IRIS in Illinois
Our mission at the Center for Public Partnerships and Research is to optimize the well-being of children, youth, and families. It is our work, driven by this mission, that leads to the development of tools like IRIS and partnerships like those throughout Illinois.
Since May of 2019, 17 IRIS communities spanning 32 counties have bloomed across the state of Illinois. State-level leaders are working to meet communities where they are, focusing on unique needs while empowering local leaders to align with statewide vision and goals to support all Illinois families. Decisions are community-focused and data-driven, allowing local leaders to use the implementation of IRIS to address unique local needs such as meeting heightened needs highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, bridging the gap between healthcare and social services, and focusing on helping families with young children thrive. Early adoption and growth in communities has supported the resilient and collaborative spirit necessary for community systems building.
Transforming the Family Experience
Whether a state-level entity, a community-based organization, or a family with young children, we are all negatively impacted by the complex and fragmented systems of service delivery. Communities across Illinois are utilizing IRIS to better support children and families. The simplicity of the tool and adaptable implementation plan enables communities focused on adolescent mental health, early childhood services, or comprehensive wrap-around services to drive the work locally, meet unique challenges and amplify strengths. State-level entities have access to data to see the big picture, local partners are given the tools and guidance needed to streamline referrals and communication, and families receive the services and support needed to thrive.
Community-Driven, State-Supported Systems Development Paired with IRIS
Leaders across the State are working to meet communities where they are and empower them to align with the statewide vision and goals to support all Illinois families. Local leaders are using the implementation of IRIS to address unique local needs. Decisions are community-focused and data-driven with state-level support.
The All Our Kids (AOK) Networks began piloting IRIS in 2019. After three years of strategic planning and growth, all nine current AOK networks have launched IRIS to strengthen local systems and grow into more connected communities. The flexibility to focus on specific community needs has allowed AOK networks like Tazewell to address important concerns such as perinatal depression.
The Governor’s Office of Early Childhood Development (GOECD) is utilizing Preschool Development Grant Birth Through Five funds to pilot IRIS with four home visiting collaborations across the state. This project focuses on equitable access to home visiting services and enables GOECD to capture data across demographic and geographically diverse communities to better understand the current landscape and needs while allowing for immediate local impact in connection to services. The Sauk Valley STARS have an inspiring vision for IRIS supporting their community.
The values that drive IRIS align with many independently funded communities from small, focused collaboratives to communities spanning multiple initiatives. All members of IRIS communities are seeking to improve the health and wellness of individuals and families in Illinois. Kane County uses IRIS to support the bridge between behavioral health, early childhood, and opioid abuse treatment and prevention. The Southwest Organizing Project has used IRIS for over two years to connect students to services ranging from mental health and health care to youth leadership development programs across Southwest Chicago neighborhoods.
‘We envision Illinois as a place where every young child — regardless of race, ethnicity, income, language, geography, ability, immigration status, or other circumstance — receives the strongest possible start to life so they grow up safe, healthy, happy, ready to succeed, and eager to learn.’
– Illinois Early Learning Council
*This project was made possible by grant number 90TP0057. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.
Growing Impact for Statewide Change
Early Adoption
Illinois communities average 21 referrals within the first month of launch with an average response time from partners of approximately 36 hours.
Systems Building
In Illinois, IRIS communities are comprised of a broad range of sectors from early childhood to behavioral health. This supports an ‘every door is the right door’ approach to connecting families to needed services.
Growth
93% of Illinois IRIS communities grew within their first quarter after launch with an average of 8 partners added during that time.
IRIS Communities
- Adams County
- Community Together
- Dental Equity Network
- DuPage County
- Edwards & Wabash Counties
- Kane County
- Northwest Chicago
- Madison County Coordinated Intake
- McLean County
- Quad Cities Open Network
- River to River
- Sangamon HEART
- Sauk Valley STARS
- Southwest System of Care
- Stephenson County
- Tazewell-Peoria-Woodford
- Town of Cicero
- Will County
- YES System of Care
‘IRIS is already proving to be an ideal tool to use for community systems development and improvement and its use is spreading throughout Illinois and other parts of the nation. IRIS is user-friendly, people-powered, and data-driven, which gives us the ability to accurately identify and address strengths and areas of need that are specific to Kane County residents and their families. Providers in Kane have reported that using IRIS has increased collaboration and communication among providers, enhancing our community capacity to serve individuals and families in a more comprehensive way.’
