Cerebral Palsy in Children
Children with cerebral palsy have trouble controlling their movement. The condition is the most common disability that affects a child’s motor control.
Cerebral palsy usually is caused by a brain injury or abnormal brain development before birth or early in life. Genetic causes, although less common, can also play a role.
Healthy Children, the official parenting website of the American Academy of Pediatrics, provides an overview of what families need to know about cerebral palsy and how to help children who have it reach their full potential.
Cerebral Palsy Foundation
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation is a non-profit organization that aims to be a catalyst for creating positive change for people with cerebral palsy (CP).
The Cerebral Palsy Foundation website includes expert insights into understanding CP, detection and intervention training, improving health and designing for disability.
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation
C.E.F.S. Economic Opportunity Corporation (C.E.F.S.) is a non-profit that serves residents in the Illinois counties of Christian, Clay, Effingham, Fayette, Montgomery, Moultrie and Shelby.
C.E.F.S. aims to help economically and socially disadvantaged people become more self-sufficient. Its support and services include:
- Summer youth program and college scholarships
- Housing programs
- Employment and training services
- Education services
- Food and utility assistance
For more information, visit the C.E.F.S. website.
You can also call (217) 342-2193 or email cefs@cefseoc.org. Translation services are available.
Illinois Attorney General Health Care Helpline
The Illinois Attorney General Health Care Bureau has a toll-free helpline that allows consumers to ask questions, file complaints or request assistance. You can call the Health Care Helpline at (877) 305-5145. Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities can reach it by using the 711 Relay Service.
Health Care Bureau attorneys conduct investigations and file lawsuits to enforce consumer protection laws. This brochure provides information on how their staff members can assist consumers in many areas, including:
- Denial of coverage or treatment
- Concerns about healthcare providers
- Billing disputes and recovering unfair out-of-pocket expenses
- Navigating the health insurance appeals process
- Understanding your health care rights and consumer protection laws
- Correcting health plan or provider errors
For more information, the Illinois Attorney General provides brochures, including:
Family Caregiver Alliance
The Family Caregiver Alliance’s mission is to improve the quality of life for family caregivers and the people who receive their care. The Family Caregiver Alliance website provides in-depth information and tips on a variety of caregiving topics, including legal and financial planning, advanced illness and end of life, self-care and more.
Resources are available in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese and more.
Greenlight Family Services
Formerly known as the Center for Law and Social Work, Greenlight Family Services helps families across Illinois with adult guardianship cases and can also counsel families on backup arrangements.
If you have any questions, please use the online form to contact Greenlight Family Services or call (773) 728-7800.
Illinois Department of Insurance
The Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects consumers and ensures that all entities regulated by IDOI are in compliance with state and federal laws. IDOI also investigates complaints relating to insurance agents and brokers. IDOI provides Illinois consumers:
- Information and education about their rights under state and federal laws
- Assistance regarding health, auto, homeowners and life insurance issues
DSCC’s Private Health Insurance Chart
Private insurance plans are all different. Understanding how they are different can help you use your health insurance. This private health insurance chart from the Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is a guide for most plans. You should always check the rules of your insurance plan.
Hispanic Women of Springfield (HWOS)
Hispanic Women of Springfield is a nonprofit organization offering a variety of resources and social activities for both Spanish- and English-speaking individuals. Its services include:
- Translating documents
- Access to food, medication, utility assistance and other resources
- Someone to check in with and talk to
- Immigration, driver’s license and ITIN number information
- Special events
For questions, please get in touch with Hispanic Women of Springfield at hwofspringfield@gmail.com or (217) 679-1434.
You can also visit the Hispanic Women of Springfield Facebook page.
DSCC’s Adolescence Changing Roles Tip Sheet
Adolescence is a time of change for the whole family. The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) created this tip sheet to help youth with special healthcare needs and their families support healthy mental, emotional and behavioral (MEB) development, and find ways to cope during this time of change.