Resource Directory /

Chicago Home Care Resources

  • Finding Help for Young Children With Disabilities and Developmental Delays

    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.

  • Autism Society Greater Chicago

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s mission is to create connections and empower the autism community with the resources they need to live fully. It provides information and support to individuals with autism and their families.

    The Autism Society Greater Chicago’s website includes sensory-friendly programs and recreation opportunities in Chicago as well as resources focused on health and wellness, employment, housing, legal rights, interventions and therapies.

     

  • La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center

    La Rabida Children’s Advocacy Center (LRCAC) aims  to provide a safe and child-friendly environment where children and adolescents 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.

  • Chicago Child Trauma Center

    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.

  • Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program

    The Illinois Crime Victims Compensation Program offers resources to help people impacted by a 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 for help at (800) 228-3368.

    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

    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 and membership application
    • A video showing testing and how to handle your dog to interact with others
    • Search tool for finding a tester/observer near you

  • Healing Hurt People Chicago

    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

  • Chicago Survivors

    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

  • Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois

    The Sickle Cell Disease Association of Illinois provides resources, education and support for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) and their caregivers. Its website includes information about:

    • Current SCD treatment options
    • Virtual monthly support groups on Zoom
    • GroupMe app support groups (the app is for use on cell phones or computers)
    • SCD testing and newborn screening
    • Scholarships and camp opportunities
    • Events