Medical/Health and Wellness Resources
Chicago Public Schools – Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS)
For students who do not live in permanent housing, attending school and staying on track for their grade can present challenges on many levels and across different areas.
Chicago Public Schools and networks provide assistance in removing these barriers to qualified Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS), including providing transportation, school uniforms, school supplies, fee waivers and referrals to community resources.
To find out if your student and family are eligible for STLS services, contact the STLS Liaison at your school. Every CPS school, including charter schools and options schools, has an STLS Liaison. For other questions about the STLS Program, please call (773) 553-2242 or email STLSInformation@cps.edu.
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
Chicagoland Funding Sources for Stairlifts, Ramps and Other Home Accessibility Solutions
Lifeway Mobility offers a comprehensive list of various accessibility funding sources in Chicagoland, northwest Indiana and southeast Wisconsin. The guide provides information on organizations and other resources that may be able to help you pay for a stair lift, ramp or other accessibility solution.
You must contact the individual organizations directly for specific details. Please use the information provided to contact the organization/option listed.
Child & Family Connections of McHenry County
Child & Family Connections (CFC) is the starting point for the referral of children under 36 months of age to the Part C Early Intervention Service System in McHenry County. Early Intervention services are designed to meet an infant’s or toddler’s needs if they are experiencing issues related to five specific areas of development: physical, cognitive, communication, social-emotional and adaptive.
For more information, click on the brochure in English or Spanish.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Information and Resources
Mental health is an important part of overall health for children as well as adults. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIH) provides a list of behavioral signs and symptoms to watch for in children and adolescents. This NIH site also includes information on:
- Addressing and finding treatment
- Health hotlines
- Mental health research news
- Educational information
Child Care Resource and Referral in Southern Illinois
The Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) at John A. Logan College provides families with information, referrals, and financial assistance for child care. It also provides resources and support for child care and early education programs. CCR&R serves residents in Alexander, Gallatin, Franklin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, White and Williamson counties.
For questions, please call (800) 548-5563 or email ccrr@jalc.edu.
The Child Mind Institute’s Family Resource Center provides information for parents, caregivers and others supporting children struggling with mental health, behavior or learning challenges. Resources include parenting guides, a glossary of terms and up-to-date information on learning and behavior disorders, sensory processing, milestones and more.
The Child Mind Institute offers a variety of free parenting guides in English and Spanish. Guide topics include:
The Child Neurology Foundation (CNF) is a patient advocacy organization offering tools, education resources, and a network of more than 48 organizations to help children and their families living with neurologic conditions find social services and emotional support.
CNF’s Family Support Program helps families navigate the journey of being a caregiver of a child with a neurologic condition. Families can connect with trained staff who will listen and help with:
- Learning about a child neurology disorder and clinical trials
- Connecting to disease-specific organizations
- Talking to another parent
- Navigating insurance and more
Visit the CNF Family Support Program page to learn more. You can request help online or by calling (859) 551-4977.
Child Welfare Information Gateway
The Child Welfare Information Gateway aims to provide free and trusted resources to service providers, family members and parents working to bring children home from foster care. It aims to equip individuals with the resources needed to support positive outcomes for all children, youth, and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway provides access to the following:
- Publications
- Research
- Laws and policies
- Databases covering a wide range of topics, including prevention, child abuse and neglect, adoption, search and reunion.
Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance
The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance is a non-profit created by families and healthcare providers working together to transform the care and quality of life of children with tracheostomy and ventilator dependence and their families. The Alliance is focused on educating communities, improving access to in-home support and supplies, helping with out-of-pocket medical expenses, and providing a network of support from both caregivers and healthcare professionals. The Childhood Tracheostomy Alliance website includes:
- Frequently asked questions and terms about tracheostomy and mechanical ventilation
- Annual caregiver grants
- A list of resources by state