Safe Families for Children hosts vulnerable children and creates extended family-like supports for desperate families through a community of devoted volunteers who are motivated by compassion to keep children safe and families intact.

There are several locations in Illinois.

The Illinois Department of Public Health put together this list of violence prevention and support resources.

Topics covered include mental health and crisis support, violence prevention and intervention support, and report of child abuse or abuse of an older adult or adult with a disability.

If you or one of your family members has mental health and/or substance use challenges and would like to receive support by phone, call the Illinois Warm Line at (866) 359-7953.

Wellness support specialists are professionals who have experienced mental health and/or substance use recovery in their own lives. They are trained in recovery support, mentoring and advocacy.

The Illinois Warm Line is not a crisis hotline, but is a source of support as you recover or help a family member to recover. Illinois Warm Line hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) also provides a list of state and national helplines offering someone to talk to or help during a crisis.

If your child is a risk to themselves or others, having a mental health crisis, or if you would like a referral to services for children, youth and families, call the 24-hour Crisis and Referral Entry Services (CARES) line to talk to a mental health professional.

The CARES line is part of the Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program.

Call: (800) 345-9049

TTY: (773) 523-4504

Community Action Agencies work with local community organizations and non-profit partners to provide assistance to Illinois families with items including:

• Rental Assistance
• Food
• Energy Utility Bill Assistance
• Water/Sewer Payment
• Employment Training/Placement
• Financial Management
• Temporary Shelter

This link provides a local Community Action Agencies (CAAs) search tool that can help you find programs in your area.

Illinois has many designated Continuum of Care agencies in local communities that can help people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness to find affordable housing in local communities.

The National Center for Homeless Education at SERVE (Supporting the Eduction of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness) provides this information for families experiencing homelessness who have children with special needs.

This brief discusses common concerns and offers resources for additional assistance.

The Homeless Prevention Program in Illinois provides rental/mortgage assistance, utility assistance, approved case management and approved supportive services directly related to the prevention of homelessness to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction, foreclosure or homelessness or are currently homeless. The program is designed to stabilize individuals and families in their existing homes, shorten the amount of time that individuals and families stay in shelters and assist individuals and families with securing affordable housing.

Contact a Homeless Prevention Provider from the list to receive services.

The Emergency and Transitional Housing Program in Illinois gives immediate and comprehensive shelter services to people who are homeless and people at risk of becoming homeless. Services are provided at shelters run by nonprofit organizations and local governments. for more information, see the Emergency and Transitional Housing Provider List.

Equip for Equality has a toll-free Special Education Helpline to help families get appropriate education services for their children. The Helpline can assist by providing:

• Someone to talk to about your questions and concerns
• Information sheets on frequently asked questions
• Sample letters and forms
• Referrals
• Other assistance as needed

Contact the Helpline at 1-866-KIDS-046 (1-866-543-7046) or specialed@equipforequality.org.