Resource Directory /

Family Support Resources

  • Illinois Cares for Kids

    Illinois Cares for Kids provides parents, caregivers, teachers and childcare providers a place to find information on statewide programs related to early learning and development, child care and family well-being in English and Spanish. The website includes information about:

    • Child development and education for kids of all ages
    • Healthcare coverage and emotional well-being
    • Home visiting programs
    • Child care subsidy programs
    • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
    • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • “Ready for K” (Ready4K), a statewide text messaging platform offering fun facts and tips on children’s learning and development in multiple languages

  • Illinois Center for Autism

    The Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) is a nonprofit, community-based mental health treatment and educational agency serving people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ICA offers a variety of programs designed to support families and help individuals from age 3 through adulthood achieve their highest level of independence at home, school and in the community.

    ICA provides education, advocacy, social skills, life skills and vocational training and resources to children ages 3 to 22 in its Special Education Program, individuals 22 and older in its Adult Services Program, and their families in its Client Family Support Services Programs.

    ICA serves about nine counties in southern Illinois on a regular basis. These counties include Madison, St. Clair, Bond, Clinton, Washington, Monroe, Fayette, Marion, and Macoupin. The center also provides services in other counties based on where students and families reside.

  • 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 Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Network (FSN)

    The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Family Support Network (FSN) connects immigrant communities throughout Illinois to a full range of support in collaboration with member organizations (Información en español). ICIRR resources include a legal services directory, workshops, trainings, tips sheets and more.

    ICIRR Family Support Network provides a Family Support Hotline at (855) 435-7693. Its website also includes:

  • 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

    The Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) provides services and programs to help Illinois residents become economically independent and self-sufficient, including food, financial assistance, mental health, child care, shelter/housing and more. Its divisions include:

    • Developmental Disabilities
    • Early Childhood
    • Family and Community Services
    • Mental Health
    • Rehabilitation Services
    • Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR)

  • 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 Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services

    Illinois’ Division of Developmental Disability (DDD) Services system offers services including day services, home-based services, Early Intervention services, disability determination services and other supports.

    Visit the Developmental Disability Services page for more information. You can also contact:

  • 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.