Therapeutic Residential Program
Opening Soon: First DCFS-licensed home dedicated to female youth survivors of commercial sexual exploitation
Human trafficking isn’t just something that happens to adults in other countries—it happens every day in Illinois, often to children as young as 14. Chicago, as a major transportation hub, is particularly vulnerable.
To address the urgent need to provide safety and comprehensive support for survivors, Shelter Youth & Family Services partnered with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to launch a therapeutic residential program for up to 12 female youth (ages 12–18) in DCFS care who are survivors of trafficking.
These young women often face disrupted education, developmental delays, health challenges, and deep emotional trauma caused by exploitation. Many struggle with trust, stability, and hope for the future. Survivors exiting the commercial sex trafficking industry require specialized trauma-informed care to heal and live a life to their full potential.
Shelter’s trauma-informed program helps survivors rebuild their lives by:
- Developing life skills and health knowledge to address developmental delays
- Providing a safe, supportive, trauma-informed environment
- Supporting physical well-being through nutrition, hygiene, and medical care
- Promoting emotional healing through healthy, trusting relationships
- Offering year-round, individualized educational programs
- Encouraging growth in mind, body, and spirit to prepare youth for independence
Building Brighter Futures
Our new home and therapeutic program reflect Shelter’s commitment to bringing hope, healing, and opportunity to young people who have endured extraordinary trauma. By addressing their educational, emotional, physical, and spiritual needs holistically, Shelter helps young survivors move forward with resilience and renewed possibility.
“Shelter helped me realize that I mattered. That my story mattered. They really helped me believe in myself.”
–Survivor of Human Trafficking
