Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights

    The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) is dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social and political life of our diverse society. Its programs aim to empower the immigrant community and include healthcare access, access to public benefits, a family support network and hotline, education initiatives and more.

    Visit the ICIRR website to learn more.

  • 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

  • Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission

    The Illinois Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission (IDHHC) is an executive state agency that promotes education and awareness of the legal requirements for effective communication on behalf of people with hearing loss in Illinois.

    The commission also provides information about:

    • Assistive technology
    • Hearing aid assistance
    • Service animal resources
    • Interpreters and CART providers
    • American Sign Language (ASL) videos and publications

  • Illinois Department of Human Services

    DHS services, documents, brochures and news can be found on this site. A list of DHS offices throughout the state is also provided.

  • Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities Website and Helpline

    The Illinois Division of Developmental Disabilities provides services and supports for individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

    Possible services include in-home supports, respite care, job coaches, residential living arrangements, adaptive equipment and others.

    To find out more information about available services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, you can call the DHS Helpline at (888) DD-PLANS or (866) 376-8446 (TTY).

  • Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) Programsun-icon

    The Illinois Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (IL EHDI) Program works to ensure families of babies and children who are deaf or hard of hearing receive appropriate and timely services. These services include hearing screening, diagnosis, early intervention and parent-to-parent support, provided through coordinated systems of care.

    Families and providers can learn more about the EHDI program and find resources on the Illinois Sound Beginnings website.

  • Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse is a lending library and information resource for families and professionals interested in or involved with the Illinois Early Intervention (EI) Program. It also provides support groups in English and Spanish for families involved in the Illinois early intervention program on Facebook.

    The Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse offers:

  • Illinois Early Learning Project

    The Illinois Early Learning Project provides evidence-based, early care and education information for parents, caregivers and teachers of young children in the state of Illinois.

    The site provides a wide range of information on important topics involving early care and education, including:

  • Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation

    The Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corporation (IECCC) assists any child under the age of 21 who is a legal resident of Illinois with medical assistance, as long as it falls within the IECCC scope and guidelines.

    Assistance can include custom-designed braces, wheelchairs, treatment programs, corrective shoes, physical/occupational therapy services and more.

    IECCC provides several competitive scholarship programs. No current or past affiliation with the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks is required. Areas of study include physical or occupational therapy, special education and speech-language pathology. Scholarship application packets must be returned by March.

    Explore all IECC scholarship requirements online or visit your local Elks‬ Lodge for more information.

  • Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs

    The Illinois Emergency Rental Assistance Programs webpage provides updated information about COVID-19 emergency rental assistance programs throughout Illinois. Information is available in multiple languages and includes:

    • Programs that are currently open
    • Type of assistance provided
    • Eligibility requirements
    • Where to apply
    • How to apply and the documentation needed