Welcome to the Hope Institute for Children and Families

The Hope Institute for Children and Families (HICF) provides homes in which to grow, schools in which to learn, clinics in which to become healthier, research into emerging practices, and training for providers and parents. Hope is a place where respect for the individual leads to discovery of the untapped potential in each child, youth, and adult. Hope is a place where maintaining strong connections to family and community is a priority.

The Hope Institute for Children and Families is a multifaceted educational, residential, health services, research, and training provider focused on supporting youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence, and joy. Much of The Hope Institute’s success in meeting the needs of youth and their families rests in the stimulating environment provided both on and off campus. Children and families alike benefit from Hope’s outpatient clinics, therapeutic learning programs, residential treatment programs, and summer camps where psychiatry, pediatrics, nursing, psychological, applied behavioral analysis, speech pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and dietetic services are tailored to meet the individual needs of each child and family. Every effort is made to meet the physical, psychological, cognitive and emotional needs of each unique individual, no matter how complex.

The Hope Institute for Children and Families has been serving children with multiple disabilities and their families since 1957. Hope was founded by a Springfield, Illinois dentist and his wife who were looking for a specialized educational program, rather than custodial care, for their daughter who was blind and had developmental disabilities. From its origins in a humble, six-room house serving a handful of children, The Hope Institute has developed into a leading provider of educational, residential, health service, research, and training services encompassing a 25 acre residential campus, a new state of the art learning center, 10 community homes, and an outpatient treatment center.

Each child or youth, with the support of family members and staff, directs the process of considering and selecting the path of his or her future. Family members are encouraged to share their hopes and dreams for loved ones, as well as to work with a team of professionals to help shape goals and tailor services.

The Hope Institute is dedicated to supporting youth and families to reach optimum growth, independence and joy. We encourage you to learn more about how we achieve this.

The Hope Institute offers several programs that can be combined and customized to provide maximum effectiveness to the children attending Hope. Major centers and related programs of The Hope Institute include:

The Hope Center for Residential Services

Judith Ann Jordan Residential Program
Community Reintegration Program (CRP)

The Hope School Therapeutic Learning Center

Education for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Intensive Education Program for Children with Developmental Disabilities
Lakeshore Educational Program for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance
Vocational Skills Development Program

The Hope Health and Wellness Center

Neurobehavioral Clinic
Psychiatry Clinic
Family Practice Clinic
Dental Clinic
Medical Home Clinic
Family Health Options

The Autism Program Regional Training and Service Center

The Autism Program Family Clinic
The Autism Program Outreach

The Autism Program Illinois Headquarters

Metro Chicago Regional Training and Service Center at the U of I Chicago
Central Illinois Regional Training and Service Center at The Hope School
Southern Illinois Regional Training and Service Center at SIU Carbondale
The Autism Program Affiliate at Illinois State University Normal
The Autism Program Affiliate at University of Illinois Urbana – Champaign