Cook County · Illinois Medicaid · Ages 0–20
Pathways to Success in Cook County
In-home and community support for children and teens with big emotional and behavioral needs, covered by Illinois Medicaid. We work alongside your Cook County CCSO care coordinators so families get one team and one plan.
In-home & community
Covered by Illinois Medicaid
Works with every Cook County CCSO
Working together for your child
In Cook County, Pathways to Success care coordination is provided by one of six agencies, assigned by ZIP code. Your care coordinator leads the plan. Blue Kite Wellness delivers the services in it, and we stay in close touch so your family never has to repeat its story.
Your care coordinator
Your Cook County CCSO
In Cook County, your care coordination agency is assigned by ZIP code: Ada S. McKinley Community Services, Kenneth Young Center, Lutheran Social Services of Illinois, Metropolitan Family Services, Pillars Community Health or UCAN.
- Brings your Child and Family Team together
- Builds the plan with your family
- Connects you with the services your child needs
- Checks in on progress and adjusts the plan
&
Your service provider
Blue Kite Wellness
The team on the field
- Intensive home-based therapy at home and in the community
- Therapeutic mentoring and family peer support
- Respite at our Chicago office on the South Side
- Regular updates and a seat at every team meeting
Care coordinators: send us a referral and we'll assign a team based on the services selected, reach out to the family and keep you updated.
What Blue Kite Wellness provides
Blue Kite Wellness is approved by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to provide Pathways to Success services to families across Cook County.
Intensive home-based therapy
A master's-level clinician works with your child and family at home and in the community, on the moments that are hardest, including evenings and weekends.
Therapeutic mentoring
A mentor spends one-on-one time with your child building social skills, coping skills and confidence through everyday activities.
Family peer support
A parent who has raised a child with similar challenges walks alongside you, listens, and helps you navigate schools and systems.
Respite
Planned breaks for caregivers while your child spends safe, structured time with our team at our Wheaton or Chicago office.
IM+CANS assessments
For families who want to know if their child may qualify, we complete the Illinois assessment and send it to HFS for a decision.
One team with your coordinator
We join your Child and Family Team meetings, share updates and adjust as the plan changes.
Serving families across Cook County
Our team comes to your home, your child's school and your community, anywhere in Cook County, including:
- Chicago
- Berwyn
- Blue Island
- Calumet City
- Chicago Heights
- Cicero
- Des Plaines
- Elk Grove Village
- Evanston
- Evergreen Park
- Harvey
- Maywood
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Tinley Park
Our Chicago office is in Cook County
2024 W 79th St, Chicago, IL 60620. Home to respite, family meetings and outpatient therapy. Get directions
How it works
Who qualifies: children and teens under 21 who are enrolled in Illinois Medicaid (including CountyCare, Meridian, Molina, Aetna Better Health, Blue Cross Community Health Plans and YouthCare), have a mental health diagnosis and significant emotional or behavioral needs, and meet the state’s criteria on the IM+CANS assessment.
Referral
Your care coordinator sends us a referral. Families referred through Pathways are already approved for the program.
We build your team
We assign a Blue Kite team based on the services you and your coordinator selected, like intensive home-based therapy, therapeutic mentoring, family peer support or respite.
We reach out
We call your family to introduce your team and set up the first visit at a time that works for you.
Services begin
Your team starts working with your child at home, at school and in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the care coordinator for Pathways in Cook County?
In Cook County, Pathways to Success care coordination is provided by one of six agencies, assigned by ZIP code. Your care coordinator leads your child’s plan and Child and Family Team.
Can we choose Blue Kite Wellness as our provider in Cook County?
Yes. Families have a say in their providers. Let your care coordinator know you’d like Blue Kite Wellness, or send us a referral and we’ll connect with your coordinator.
What happens after a referral?
Families referred through Pathways are already approved for the program. We assign a Blue Kite team based on the services selected, call your family to introduce the team and set up the first visit.
Where do services happen?
At home, at school and in the community anywhere in Cook County. Respite can take place at our Chicago office.
My child doesn't have a Pathways decision yet. Can you help?
Yes. We can complete the IM+CANS assessment with your family and send it to HFS, which decides eligibility. If your child qualifies, your local care coordination agency becomes your care coordinator.
Does it cost anything?
Pathways to Success services are covered by Illinois Medicaid for children and teens under 21 who qualify, so there’s no cost to your family.
Can other family members get support too?
Yes. If a parent or sibling would like support of their own, we offer outpatient therapy at our Wheaton and Chicago offices and by telehealth anywhere in Illinois.
Clinically reviewed by the Blue Kite Wellness clinical team · Last reviewed October 2026
One plan, one team, across Cook County
Whether your child is already approved or you’re just starting to ask questions, we’ll walk you through every step. Make a referral or call (630) 635-0577.
If your child is in crisis, call or text 988, call 911, or call your area’s mobile crisis team.