HealthWorks of Illinois

Administered by: Bureau of Maternal and Child Health


HealthWorks of Illinois (HWIL) is a collaborative effort between the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) and the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The primary purpose of HWIL is to assure that DCFS wards from birth to six (6) and pregnant youth who are in substitute care, receive comprehensive quality health care services, as mandated by the BH Consent Decree. DHS contracts with agencies across the state to implement the HealthWorks program for clients referred from DCFS Lead Agencies after the initial 45 days the child is in care. Agencies provide follow-up services and communicate regularly back to the DCFS Lead Agencies regarding issues pertaining to these cases and to maintain complete medical records for the child.

The primary goals of HWIL are to:

  • Ensure that each child receives preventive health care services
  • Ensure that each child in connected with a Primary Care Provider (PCP)
  • Develop health care plans for incorporation into each child's overall DCFS service plan.

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