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Special-Needs Schools

Norman C Sleezer Youth Home

Special-Needs Schools · Freeport, IL
Compiled from public sourcesProgram

About

Compiled from public web sources — unverified until claimed; please confirm details directly with the provider.

Focus
Residential Facility Emotional Disability
Area
Freeport, IL
Description
ISBE-approved nonpublic special-education facility (residential facility), serving students with emotional disability. Illinois districts can place and fund students here under Section 14-7.02.
Website
sleezeryouthhome.org

What this special-needs school offers

Summarized from their website — verify details directly with the special-needs school.

Norman C. Sleezer Youth Home is a residential treatment facility in Freeport, Illinois that provides trauma-informed therapeutic services for adolescent girls. It has operated since 1973 and serves youth involved with child welfare and juvenile justice systems across Illinois.

Leadership
Casey Heneghan — Chief Executive Officer
Nirandone Kingpavong — Chief Clinical Officer
Staff
Amber Roberts — Business Manager
Kevin Ware — Intake and Care Coordinator
Chad Kuhlow — Training and Quality Assurance Coordinator
Veronica Truckenmiller — Unit Coordinator
Donna Ridge — Youth Services Manager
Desiree Holz — Registered Nurse
Populations served
Adolescent girls ages 12–18 Youth with trauma histories Youth with behavioral and mental health challenges Youth involved with child welfare (DCFS) Youth involved with juvenile justice systems
Setting
Residential
Ages
12–18
On-site therapies
Individual therapy Group therapy Family therapy Trauma-informed care
Services
24/7 residential treatment (QRTP) Educational support and school coordination Life skills training Six-month aftercare program Recreational activities Community connections
Founded
1973
Accreditations & approvals
Council on Accreditation (COA) accredited Licensed by Illinois DCFS
Phone
815.232.8336
Highlights
Named after Norman "Chief" Sleezer, Stephenson County's first adult probation officer and local youth advocate; operating for over 50 years since 1973.
Approach
Trauma-informed care with strong family involvement, individualized treatment planning, and partnerships with DCFS, probation departments, and schools.
Admissions
Referrals accepted from DCFS, juvenile probation, and school districts.

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What to look for in a special-needs school

  • Population served (autism, emotional/behavioral, learning differences) and the age/grade range
  • Whether it's an ISBE-approved nonpublic facility — districts can place and fund students there
  • On-site therapies (OT/PT/speech/behavioral)
  • Day vs. residential
  • How transitions back to public school work

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