults.
Accommodations at Work - https://askjan.org/topics/accommodations.cfm
- Learn about workplace accommodations under the ADA.
Supporting Young People with Psychosis in School - https://medicine.yale.edu/psychiatry/strong/supporting-people-with-psychosis-in-school
- Strategies for educators and providers.
Navigating Mental Health Supports in the Workplace - https://causeandcareer.org
- Career planning with mental health in mind.
Promoting Young Adult Success in School and Work - Free Training for Providers - https://www.pathwaysrtc.pdx.edu/proj-pttp
- Training modules for professionals supporting young adults.

Housing/Homelessness

Youth Homelessness - Chicago Coalition for the Homeless - https://www.chicagohomeless.org
- Programs addressing youth homelessness across Chicago and Illinois.
Streetlight Chicago - https://streetlightchicago.org
- Mobile and web resource hub for youth ages 14-24 without stable housing.
IDHS: Homeless Youth Provider Agencies List - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=30363
- Directory of providers serving homeless youth in Illinois.
IDHS: Housing Programs and Services - https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29725
- Programs for emergency, transitional, and supportive housing.

Independent Living & Life Skills

Casey Life Skills - https://www.casey.org/casey-life-skills
- Tools for building independent living and self-sufficiency skills.
Youth.gov - Transition Age Youth Resources - https://youth.gov/youth-topics/transition-age-youth
- Federal guidance on housing, employment, and health for transition age youth.
Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG Illinois) - https://jagillinois.org
- Job readiness and leadership development for Illinois youth.
Money Smart for Young People (FDIC) - https://www.fdic.gov/resources/consumers/money-smart/teach.html
- Financial literacy education on saving and budgeting.
IL DCFS - Independent Living Program - https://dcfs.illinois.gov/services/youth/independent-living.html
- Training and resources for youth transitioning out of care.
Youth Employment Program(YEP) - https://www.youthemployment.org
- Offers mentoring and job readiness support for teens and youth adults.

Substance Use Support & Recovery

Illinois Helpline for Opioids and Other Substances - https://helplineil.org
- 24/7 confidential helpline and treatment locator for substance use issues.
SAMHSA National Helpline - https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
- Free, confidential 24-hour information and treatment referral service.
Shatterproof - https://www.shatterproof.org
- Resources for understanding and overcoming addiction.
NIDA for Teens - https://teens.drugabuse.gov
- Science-based education about drugs and the brain.
Partnership to End Addiction - https://drugfree.org
- Prevention tools and resources for youth and families.
Recovery Village - Young Adult Resources - https://www.therecoveryvillage.com
- Guidance for teens and young adults in recovery.
FindTreatment.gov - https://findtreatment.gov
- National treatment locator for mental health and substance use support.

Helpful for Teachers/Providers/Caregivers

PTTC Network - What Does NOT Work in Prevention - https://pttcnetwork.org
- Research-based prevention training and resources for providers.
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) - https://www.nctsn.org
- Educational materials for working with trauma-affected youth.
Got Transition - https://gottransition.org
- Practical strategies to support youth transitioning from pediatric to adult health care systems.
National Technical Assistance Center on Transition: The Collaborative(NTACT:C) - https://transitionta.org
- Evidence-based tools for educators helping students with disabilities transition form school to adult life.