ILLINOIS – The Illinois Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI), alongside Gov. JB Pritzker, announced the public launch of a centralized resource for Illinois seeking youth mental health services and care.
Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation or BEACON, is live for Illinois residents usage that helps connect youth with mental health services and care, including community-based programs as well as state agency support.
“We have made behavioral health a priority of my administration – not just investing in affordability and accessibility but breaking down the stigmas associated with it,” said Gov. Pritzker. “With the launch of BEACON, families have an easy and accessible place to start. I’m thankful for the team at the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and the staff across six different state agencies whose collaboration proves that breaking down silos in state government can yield success across the board for the people of Illinois.”
Through the portal, parents and caregivers may learn the community-based resources available to them nearby and the state-funded programs youth may qualify for. Among these services are outpatient counseling, school-based services, residential treatment services, wraparound services supporting families caring for youth with complex needs. Additionally, BEACON helps users organize information about a child’s care and connects families with the services, including communication with state agencies.
“The BEACON Care Portal is central to transforming children’s behavioral healthcare in Illinois,” said Dr. Dana Weiner, Chief Officer for Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative. “By giving parents and caregivers a single place to access information and assistance for youth mental and behavioral health problems, we are empowering families to meet their own needs in their own communities. We are grateful to Governor Pritzker for prioritizing children’s mental health and for inspiring us to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.”
In one convenient portal, BEACON gives Illinois families information from:
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Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)
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Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
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Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE)
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Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
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Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
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Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ)
“Mental health care is health care, and no family should struggle to find that support. Thanks to BEACON, that care is within reach,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “The skills we want future generations to inherit are rooted in holistic well-being and resilient communities that care for each other.”
Last fall, the Governor had a soft launch with Google Public Sector which they say directly resulted in the establishment of CBHTI. The soft launch has been utilized by state agency representatives, physicians, mental health practitioners, and school personnel. The users offered real-time input to mold, retune, and enhance the service.
“Behavioral health is public health,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.“As a pediatrician, I have witnessed the challenges that children and their families face when they do not receive access to timely behavioral health services. Under Governor JB Pritzker’s leadership, Illinois continues to innovate in finding new and modern ways to improve the mental health of our children. The launch of the BEACON portal is another exciting step in that path, allowing our Illinois families access to, and information about, the services they need when they need them.”
BEACON helps parents and guardians acquire information on a variety of services, from simple listings of available programs to providing assistance on identifying additional resources a child needs from a Resource Coordinator. Parent navigators can help families with school-based services. Resource coordinators refer a Clinical Specialist to help coordinate complex cases that require involving the services of multiple state agencies and the specialist can facilitate communication with the child’s caregivers.
“When children receive the mental and behavioral support they need, it not only benefits them and their families but also strengthens the well-being of the entire community,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders. “The Illinois State Board of Education is proud to support the launch of this transformative platform that will provide students across the state with streamlined access to mental health services – building a stronger, more resilient system that empowers families and ensures every child has the care and resources they need to thrive.”
Parents and caregivers are not required to share information about their child’s needs and situation. However, the more information that is provided, the better BEACON can guide and offer resources about specific services related to a child’s needs. Information is held strictly confidential in accordance with privacy and data security rules and regulations. Its stored on a secure, encrypted platform inaccessible to Google or anyone that’s not been given explicit consent by the caregiver. Cases with BEACON will remain open until a child has been connected with an appropriate resource and the parent or caregiver will remain informed every step of the way.
“This kind of speed and success doesn’t happen without unprecedented collaboration. The Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative brought together six child-serving State agencies—a partnership I’ve never seen on this scale during my time in public service,” said Dr. David Albert, Director, IDHS Division of Mental Health. “This extraordinary partnership will serve for years to come as an example of what can be achieved when you dare to think big in state government.”
Instruction videos on BEACON and more information can be found at beacon.illinois.gov.
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