Every child is unique, and some children face extra physical or learning challenges. Parents often have questions about sources of information and support. This Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays resource list from the Illinois Early Learning Project shares information for parents on how to get your child evaluated, how to get special education services for your child and where to find more information to support children with autism, Down syndrome, hearing loss and vision loss.

The Illinois Early Learning (IEL) Project provides this Special Education and Inclusion in Early Care and Education resource list for early childhood special education and inclusive childcare for children ages 3 to 5 years old. The resources include tip sheets on choosing child care for infants and toddlers, choosing a preschool, inclusion in preschool classrooms and special education assessment for preschool-aged children.

If you have questions, please contact IEL online or call (877) 275-3227. EIL will try to reply to inquiries within one week.

The Autism Society Quad Cities aims to create connections and empower everyone in the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. Its programs include educational workshops, grants, support groups for moms, support groups for young adults, and the “Friendship Island” group for adolescents with autism spectrum disorder ages 12 to 18.

The Autism Society Quad Cities serves Rock Island and Henry counties in Illinois.

If you have questions, please contact the Autism Society Quad Cities at autismqc@gmail.com.

The Autism Society Southern Illinois promotes individual choices and self-determination for those living with autism by providing supportive programs designed to help maximize opportunities and quality of life.

It is based in Carbondale and provides support groups, education and training on autism-related topics, advocacy and recreation opportunities for families and adults with autism.

For questions, please call the Autism Society Southern Illinois at (618) 319-3303.

La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center (LRCAC) provides a safe and child-friendly environment where children and adolescents can receive supportive services following allegations of sexual abuse, severe physical abuse, other forms of child maltreatment or exposure to violent crime.

The LRCAC’s mission is to reduce trauma and provide supportive services to children and families involved in investigations of child abuse and violent crime using a multidisciplinary team approach that combines efforts of law enforcement, child protection investigators, prosecutors, medical personnel and mental health providers.

LRCAC provides forensic interviewing, advocacy, and follow-up services at no cost to children and families living in the south suburbs of Cook County.

For questions, please call the LRCAC at (708) 481-9799. Call are taken Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The Chicago Child Trauma Center (CCTC) serves Chicago-area children ages 1 to 18 affected by traumatic events, including physical and sexual abuse, witnessing violence, and complex trauma. The center aims to provide expert-level trauma care to children and their families and address social justice issues.

CCTC clinicians include psychologists, social workers, counselors and case managers who have specialized training and expertise in trauma assessment and treatment models. Care includes case management, advocacy and collaboration with outside providers.

If you are seeking services for a child who has been exposed to trauma and is in need of therapeutic services, contact CCTC’s intake coordinator at (773) 374-3748, ext. 2221, to determine if these services would be a good fit.

The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program provides resources to help people affected by violent crime. Under the Crime Victims Compensation Act, the Office of the Attorney General can reimburse eligible victims up to $45,000 ($27,000 for crimes before Aug. 7, 2022) for expenses incurred as a result of a violent crime. The Attorney General’s website provides the Crime Victim Compensation Program application in English, Polish and Spanish, and a video with steps for completing the form. Individuals can also call the Crime Victim Assistance Line at (800) 228-3368 for help.

Eligible violent crime victims can receive financial assistance with:

• Accessibility and usability of property
• Crime scene clean up
• Funeral/burial expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Medical, hospital, dental and mental health counseling expenses
• Relocation and replacement costs
• Tuition expenses

Alliance of Therapy Dogs (ATD) is a volunteer organization of dedicated therapy dog handlers and their dogs on a mission of sharing smiles and joy. ATD offers an international registry of certified therapy dog teams, testing, certification, support and insurance for members who volunteer with their dogs in animal-assisted activities. ATD can also help facilities such as schools or nursing homes start a therapy dog program. Its website includes:

• Information on what makes a good therapy dog
• Steps for becoming an ATD member
• A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
• Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you

For questions, please visit the Alliance of Therapy Dogs’ Contact Us page or call (877) 843-7364.

Healing Hurt People Chicago (HHPC) is a hospital-based, youth advocacy program for violence recovery. HHPC services begin in the hospital and include crisis intervention, mental health care, medical advocacy, team support support and patient advocacy. The program also connects participants to supports and a community where they can continue to grow, thrive and break the cycle of violence once they leave the hospital.

HHPC programs and resources for individuals, families and loved ones recovering from trauma also include:

• Information about trauma and the SELF (Safety, Emotion, Loss, and Future) model
• Stories of healing
• Strategies for coping
• Resources for families
• Resources for providers

For questions, please contact HHPC at info@HealingHurtPeopleChicago.org or (312) 864-2735.

Chicago Survivors (CS) provides crime victim services and support to family members of Chicago homicide victims. Services are free, voluntary and open to all. Services include a crisis helpline and response services, protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance, funeral planning, counseling, wellness kits, support groups and more. Help is available in Spanish and English. Real-time translation services for other languages is also available.

The Chicago Survivors Crisis Helpline is open 24/7 at (877) 863-6338.

Chicago Survivors resources and services also include:

• Counseling for youth and adults
• Comprehensive referral services (e.g., grief counseling, legal aid, housing, utilities)
• Protecting victims’ rights and compensation assistance
• Court advocacy and unsolved case assistance
• Community of Survivors adult and youth workshops, events and groups