ARDEN SHORE CHILD AND FAMILY SERVICE

Our communities’ future—our social and economic vitality—depends upon all children having the resources and supports they need to build strong minds and bodies. When, together, we make sure that everyone can reach their potential and fully contribute to our society, we all benefit. Maximizing the potential of each and every one of our neighbors ensures that our communities remain vibrant places to live, work, and play.

Arden Shore is dedicated to providing children with the resources and support they need to become healthy adults, cognitively, socially, and emotionally. They are committed to rebuilding lives affected by trauma and abuse in a caring community through foster care, family support, behavioral health services, and residential programs.

Facing a Growing Challenge in Northeastern Illinois
Since 2006, there has been a 33% increase of substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in the collar counties (DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will), compared to 7% in the rest of the state. (Voices for Illinois Children, Child Health Matters, Illinois Kids Count 2014). A number of factors are contributing to the growth in these cases. The recent opioid epidemic is a significant contributing factor. The crisis is so severe — with a 32% spike in drug-related cases from 2012 to 2016 — that it reversed a trend that had the Illinois Foster Care system shrinking in size over the preceding decade. (Adoption and Foster Care Analysis and Reporting System (AFCARS) FY 2016 data)

A shortage of mental health services is another contributing factor. According to the Lake County Health Department, there is a considerable gap in the number of children and their families in need of mental health care treatment and those who are receiving them. (Live Well Lake County Community Health Improvement Plan, 2016-2021)

Additionally, rising child poverty rates in Lake County are driving the increase in abuse and neglect cases. Although Lake County is one of the wealthiest counties in the state by median household income, economic disparities in the county are dramatic. A metric of income inequality compares the ratio of income of the 80th percentile of households to the 20th. By this measure, Lake County is the most economically unequal of the collar counties, influencing the likelihood of stress experienced by Lake County families (Live Well Lake County Community Health Improvement Plan, 2016-2021).

Stable, permanent homes are foundational for a child’s well-being. When children have what they need to reach their full potential, they become thriving adults and contribute to our communities in meaningful ways. To help children and families living in challenging situations succeed, Arden Shore provides a continuum of services that strengthen all areas of the family structure, including: Intact Family Preservation Services; Behavioral Health and Support Services; Foster Care Services; Group Home Residential Services.

The root causes of childhood trauma are complex. To address the causes in the most effective manner possible, Arden Shore provides a continuum of services that strengthen the entire family in multiple areas of health and well-being. A safe, trusted place, located in Waukegan, Illinois, Arden Shore helps families to overcome their challenges and live healthier, more productive lives. Arden Shore's recent audits and reviews achieved exemplary compliance ratings with the Council on Accreditation (an international, independent, nonprofit human service accrediting organization), as well as the Illinois Departments of Human Services and Child and Family Services, which is evidence of quality service delivery and commitment to ongoing performance improvement.

Arden Shore has been serving the children and families in Lake County, Illinois for over 120 years. Throughout those years, Arden Shore’s goal of “Rebuilding Children’s Lives” has remained unchanged. Formed as a summer respite camp for immigrant mothers and children who moved to Chicago from Germany, Arden Shore has continually evolved to meet the community needs and shifting demographics in Lake County. Today, Arden Shore is uniquely situated to serve the children and families of Lake County, primarily Waukegan, North Chicago, Zion, Gurnee, Round Lake, and surrounding areas.

Arden Shore Child and Family Services is one of a very few culturally and linguistically competent behavioral health organizations in Lake County serving the Medicaid population. More than 90% of Arden Shore’s clients are residents of Lake County and more than 50% are Latino. Arden Shore’s staff reflects the diversity of the community. More than 50% of their staff is Latino and more than 60% are fluent in Spanish. As a result, their impact on families is greater because parents and children are more comfortable and willing to speak openly with therapists and staff who understand their language and culture.

Arden Shore has made significant strides in holistic support for families through implementation and ongoing to enhancements to the organization's Behavioral Support Services and Support program that have contributed to the improved well-being of families served across the organization.

In FY2020, Arden Shore’s Behavioral Health Support Services received certification as a Community Mental Health Clinic (CMHC). This designation includes coordination or direct delivery of the following services: crisis mental health services; screening, assessment and diagnosis; patient-centered treatment planning; outpatient mental health and substance use services; primary care screening and monitoring; targeted case management; psychiatric rehabilitation services: peer support, counseling and family support services; and services for veterans.

Looking Ahead. Arden Shore is uniquely positioned to reach those in most need of comprehensive care. With a long-term vision of providing both mental health and psychiatry services on-site, Arden Shore is in the process of remodeling the basement to increase capacity for behavioral health staff, services, and family-centered supports.