Family Support Services
In partnership with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (IDCFS), the FCRC serves as the Family Advocacy Center for McLean County. As such, we provide a wide range of services aimed at strengthening family relationships and preventing and responding to domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect by providing education, resources, and support services through our Family Support program. Our primary goal for this program is to prevent families from entering the child welfare system and help those in care reunite whenever possible. Every child deserves a safe, nurturing, and supportive home environment. Unfortunately, sometimes situations arise where a child's well-being is at risk. We educate at-risk families about existing laws, court procedures, and case resolution procedures. For families experiencing separation, we advocate for children to be placed in a safe, turbulent-free environment during this difficult period. Our team also works towards facilitating a smooth transition when children return to their homes.
As a Family Advocacy Center, we also serve as a liaison between the community and IDCFS. We collaborate with local agencies and organizations and offer well-rounded sensitivity training sessions for various participants, including partnering agencies and IDCFS staff.
Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for families where they can access the necessary resources and support to navigate challenging situations.
Parenting Education
We use an evidence-based parenting curriculum, the Nurturing Parenting Program, that equips parents with developmentally appropriate strategies to create loving, safe, and nurturing environments for their children. Our personalized one-on-one coaching sessions also educate families about their rights, roles, and responsibilities as parents.
Domestic Violence Services
Domestic violence is a serious issue in our society that affects a significant number of people. To support victims of domestic violence or those who are at risk of experiencing it, it's crucial to have programs that provide necessary services and support. Our program includes general counseling, advocacy, and education. We aim to empower those in need by providing the necessary support. We are committed to promoting healthy relationship education and raising awareness about the dangers of domestic violence.
Support Group
Our support groups offer a safe and supportive space for individuals to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. Through open and honest conversations, we aim to build meaningful connections and provide emotional support for both our women's and men's groups. In addition, we can connect participants to community resources as needed.
Support groups include
Central Illinois Men Against Domestic Violence (CIMADA)- convenes men in Central Illinois to work together to address domestic violence. CIMADA also educates the region about issues impacting men and has open discussions about intimate partner violence.
Community Education
Our organization offers educational programs for children and adults aimed at fostering safer, more stable, and healthier living environments. With a focus on practical skills and knowledge, our programs cover a variety of topics, including home safety, personal finance, mental health, and community engagement. By providing individuals with the tools and resources they need to make informed decisions and take proactive measures, we aim to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for everyone we serve. Through interactive workshops and community outreach initiatives, we strive to foster a culture of learning and empowerment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a better future.
Topics Include:
Domestic Violence & Healthy Relationships- Covers everything from the basics of DV, how to build healthy boundaries, and understanding childhood trauma.
Parenting- With roughly twenty years of experience serving parents at risk or involved in the child welfare system and a team of certified parenting educators, we are happy to offer programming to teach parents the vital skills they need to create nurturing and safe environments for their families.