Family and Caregiving Support Resources
Darkness to Light empowers adults to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to child sexual abuse through awareness, education and the reduction of stigma. It offers evidence-informed training on the education and prevention of child sexual abuse, other forms of abuse and mandated reporting. Darkness to Light’s website also offers resources for parents and families to help protect the children in their lives.
For more information, email info@d2L.org or call (843) 965-5444.
The Illinois Department of Human Services’ Division of Mental Health provides frequently-asked questions, tips and resources for how to handle traumatic events.
Information includes possible symptoms after experiencing a traumatic event and when to seek help from a trained professional.
The non-profit Diaper Bank of Chicago provides diapers in sizes newborn through large-sized Underjams, ensuring all kids who need protection are covered. It partners with other nonprofits and social service agencies to distribute diapers. The diaper bank only accepts requests for diapers through an agency partner or social service agency.
For questions or to volunteer, please contact the Diaper Bank of Chicago at info@diaperchicago.org or (312) 880-7195.
Do It for the Love inspires hope and healing through music. The non-profit organization grants live concert wishes for people with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans. You can apply for yourself, your child or nominate someone for a live music wish.
For more information, email info@doitforthelove.org.
Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) and Metro-East/Southern Illinois Chapters
The Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis (DGAGSL) serves, supports and celebrates the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. DGAGSL and its chapters provide educational programs, resources and events to help increase awareness and connect families with the help they need for every stage of their child’s life.
These DGAGSL community groups provide support and coordinate events in southern Illinois and the greater St. Louis area:
- DSAGSL Metro-East Illinois Community Group serves Belleville, O’Fallon, Shiloh, and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet at abigail@dsagsl.org or call (314) 833-7560.
- DSAGSL Southern Illinois Community Group serves Carbondale, Creal Springs and surrounding areas. Contact Abigail Bosslet for information.
- DSAGSL Down Syndrome & Autism Dual Diagnosis Group serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Linda Kamphorst at linda@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-8214.
- DSAGSL Black Family Network serves families in Missouri and Illinois. Contact Makini Anwisye at makini@dsagsl.org or (314) 833-7586.
DSCC’s “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” Tip Sheet
Illinois Medicaid covers many services including comprehensive medical, dental, vision and pharmacy benefits. Our Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) tip sheet “What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover?” offers examples of what may be covered in a variety of areas such as vision, transportation and mental health services.
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in English
What Does Illinois Medicaid Cover? tip sheet in Spanish
Illinois Medicaid is not a DSCC program. DSCC does not decide coverage or eligibility for Medicaid. This is a helpful guide. To learn more, visit the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services website.
DSCC’s Guardianship and Alternatives Tip Sheet
This transition tip sheet from the Division of Specialized Care for Children can help you explore guardianship or another form of support to protect adults who cannot make decisions on their own. It includes information about guardianship, alternatives to guardianship, estate planning (wills and special needs trusts) and more.
DSCC’s IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families
The Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) has created an IMPACT Guide for Participants and Families. The guide provides helpful information for our participants and families using the Illinois Medicaid Program Advanced Cloud Technology (IMPACT) system. It includes:
- Contacts for assistance
- A list of helpful terms
- Information on All Kids/Medicaid transportation benefits
- How to enroll in IMPACT (as a Private Transportation Provider)
- Information on pre-approval and submitting a claim
For more information, visit the IMPACT Information and Resources page on our website.
Early CHOICES is an inclusion initiative of the Illinois State Board of Education. It promotes increasing high-quality inclusive early care and education for each and every child from birth to age 5. Its goal is to increase the number of children with disabilities receiving specialized services in regular early care and education settings.
Early CHOICES provides planning tools for families to help them consider inclusive options and prepare for the transition from Early Intervention into early childhood services.
Easterseals Central Illinois offers programs and support for individuals with developmental delays, disabilities and autism from birth through age 21. Resources include physical and occupational therapy, speech services, feeding therapy, autism evaluations and supports, education services, camp and recreation programs, and more.
Easterseals Central Illinois provides services in McLean, Peoria, Tazewell, and Woodford counties. It also manages Child and Family Connections for Peoria and Champaign counties. For more information and help navigating their services, see the Parent Handbook.
You can contact Easterseals Central Illinois through its website or by calling (309) 686-1177.