Refer a Youth

Know a young person who needs support? We’re here to help.

If you or a young person in your life is struggling, reaching out can be the first step toward real change. Fill out our referral form below, and our team will personally connect you with the right support — whether that’s here at Mercy Home or through one of our trusted partner organizations.

A note before you get started.

Mercy Home’s residential program is a long-term commitment, not an emergency shelter, so we’re not able to offer same-day or immediate placement. If a young person needs safety right now, please see the emergency resources at the bottom of this page.

For everyone else: please don’t let that stop you from reaching out. When you contact us, our admissions team will get to know your situation and help you find the right next step — whether that’s a spot in our program or a referral to another resource that can help sooner. No one who reaches out leaves without guidance.

Who We Serve

Mercy Home supports young people ages 11–24 in the Chicago area who are ready to build a brighter future, especially those who:

• Have experienced trauma, neglect, or a difficult home environment
• Are working through emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges
• Could use extra support to catch up in school or explore a career path
• Would benefit from a stable, structured home while they work toward their goals
• Are motivated to do the work of healing and growing, even if it’s hard

Please note: Mercy Home is a voluntary placement facility. Both the guardian and young person must be in agreement to move forward with placement.

If some of this sounds like you or a young person you know, we’d love to hear from you.

Contact Our Admissions Team

Fill out the form below, and a member of our Admissions team will reach out to you.

Reminder: we’re not able to offer same-day or immediate placement.

How Our Admissions Process Works

We know that waiting is hard when you care about a young person in need. Here’s what to expect, step by step, so there are no surprises along the way.

Timeline: The admissions process is designed to take approximately 4-6 weeks, although timelines may vary based on individual needs, appointment availability, and application volume. 

Getting to Know Each Other

We’ll set up an informational session to learn about the young person and their family, and to walk you through what life at Mercy Home looks like. We’ll also share our best estimate of timing based on current space in our programs.

Gather Records

Before we can move forward, we’ll need to review some background information: things like school, medical, and (if applicable) legal records. We’ll send you a clear checklist so you know exactly what to gather.

In-Person Assessment

This is a chance for us to really get to know the young person and their family through in-depth conversations, plus some brief academic check-ins. Plan for about three to four hours.

Family Partnership Meeting & Shadow Night

The young person spends an afternoon and evening at Mercy Home meeting staff and peers and getting a real feel for what daily life is like here.

Decision

Once we’ve completed these steps, we’ll decide together if Mercy Home is the right fit. If so, we’ll work with you to set a move-in date. If space isn’t available right away in a specific age group, we’ll do our best to estimate when a spot will open up. And if we determine another program would serve the young person better, we’ll help connect you to an agency that can.

Please note: Mercy Home is a voluntary placement facility. Both the guardian and young person must be in agreement to move forward with placement.

What You’ll Need to Gather

We know this can feel like a lot, but we’re here to help you through it.

Before the Assessment

• Signed release(s) of information (school, mental health, physical health, legal — as applicable)
• Complete hospital records, if the youth has been hospitalized for behavioral or psychiatric reasons
• Legal records, if applicable
• School records:
  • Standardized test scores
  • Unofficial transcripts (all earned credits and current grade level)
  • Current class schedule with in-progress grades
  • Current IEP and/or 504 Plan, if applicable
  • Attendance record
  • Behavior records (detentions, suspensions, conduct reports, etc.)
  • Medical records (physicals, dental, immunizations)

Day of Assessment

• Proof of guardianship for youth under 18 (Social Security card, birth certificate, or adoption paperwork)
• Proof of family income (recent paystub or prior year’s tax return)
• Health insurance card (youth)
• Driver’s license or state ID (youth and parent/guardian)
• COVID vaccination card (youth), if available

We’re Here to Help

Reaching out is the hardest part, and you’ve already thought about doing it.

Whatever happens after you contact us, our goal is the same: making sure you or the young person you care about ends up connected to the support that’s right for them.

Fill out the form above, or call us at (312) 738-7590 to get started.