Effective January 1, 1990, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) may pay
a stipend to households with children with a mental/developmental disability that
might otherwise require out-of-home placement.
The program is for children under age 18 with one of the following conditions: severe
autism, severe emotional disturbance, severe or profound mental retardation, or severe
and multiple impairments. The family's income will be used in establishing eligibility.
To qualify, an application signed by the parent or legal guardian must be filed with
DHS. The parent or legal guardian must reapply annually and must assure DHS that the
funds are being used to meet the special needs of the family.
In addition to the monthly stipend, DHS may make a one-time payment to help meet the
needs of a family preparing for a child's return to the household after an out-of-home
placement.