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Comprehensive Community Based Youth Services (CCBYS) is a network of community-based providers serving vulnerable youth ages 11-17 across Illinois. NRS operates the CCBYS Information and Referral Line (IRL) 24/7 at 1-877-870-2663. Youth, families, service providers, and other authorities supporting youth in need of emergency shelter can contact the CCBYS IRL toll-free to be connected with the appropriate CCBYS agency in their area. 

CCBYS is authorized by the Children and Family Services Act (20 ILCS 505/17 and 17a) and implements Article 3 of the Illinois Juvenile Court Act of 1987 (705 ILCS 405/3 et seq.). This statewide 24/7 crisis intervention system is mandated to serve youth in crisis as defined in the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. These are youth who are away from home without parental consent and youth beyond the control of their parents in circumstances which constitute an immediate or substantial danger to the youth’s physical safety. CCBYS also serves, in conjunction with DCFS, youth whose parents will not allow them to return home. Further, CCBYS may serve youth in high-risk situations, and their families when appropriate, according to their needs and in keeping with the goal of family preservation, reunification and/or family stabilization, or independence. A continuum of services is available statewide and may be provided to youth at risk of involvement in the Child Welfare and/or Juvenile Justice systems.