Juvenile Protective Association

Founded in 1901 by Jane Addams, JPA’s elementary, school-based Treatment and Counseling Program provides individual and small group therapy to children living in under served neighborhoods (as well as support services to parents) and consultation and support to teachers. Its mission is to improve the social and emotional well-being and functioning of vulnerable children so they can fulfill their potential at home, in school, and in our community.

Research in the area of children’s mental health services shows that JPA’s target population in under served communities is less likely to be referred for treatment, less likely to start treatment, and more likely to drop out within only a few sessions. Simply put, high quality mental health services are usually not accessible to these children and families.

JPA serves approximately 2,000 children, families, and educators each year from neighborhoods on the south and west sides of Chicago such as Altgeld-Riverdale, North Lawndale, Roseland, West Humboldt Park and Belmont Cragin, among others. Over 90% of JPA’s young clients have experienced at least one significant form of trauma, including community violence, gun and gang activity, homelessness, abuse and/or neglect.