Universal Family Connection, Inc. (UFC) was established in 1980 as a grassroots, not-for-profit community-based organization. Beginning with a philosophy that services should be provided in an easily accessible and culturally competent manner, UFC partners with providers, community members, school personnel and stakeholders (family, friends, and clergy) to create a comprehensive, safe and nurturin
g system of service provision. As a provider of several programs geared toward intervention and prevention, UFC has gained vast experience in the area of child welfare and juvenile justice systems. Focusing on strategies that address the needs of clients, UFC develops plans for family reunification, preservation and/or stabilization through clinical services, case management, and referrals. UFC utilizes resources, knowledge of the community, and expertise of child welfare to establish new and innovative ways to support at-risk youth and their families through strategies that prevent out-of-home placement and contacts with the juvenile justice system. UFC provides these services through collaboration with various city and state agencies such as: Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, Illinois Department of Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Family & Support Services, Cook County Justice Advisory Council, Circuit Court of Cook County, Chicago Public Schools, and Illinois Collaboration on Youth.
