Your paragraph text 2026 Fall
Fall can be a full season for families. New routines, school schedules, changing weather, and all the little things that come with this time of year. For adoptive families, it can also be a season that brings its own joys, questions, memories, and moments of growth. We hope this newsletter feels like a helpful place to find updates, resources, and reminders that you are not walking this journey alone.
Ready for the School Year: Making IEPs and 504 Plans Work for Your Child Before the school year gets into full swing, take a moment to look over your child’s current IEP or 504 Plan. Ask yourself: Have your child’s needs changed since last year? Were there new challenges or developments over the summer? Are the goals, accommodations, or supports still relevant? If you notice any areas that feel outdated or unclear, you’re well within your rights to request a review or meeting. The earlier this happens in the school year, the more smoothly things tend to go. IEP vs. 504 Plan — What’s the Difference? IEP (Individualized Education Program): A legal document under IDEA that outlines special education services for students with qualifying disabilities. 504 Plan: Provides accommodations and modifications under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act for students with disabilities who don’t need specialized instruction.
Support Tips: Communication is Key Building strong partnerships between families and school staff ensures students get the support they need. Encouurage Self-Advocacy As students grow, helping them understand their needs and how to ask for support is key. We encourage age-appropriate involvement in IEP or 504 meetings when possible.
Training Opportunities
Jockey Being Family Jockey offers free trainings to families with salient topics that can help support your parenting. Scan the QR above and check out what is available.
C.A.S.E. Sign up on their website to access their free trainings, webinars and resources
Food Pantries Local food pantries can be helpful support for families during busy or challenging seasons. Below are several pantry options by area. Please call ahead, when possible, to confirm hours, eligibility, and any documents needed. Peoria Area East Bluff Community Center 512 E Kansas St. Friendship House 800 NE Madison Ave.
Danville Area Danville Township Food Pantry 18 Southgate Dr. Tilton
Lasalle Area Illinois Valley Food Pantry 4133 Progress Blvd. Peru, IL
Galesburg Area Fish of Galesburg 876 W Main St. Suite A
Bloomington Area Western Ave. Community Center 600 N Western Ave Champaign Area Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry 201 W Kenyon Rd.
Lincoln Area Food Bank of Lincoln Inc. 1221 Kingbird Rd. Rock Island Area Sacred Heart Food Pantry 2827 7th Ave. Springfield Area Central Illinois Foodbank 1937 E Cook St.
A Look Back at the Year As we close out the fiscal year, we want to take a moment to recognize the progress, milestones, and meaningful connections made with families across our programs. These highlights reflect the ongoing work, support, and dedication that help adoptive families feel informed, connected, and supported throughout the year. Throughout the year, we supported families with payment concerns, insurance questions, and overdue daycare balances. We also assisted a family through the CIPP process following a new diagnosis to help ensure the child’s level of care reflected their current needs. The true measure of our work is the experiences of the families we support. We are grateful to share a few testimonials from adoptive parents who have partnered with our Post Adoption and Guardianship Support Services team. “I really appreciate your calls and texts checking on me and the kids to make sure everything is ok.” “You are an amazing help to our family and you’re there every time I need to thank you so much for that and how well you do your job, and I hope you have a blessed week.” “Your great we are all doing well you have helped me with board payments schedule and thank you for that” “I would like to thank you for your assistance regarding the monthly DCFS supplemental back and current payments that I have been having issues with since September of 2025.”
Your Feedback Continued “Your dedication to assisting me with these issues has been most helpful. Your efforts and persistence to get answers for me were truly appreciated beyond words! Thank you so very much!” “Not once did you make me feel like I was a bother or that my concerns were not valid. You listened to my concerns and issues that I had regarding the payments, and you followed through until you got answers for me. You treated me like a human being! Even though you were running into some roadblocks, you did not give up, and I am so very grateful for that. You kept me informed through the entire process. Even when you didn’t have any progress to report, you still contacted me to let me know you were still working on it.” ‘You finally got some answers for me and, even though I have not received the results of your efforts, I feel hopeful that the issues with the payments will be resolved because of you and your dedication to your job! I truly believe you will keep your word about staying on top of this situation even after the issue is resolved, just to make sure the payments stay on schedule once they are brought up to date. You even promised me that you will keep monitoring my file to make sure the issues are resolved and stay resolved and, I truly believe you will do that!” “You are truly an asset to the guardianship / post adoption department of DCFS. I hope your superiors know what kind of dedicated employee they have in you and appreciate you as much as I do!”