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What is a System of Care? In a system of care, mental health, education, child welfare, juvenile justice, and other agencies work together to ensure that children with mental, emotional, and behavioral problems and their families have access to the services and supports they need to succeed. A true system of care is about partnership - a partnership made up of service providers, families, teachers, and others who care for a child. Together, the team develops an individualized service plan that builds on the unique strengths of each child and each family. This customized plan is always implemented in a way that is consistent with the family's culture and language. What is a LAN? Local Area Networks (LANs) are voluntary, inclusive and community based bodies with the express purpose of improving the welfare of children. Membership on the LAN reflects a balance of formal systems that operate in a community along with community stakeholders. What do LANs do? Local Area Networks are responsible for developing a community based System of Care for children and adolescents from their local geographic area. How do LANs operate? Each of the 62 LANs throughout the State of Illinois can determine their own structures and governance procedures. Membership does vary among communities, but reflects the makeup of the overall area. Co-Conveners are responsible for chairing and facilitating LAN meetings. The Illinois State Board of Education through the ISBE EBD Network, Department of Children and Family Services, the Illinois Federation of Families, the Community Residential Service Authority, the Department of Human Services all have appointed "LAN Liaisons" to provide technical assistance and support to the Local Area Networks. One key task of LANs has been to assume responsibility and oversight of implementing Wraparound in the local community. This is usually done through a Screening or Gatekeeping Committee, which manages flexible funds for all children, and oversees wraparound for children and youth in DCFS.
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