Mental Health

River Forest Township works with local agency partners to fund a wide range of programs in the areas of behavioral health, intellectual/developmental disabilities, domestic violence, underage substance use and addiction recovery. FY26 Services were contracted in summer 2025 with 10 agencies to support: 

• 6 Programs in behavioral health services

• 4 Programs in intellectual and developmental services

• 4 Programs in prevention/education services for local schools.

• Services include case management, respite care, behavioral health treatment, early intervention, prevention, substance treatment, education, outreach and support groups. This continuum of community-based services is cost-effective, systematically evaluated and responsive to evolving mental health needs.

The Township Mental Health Committee, made up of River Forest resident volunteers, reviews the grant applications submitted each year from local agencies and makes funding recommendations to the Township Board of Trustees. The MHC historically recommends a combination of fee-for-service and flat grants to the agencies that River Forest Township funds. Fee-for-service grants reimburse agencies for specific services provided to River Forest residents. This effort ensures that River Forest tax dollars are directed most effectively to River Forest residents. Flat grants typically fund initiatives that support general outreach, education and prevention efforts that include River Forest.  

• Agency must be a public, not-for-profit entity that has been in operation for at least one (1) year.

• Service recipients must be River Forest Township residents who are living in River Forest Township at the time services are delivered. (60 ILCS 1/190-10)

For any questions about the River Forest Township Mental Health Services, please contact Supervisor John Becvar.

Upcoming Events for FY26

Tuesday, October 7 - Mental Health Committee Meeting

Tuesday, November 4 - Mental Health Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Agency Presentation Night at MHC Meeting

January 15, 2026 - FY2027 Grant Applications Due

February 3 - Mental Health Committee Meeting

March 3 - Mental Health Committee Meeting

April 7 - Mental Health Committee final meeting for FY26