Youth Service Bureau of Illinois Valley | Aurora
YSBIV offers a variety of services related to child welfare, but one in particular led to the need for a capital grant: updated visit rooms where at-risk children and youth could feel a sense of home.
When these children are separated from their parents or families for the sake of their own safety, scheduled, supervised visits at YSBIV can feel uncomfortable or forced. Thus, visit rooms are equipped with comforting objects – furniture, toys, books – to give the look and feel of a family room.
One room in particular is now home to a set of plush, comfortable couches where families can read together or watch television. Another includes a changing table and high chair among train sets and stuffed animals, so parents can entertain children of various ages. Connected by a one-way mirror, a kitchenette features a welcoming table and chairs.
For some families, these visits are the only touchpoints they have with each other. YSBIV aims to make sure these times are as pleasant, normal – and homelike – as possible.
