In 1934, Clifford Shaw, a Chicago sociologist, instituted one of the nation’s first community-based delinquency prevention programs, the Chicago Area Project (CAP). His approach differed from the traditional model in that it did not attempt to superimpose programs on residents, but rather encouraged them to accept the responsibility themselves, adapting programs to the needs and resources of their own communities. Funded through the Illinois Department of Public Welfare’s Division For Delinquency Prevention, Shaw’s program was later expanded into select “problem” community’s downstate.

1953-1981 – Many Agencies Monitor the Community Services Program

In 1953, the Illinois Department of Public Welfare’s Division For Delinquency Prevention transferred administration of the Community Services Program to a new entity, the Illinois Youth Commission’s Division of Community Services. This commission was later incorporated into the Department of Corrections, but in the 1970’s the Illinois Commission of Delinquency Prevention was established, again emphasizing the need to separate this program from more traditional approaches. On July 1, 1981, the Commission was disbanded, and the program was placed under the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).

Division of Youth & Community Services Established under DCFS

In 1982, Senate Bill 1500 established the Division of Youth and Community Services (DYCS) under DCFS, which recognized the importance of developing effective community-based and controlled organizations for the empowerment of local communities and the provision of youth, family and community services. Besides the Community Services Program, the Division was also responsible for administering the Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Services (CCBYS) and Unified Delinquency Intervention Services (UDIS) Programs.

In 1984, DCFS proposed that the policy, planning and monitoring for the Community Services Program should be shared with an executive committee consisting of the Area Projects around the state.

Illinois Coalition for Community Services Incorporated – 1985

In November 1985, the Illinois Coalition For Community Services (ICCS) was incorporated with members from nine agencies compromising the Board. ICCS provided an opportunity for staff from the member agencies to collaborate and develop a working relationship with DCFS/DYCS.

ICCS – Developing/Changing

As the role of ICCS developed, the organization went through many changes. Originally staffed in 1986 with one employee whose salary was paid by the Chicago Area Project, the agency quickly grew to three employees by 1987. It was recommended that ICCS become financially independent from CAP and have its own contract with DYCS for community services. To accomplish this goal, an Executive Director and Bookkeeper was hired.

In further discussions with DYCS in 1989, it appeared that the current Board, made up of member agencies, had a conflict of interest concerning expansion of the program. The Board proceeded to resign en masse in order for a totally volunteer Board of Directors to be installed, consisting of two members from each of the seven regions of the state. A staff of regional and community coordinators were hired to do community agency that provides technical assistance to communities to prevent juvenile delinquency and improve the quality of life for youth and families. In essence, ICCS had become a coalition of local community committees.

ICCS Expands Programming

ICCS expands its programs to include a broader range of human services in 1992. In addition to the Community Services Program, ICCS began coordinating a Relative Foster Care Home Approval Program and the Juvenile Detention Monitoring Program out of a Cook County office.

In 1993, ICCS was awarded a Comprehensive Community-Based Youth Service contract by DCFS to serve a seven county area around Charleston. Although the Relative Foster Care and Juvenile Detention Monitoring Programs concluded at the end of 1994, ICCS remains committed to the expansion and improvement of community services throughout Illinois.

New Leadership

1998 brought new leadership to ICCS. The Board of Directors selected Joe Dunn to serve as Executive Director of the agency. Nancy Tegtmeier became Associate Director in 2006.