Bullying and Abuse Prevention Resources
Safe2Help Illinois offers students a safe, confidential way to share information that might help prevent suicides, bullying, school violence or other threats to school safety. The program is focused on getting students to “Seek Help Before Harm.”
Recognizing that not all students may feel safe talking to their parents, teachers, coaches or mentors, students can use a free app, text/phone, website (Safe2HelpIllinois.com) and other social media platforms to confidentially report school safety issues and seek help before harming themselves or others.
The Safe2Help website provides guidance, tips and multi-media materials for children, teens, parents and educators on topics including:
- The role and actions of a trusted adult
- Ways to get help
- Encouraging others
- Helping someone online
- Suicide prevention
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
If you or someone you care about feels overwhelmed with emotions like sadness, depression or anxiety, you can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Disaster Distress Helpline.
The Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year crisis counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters at (800) 985-5990.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24-hour, seven-days-a-week, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
(800) 662-HELP (4357)
TTY: (800) 487-4889
Sarah’s Inn provides comprehensive services for families affected by domestic violence so that they get the support they need to find safety, rebuild their lives and heal. It serves Chicago and 22 surrounding West Cook County suburban communities. Sarah’s Inn resources include:
- Support and crisis interventions
- Legal support
- Violence prevention programs
- Community education and training programs
- The Partner Abuse Intervention Program (PAIP)
Sarah’s Inn’s 24-hour emergency Crisis Line is (708) 386-4225.
SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education
SUPE: Substance Use Prevention Education provides free resources to help individuals of all ages and backgrounds learn about the dangers of drugs and how to help those who may be affected by substance use. Educational materials are available in English and Spanish and include engaging videos targeting kids, teens, parents, teachers, employers and more.
SUPE offers up-to-date, easy-to-understand information on topics such as:
- Edibles and vaping education and prevention for kids
- Tips for talking to grandchildren about substance use
- The link between bullying and substance use
- Do’s and don’ts for teachers speaking to students about drugs
The Survivor Empowerment Center provides a safe and secure environment for southern Illinois domestic violence survivors and their children.
The Center provides free, confidential services around-the-clock, 365 days a year to domestic and sexual violence survivors. Women, men, adolescents and children from Franklin, Jackson, Johnson, Perry, Saline, Williamson, Union and Gallatin counties are welcome.
Help includes:
- A 24/7 hotline
- A safe place/shelter away from an abuser
- Counseling
- Education and training
- Assistance through medical, reporting and legal procedures
Taller de José is an agency that helps individuals navigate the social services system. It links individuals with a bilingual Compañera/o, or “Companion,” who will listen, identify goals and help find needed services. The organization collaborates with other agencies to provide social services and support, including financial, domestic violence, immigration, counseling, health and legal assistance.
Taller de José serves Cook County residents.
The Kinda Guide is designed to be a weekly survival guide for parents and families that will include expert tips on remote learning, parenting advice, virtual camp activities, simple meal and snack ideas and at-home family adventures.
The Night’s Shield is a nonprofit that works with children who have been victims of abuse, abandonment and neglect. The organization has provided free diapers, furniture, child care items, hygiene items, school supplies, food and clothing to families in need.
The Night Shield’s Family Advocacy Center provides services to help strengthen families and relationships, including case management and client advocacy, life skills/coaching, parenting classes/groups and more.
The Parent Place in Springfield
The Parent Place has been the local child abuse prevention organization teaching parents and local professionals positive parenting skills and techniques in Springfield.
The Parent Place serves families through various specialized classes, workshops, support groups for parents, guardianship assistance, extended family services, walk-in services, telephone crisis management, family mediation, individual family coaching, a diaper pantry, supervised visits and through its court-mandated Positive Co-Parenting classes for couples going through a divorce or separation.
The diaper pantry is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.