Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers FAQs :: 847-487-9455 :: Contact Us
Alternative_Behavior_Treatment_Centers.jpg

Mission Statement

The mission of Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers is to promote healthy behaviors and relationships through prevention and treatment of at risk individuals and families.

ABTC History

Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers (ABTC) was founded by Robin McGinnis, MSW and opened its doors in 1995 as a non-profit adolescent treatment agency to work with youth who were identified as difficult to manage and in need of a residential care program. The 20 bed residential program was originally located in a leased space in Des Plaines, Illinois for boys 12-18 years of age.

In July, 1997 the programs doubled in size to 40 residential beds and opened an on-campus special education school at the current 14 acre location in western Lake County, IL. The expanded beds were developed to meet the needs of older adolescents (15-21 years) with histories of mental illness and developmental delay. In 1999, ABTC opened a transitional living program and built 10 studio apartments on the campus to house the New Steps program to 21 years of age.

Continued expansion happened in 2001 with the development of a contract with the IL Department of Juvenile Justice (formerly IL Department of Corrections-Juvenile Division) at IYC-Kewanee. In collaboration with IDJJ, ABTC developed and currently manages the treatment programs in the institution that serves as one the State's juvenile correctional treatment facility.

Today ABTC operates numerous programs along a continuum of care for children, adolescents, families and adults located throughout Chicago and Illinois.

  • Substitute Care Programming: includes our residential care programming with 40 residential beds, and more than 10 transitional living apartments in Lake County, IL and an on-site special education school.
  • Outpatient Division: traditional outpatient services are offered along the spectrum for all ages to include, trauma-based programming for children and adolescents who have experienced out of home placements or have been victimized. Trauma based services are also available for adults who experienced trauma as a child or who may have recently experienced trauma. Culturally sensitive bi-lingual/bi-cultural services for clients/families that are Spanish speaking are available in Lake and Cook Counties.
  • Social Justice Division: several forensic programs that include IYC-Kewanee and Specialized sex offender evaluations and treatment for youth and adults.
  • Medical/Psychiatric Division: ABTC has partnered with several Board Certified Psychiatrists who provide consultation, psychiatric evaluations and medication management.
  • Training and Education Division: ABTC highly values providing evidence based treatment, training and education for community groups, schools and treatment professionals.


COA Accreditted and DCFS Licensed
Alternative Behavior Treatment Centers
News Tidbits
:: Board of Directors draws a Resolution to be sent to the Governor of Illinois and Legislators out ling the need for sufficient funding.

:: CEO and Sr. VP of Residential attend a funding rally at the Thompson Center in Chicago.

:: CEO goes to Springfield to meet with State Legislators to push for social services funding.

:: Staff participates in “phone rally” calling on the Governor to reinstate social services funding.

:: Fairfield Academy Summer School Program will be in session June 22 through July 31, 2009.

:: Annual Letter of Appeal is out! (Please see the DONATE page on our website)

:: Victor Kersey Psy, D. Clinical Director at DJJ-Kewanee has returned home safely from his tour of duty with the Armed Forces.

:: Texas Hold'Em Poker Event on October 10, 2009 to be held at the Village Club in Western Springs.All proceeds to benefit the youth and programs of ABTC. More info to come!

:: Fairfield Academy will present 11 students for Graduation on June 10,2009.The Commencement will be held in the Curtis Gentry Gymnasium on the Mundelein Campus.

:: ABTC recently completed its review with COA and is awaiting the results

:: United Way of Lake County "Day of Caring" coming up on June 17, 2009. A group of 30 individuals is coming to paint at the Mundelein campus. Our "Beautification Project" is underway.

:: Summer Work Program is now underway. Residents have the opportunity to work on the Mundelein Campus through out the summer and earn wages. This program is in conjunction with the Lake County Work Force Development Program.

:: Planning is underway for a "Texas Hold'Em" fundraising event to benefit the residents and programs of ABTC.
Events
:: HOLD THE DATE Texas Hold'Em Poker Event October 10, 2009 at The Club in Western Springs.
Focus
:: This year's FOCUS for our development and fundraising will be on the updating and "beautification" of our campus and outpatient sites.

:: Read more...