Residential Treatment Programs
Mt. Vernon Youth Homes
Who are we?
Nestled in a quaint neighborhood in Mt. Vernon, our Qualified Residential Treatment Program and Group Home offers a team of highly qualified, experienced, and caring professionals. Our Mental Health Therapists, Case Managers, Youth Care Workers, Nurses, Home Supervisors, Program Managers, Clinical Director, and Spiritual Life Coordinator are available to youth and their families around the clock.
What do we do?
We support the whole child and their healthy development. While our primary focus is to support the youth’s mental health needs, we also provide opportunities for growth in spirituality, social skills, education, life skills, and recreation both on and off campus.
Who can we help?
- Females ages 12-19
- IQ above 70
- Referred by an approved referral source, including Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice, Illinois Individual Care grant. Additional referral sources will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Who are we NOT equipped to help even if they meet the criteria above?
- A youth with a diagnosis of Reactive Attachment Disorder
- A youth with a diagnosis on the Autism Spectrum
Frequently asked questions
- How long do youth stay in the program? 18 months on average
- Can we visit while a youth is in care at Spero? YES, we encourage healthy visits from family, friends, mentors, and others who are positive role models and have a connection to the youth. Visits are prearranged with our Case Managers so that we can ensure the youth is available to visit.
- Where do youth in care at Spero go to school? During the admission process, the best educational fit will be discussed by the team including the youth and family.
- How many youth live in the Youth Homes Mt. Vernon? We can care for up to 18 youth at any time.
- What is the staff-to-youth ratio? We maintain an average of 1 staff to 4 youth in the homes.
- Who can I contact for more information? 618.242.1070 ext.1247
Visitation Rules for visitation will be posted on our website, on entry doors for check-in areas, and available handouts for visitors. DCFS Action Transmittal 2021.05 contains guidance on in-person visitation and contacts. Per the guidance, visitation planning should occur during Child and Family Team meetings or clinical staffing. Additional protocols and requirements include: • All parties including client, visitors, and agency staff must wear a face covering for the entire duration of the visit. • Environmental cleaning procedures outlined in the general precautions section of this plan are to be followed including disinfecting of surfaces in the visitation area before and after each visit. • All visitors are required to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer at check-in before they meet with anyone. Agency clients and employees are required to follow the procedures outlined in the general precautions section of this plan. • Signage will be posted in the administrative check-in areas outlining expectations for visitation, including; check-in, face coverings, hand hygiene, symptom screening, and social distancing.