Community Alternatives attempts to assure the appropriateness of residential settings by pre-screening their admission prior to placement. This fiscal year alone, CAU has assessed more than 358 consumers. CILAs are often considered to be more effective as well as lower cost alternatives when compared with state operated facilities. These women received medical services in doctor's offices rather than hospital emergency rooms. Prenatal care and high risk pregnancies were identified, thus leading to added benefits such as more effective health care, lower infant mortality and more effective services.
Infant mortality is the lowest in the history of Chicago.
Infant birth weights and child immunizations are on the rise. Thanks to Wilson, CAU was able to distribute cribs, playpens, clothing, sporting goods and other toys to families who otherwise may have gone without them. Most of these requests require as much as two years to find an appropriate home. Many of these individuals have multiple needs including nursing, educational, job training, and mental health therapies. CAU assisted 40 individuals with chronic and persistent mental illness in obtaining services such as psycho-therapy, residential placement, and job training.