Caritas Family Solutions

What Caritas Family Solutions does

Caritas Family Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services agency headquartered in Belleville, Illinois, founded in 1947 as Catholic Charities and rebranded in 2014. The organization delivers a full continuum of care spanning pregnancy through senior years across 60+ counties in Southern and Central Illinois, organized under three pillars: Child and Family Services (foster care, adoption, pregnancy counseling, intact family services), Behavioral Health Supports (youth residential treatment, counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention, substance use treatment with harm reduction), and Community Outreach (Mental Health Housing, 13 CILA residences for adults with developmental disabilities housing up to 62 residents, Fox River 30-unit senior assisted living, employment training).

The operating model rests on licensed clinical and case management practice rather than proprietary technology: SAFE (Structured Analysis Family Evaluation) home study methodology for adoption assessments, trauma-informed strength-based care framework, CBT-based outpatient substance use treatment, harm reduction including Narcan distribution, Multisystemic Therapy, and a school-based counseling model. Back-office technology comprises industry-standard nonprofit tools (DonorPerfect, Paylocity, Qgiv, Volgistics); no proprietary AI/ML systems or platforms are documented.

Revenue mechanics are diversified but government-anchored: fee-for-service contracts with Illinois DCFS and DHS for child welfare, CILA, mental health housing, and substance use services form the primary stream; Illinois Department on Aging contracts subsidize the Fox River senior living operation. A secondary philanthropic layer includes tax-deductible individual/corporate donations (EIN 37-0661500), event-based fundraising (Heart & Soul Gala raised ~$280,000), grants (e.g., $20,000 from BCBSIL, Section 5310 transportation grant), Charity Clothing Pickup partnerships, and a separate Caritas Family Solutions Foundation (EIN 33-2280162). Client fees are largely waived for most direct services, with adoption on a sliding scale and DUI services flat-fee. FY2025 Total Operating Budget of $51.6M (post-HSS merger) supports 500+ employees and annual service to 2,750+ children and 6,500+ individuals.

Name

Caritas Family Solutions

Legal name

Christian Social Services of Illinois

Website

https://caritasfamilysolutions.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Caritas Family Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services agency, founded 1947 and headquartered in Belleville, Illinois, providing child welfare (foster care, adoption, family preservation), behavioral health (counseling, crisis, substance use), and community-based disability and senior services to over 6,500 individuals annually across 60+ Southern and Central Illinois counties.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Social Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Child and Youth Services (624110), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Nursing & Personal Care Facilities (8050)

akta.pro primary industry

Child Welfare, Foster Care & Adoption Services (BPAGAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Family & Parenting Support Services (BPAGAEAC), Maternal, Child & Family Health Organizations (BPAGACAF), Affordable / Low-Income Assisted Living (Medicaid Waiver Focused) (HLADABAE), Behavioral Health–Capable Assisted Living (Mental Health/SUD Support) (HLADABAI)

Keywords

• Foster care services
• Adoption home studies
• Community integrated living
• Substance use treatment
• Child welfare programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Belleville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices12 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Contracts (DCFS/DHS): Primary revenue stream from fee-for-service contracts with Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) for child welfare services, foster care, adoption, CILA programs, and mental health services. Illinois must reimburse Catholic Charities agencies for foster care services provided to state wards.
2. Donations and Charitable Contributions: Tax-deductible donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations through online portals, checks, phone, and vehicle donations. Monthly giving programs and planned giving/legacy bequests are available. EIN 37-0661500; Caritas Family Solutions Foundation EIN 33-2280162.
3. Event-Based Fundraising: Annual galas (Heart & Soul Gala, Shine Your Light Gala), Secret Santa gift program, and third-party fundraising events generate significant donations. The Heart & Soul Gala raised nearly $280,000 in one year.
4. Client Fees (Sliding Scale): Adoption services use a sliding fee scale based on family income. Some programs (DUI services) are not billable to insurance and may be covered by the State of Illinois for those meeting income guidelines; others charge flat fees.
5. Federal and State Grants: Federal grants such as the Section 5310 Grant for transportation vehicles supporting mental health housing programs. Received $20,000 grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois for CILA program pandemic support.
6. Subsidized Senior Housing Revenue: Fox River Assisted Living provides affordable housing to low-to-moderate income seniors through contract with Illinois Department on Aging. Rent is based on income (residents pay no more than 30% of income).
7. Third-Party Goods Donations: Partnership with Charity Clothing Pickup (CCP) of St. Louis generates tens of thousands of dollars annually for Caritas from clothing donations. Used clothing and goods donations are also accepted at drop boxes throughout the service region.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Caritas Family Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit social services agency that delivers a continuum of care spanning foster care, private domestic adoption, pregnancy options counseling, intact family services, youth residential treatment, professional counseling, 24/7 crisis intervention, substance use treatment, mental health housing, Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) for adults with developmental disabilities, senior assisted living, and employment training. Services are delivered across 60+ counties in Southern and Central Illinois through 11+ regional offices and contracted state agency relationships with Illinois DCFS, DHS, and the Department on Aging. The agency is funded by government contracts, charitable donations, and grants, with most direct services provided at no cost to clients.

Product overview

Caritas Family Solutions is a nonprofit social services organization offering a comprehensive portfolio of integrated services organized under three pillars: Child and Family Services (Foster Care, Adoption Services, Pregnancy Options Counseling, Intact Family Services), Behavioral Health Supports (Youth Residential Center, Counseling, Crisis Services, Substance Use Services), and Community-Based Programs (Mental Health Housing, CILA, Senior Assisted Living at Fox River, Employment Training). The organization serves Southern and Central Illinois across 60+ counties, providing services from pregnancy through senior years. Key programs include foster care (with fictive kin, traditional, and specialized tracks), private domestic adoption, residential behavioral health services through the Youth Residential Center, and community-based living arrangements for adults with developmental disabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foster Care Safe, supportive homes for children while families work toward reunification. Includes Fictive Kin Foster Care, Traditional Foster Care, and Specialized Foster Care for children with emotional, behavioral, or medical needs. Foster parents receive a monthly stipend at the current Illinois state rate, and the state covers medical, dental, vision, and mental health coverage for youth in care.
• Adoption Services (Private Domestic Adoption) Comprehensive private domestic adoption services including home studies (using the SAFE methodology), expectant parent support, matching services, placement, post-placement supervision, and post-adoption services. Open adoption framework with formalized openness contracts at placement. Services operate only in Southern Illinois and use a sliding fee scale based on family income.
• Pregnancy Options Counseling Free, confidential support for pregnant individuals considering adoption, providing honest information, personalized guidance, and ongoing care before, during, and after an adoption plan. Includes 24/7 on-call support.
• Intact Family Services Early intervention services to keep children safely with their families by connecting parents to practical support, resources, and guidance that strengthen stability and reduce the need for foster care. Available in 17 counties including Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Randolph, and others.
• Youth Residential Center Continuum of residential behavioral health services including Youth Therapeutic Treatment Center (ages 8-16), Youth Emergency Shelter (ages 6-17), Teen Parenting Treatment Center (ages 16-21), and Community Youth Shelter (ages 11-17). Licensed as Child Care Institution by Illinois DCFS License #180025.
• Professional Counseling Services
• Crisis Services 24/7 crisis response for mental health or substance use crises in Monroe County, including support for runaway or lockout youth, emergency hospitalization screening, and follow-up care. Access via 618-939-4444, 988, and CARES line 1-800-345-9049.
• Substance Use Services Person-centered substance use treatment for adults in Monroe County, IL including assessments, day and evening outpatient services, DUI services (3-hour evaluation; Driver's Risk Education twice a week for two weeks), and harm reduction programs including Narcan education and distribution. Uses evidence-based harm reduction and CBT modalities.
• Mental Health Housing Supportive housing programs in Monroe County including permanent supportive housing and supervised mental health housing for individuals with mental health or substance use challenges. One-bedroom apartments for individuals; two-bedroom units for families. Rental costs based on resident income (no more than 30% of income).
• Community Integrated Living Arrangements (CILA) Residential support for adults with developmental disabilities in 13 community-based homes across Caseyville, Fairview Heights, Swansea, O'Fallon, Belleville, Columbia, Hecker, and Waterloo, accommodating up to 62 residents. Licensed as CILA Service Provider by Illinois DHS License #201300016S.
• Senior Assisted Living at Fox River 30-unit affordable apartment community in Olney, IL providing meals, housekeeping, social activities, and daily assistance for adults 60 years and older. Operated through contract with the Illinois Department on Aging; rent capped at 30% of resident income.
• Employment Training Employment and day services helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities explore employment and education opportunities, including job coaching, community employment services, and the Community Day Services Program in Waterloo. Also includes the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP).
• Fontebella Maternity Home Maternity home in O'Fallon, IL providing residential support to pregnant and parenting youth under DCFS supervision. Licensed as a Child Care Institution by Illinois DCFS License #601373.

Quantifiable outcome

• In 2023, services provided to more than 2,750 children, with ongoing support offered to over 6,500 individuals of all ages.
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Human Support Services (HSS) of Monroe County, ILcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025Effective October 1, 2025, Human Support Services (HSS) of Monroe County merged with Caritas Family Solutions under the Caritas name. The merger expands services in mental health and for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. No major staffing or service changes anticipated. HSS brings expertise in employment training, mental health housing, substance use, and crisis services.
• Ameren IllinoisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAmeren Illinois is a corporate partner supporting Caritas Family Solutions mission. Provides community investment and employee engagement opportunities.
• Associated BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner with Associated Bank providing financial support and community engagement for Caritas programs.
• BAM Marketing AgencyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMarketing agency partner providing professional marketing services to support Caritas brand and event promotion.
• Cardinal Auto Group (Buick GMC)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal automobile dealership corporate partner supporting Caritas mission through donations and event sponsorship.
• Contegra ConstructionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConstruction company whose CEO Sean Ketcherside serves as Board Chairperson of Caritas. Also sponsors ContegraCares volunteer program.
• Federico Family of DealershipsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAutomobile dealership group supporting Caritas as a community partner through donations and sponsorship.
• Poshard Foundation for Abused ChildrenminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFoundation focused on child abuse prevention supporting Caritas child welfare mission through partnership.
• Thompson Coburn LLPminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLaw firm providing pro bono or discounted legal services and community support for Caritas programs.
• Illinois American WaterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerUtility company corporate partner supporting Caritas through community investment.
• Wood River RefineryminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnergy company corporate partner supporting Caritas mission in Southern Illinois.
• Illinois Partners for Human ServiceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide membership organization for human service agencies. Caritas maintains membership for resources, connections, and industry representation.
• Combined Federal CampaignminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal employee giving program allowing federal workers to donate to Caritas through payroll deductions.
• Illinois Department on AgingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerContract partner for Fox River Senior Assisted Living, providing reimbursement and regulatory oversight for care of low-income seniors aged 60+.
• Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary government referral partner for all child welfare services including foster care, adoption, intact family services, and youth residential programs. Illinois DCFS licenses Caritas (#003976) and refers children and families across its service territory.
• Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment partner licensing Caritas as a CILA Service Provider (#201300016S) and providing contracts for mental health housing, substance use services, and crisis support in Monroe County.
• Foster Care and Adoptive CoalitionminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCoalition partner for foster care referrals and adoption networking. Caritas directs foster care inquiries to the coalition's website for certain placements.
• Illinois Collaboration on Youth (ICOY)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerStatewide collaboration of child-serving agencies. Caritas maintains membership for networking and advocacy.
• IABH (Illinois Association of Behavioral Health)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerState association for behavioral health organizations. Caritas maintains membership for industry representation and best practice sharing.
• IARF (Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAssociation representing rehabilitation and disability service providers. Caritas maintains membership for advocacy and resources.
• ContegraCaresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployee volunteer program of Contegra Construction that organizes volunteer activities benefiting Caritas programs.
• Charity Clothing Pickup (CCP) of St. LouisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization collects gently used clothing through drop boxes at Caritas offices, generating tens of thousands of dollars annually for the agency. CCP handles all collection and logistics while donating proceeds to Caritas.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Brightpoint (formerly Children's Home & Aid): Statewide Illinois child welfare nonprofit providing foster care, adoption, intact family services, and early childhood programs — operates at comparable scale to Caritas in the same DCFS contracting environment.
• Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness: Illinois nonprofit integrating health, mental health, foster care, and youth services — directly comparable to Caritas's post-merger model of combining behavioral health, child welfare, and community-based programming.
• Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI): Statewide faith-based nonprofit offering child welfare, foster care, counseling, senior services, and developmental disability programs — closely mirrors Caritas's three-pillar service model and Illinois DCFS contract base.
• Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago: Largest Catholic Charities affiliate in Illinois offering foster care, adoption, senior services, and immigration support across the Chicago metro — the most direct comparable to Caritas's integrated Catholic-affiliated nonprofit model in another region of the same state.
• UCAN (Uhlich Children's Advantage Network): Chicago-based nonprofit offering foster care, behavioral health, and youth development services to DCFS wards — a comparable urban child-welfare provider licensed under similar Illinois DCFS structures.
• Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois: Faith-based Illinois child welfare nonprofit providing residential, foster care, adoption, and counseling services — directly comparable to Caritas's faith-rooted child-and-family service delivery model.
• Hoyleton Youth and Family Services: Southern Illinois nonprofit offering foster care, residential treatment, autism services, and senior programs — direct geographic and service overlap with Caritas across the same DCFS region.
• Maryville Academy: Des Plaines-based nonprofit providing residential treatment, foster care, and behavioral health for youth — comparable to Caritas's Youth Therapeutic Treatment Center (ages 8–16) and Teen Parenting Treatment Center programs.

Emerging players

• Eckerd Connects: National nonprofit operating youth residential treatment, foster care, and workforce programs across multiple states — relevant comparable for Caritas's Youth Residential Center and Employment Training programs given Eckerd's Multisystemic Therapy footprint.
• National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP): National nonprofit providing foster care, adoption, behavioral health, and independent living services — comparable to Caritas's full continuum from pregnancy through adoption and post-adoption support, though with broader multi-state reach.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/Caritas1947
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCtZNEfoKSn863Ek5Rd6PPWg
• Facebookfacebook.com/CaritasFS
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/caritasfamilysolutions
• Instagraminstagram.com/caritasfamilysolutions

Compliance9 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles21 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Caritas Family Solutions