Supporting Information
Advocacy - Disability Resources
The Disability Resources Division provides Advocacy Services, which involves helping people with disabilities under the age of 60 resolve issues with other agencies.
Age-Friendly Chicago
In July 2012, Mayor Rahm Emanuel secured a place for Chicago in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities. As a part of the WHO network, Chicago joins a growing number of cities and communities worldwide who are striving to better meet the needs of residents of all ages by creating inclusive and accessible urban environments.
Chicago 100,000 Homes Committees and Meeting Minutes
Chicago 100,000 Homes Planning committees and meeting minutes and agendas are available online.
Chicago Releases Three Year Prostitution Study
The Chicago Intersystem Assessment Work Group released a three year study on prostitution for government, non-profit, law enforcement and social service organizations.
Chicago Reports on City's Response to Domestic Violence
The Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence (MODV) and the City of Chicago’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Coordinating Council (DVACC) today released a groundbreaking, book-length assessment describing every level of Government, not-for-profit and private response to domestic violence.
Childhood Exposure to Violence (CEV)
This 5-module curriculum that focuses on building a community response to Childhood Exposure to Violence helps participants define Childhood Exposure to Violence, recognize the symptoms/behaviors a child may exhibit, and what can be done to respond appropriately when a child has been exposed to violence.
Children Services Delegate Agency Site Locations
Children Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.
Children Services Income Guidelines
Families can access quality Head Start/Early Head Start programs that offer quality care and development with a unique supportive services component for little or no cost.
City of Chicago VAWA Emergency Transfer Plan for Residents of HUD-Funded Housing Programs
The City of Chicago, through the Department of Family and Support Services, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Planning and Development, is required by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) to develop a plan for individuals who 1) live in eligible housing that is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and 2) have experienced domestic violence.
Commitment To Outcomes
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has worked with its partners and stakeholders to develop a Strategic Framework – an approach that will transition DFSS to a more outcome-oriented model that focuses on how many people leave better off after receiving DFSS’ services, versus how many people walk through the door.
Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Resource Documents
The Chicago Department of Family & Supports Services has compiled a collection of resource documents, specific to the implementation of Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funded Programs.
Disability Rights Resources - Accessibility Compliance Unit
Below are links to the websites of accessible transportation providers and organizations that provide transportation-related information.
Division on Domestic Violence Delegate Agency Site Locations
Division on Domestic Violence Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.
Domestic Violence 2005 - 2013 Help Line Reports
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ (DFSS) Division on Domestic Violence released the 2010 call volume data for the City’s Domestic Violence Help Line.
Domestic Violence 2009 - 2011 Service Evaluation Reports
The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Domestic Violence Service Evaluation Report examines satisfaction and outcome findings of the FVPI and offers important programmatic recommendations.
Domestic Violence Annual Reports
Select from the system’s list below to access links to existing annual reports containing Illinois domestic violence victim information.
Domestic Violence Special Publications
ILDVDI Customized reports are typically produced once and typically reflect a “unique” exploration. Formats include, research studies, reports to community, special reports, newspaper articles, etc.
Domestic Violence and the Work Place
If your abuser is harassing or threatening you at work, you may want to think about creating a safety plan for your job. A work-place safety plan is a way for you to identify and make changes to your daily routine which may increase your physical safety and emotional well-being.
Domestic Violence and the Work Place - Employment Protections
While many victims of domestic violence fear they will be discriminated against by their employers after they disclose their situations, there are federal laws, which can provide job protection. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of domestic violence, talk with a lawyer or advocate to learn more about your legal rights and options.
Domestic Violence and the Work Place - Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act (VESSA)
The Illinois Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act, or VESSA, provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to an employee who is a victim of or who has a family member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence to address issues arising from domestic or sexual violence.
Elder Abuse Information
Elder abuse affects thousands of Illinois senior citizens every year. As a result of the abuse, these victims experience severe neglect and extreme feelings of fear and loneliness. As members of the community it is our obligation to raise awareness and reach out to this often isolated group of victims.
Facts and Figures about People with Disabilities in Chicago and the U.S.
Statistical information about people with disabilities in Chicago and the U.S.
Federal Priorities
Plan 2.0 is aligned with the direction of two key federal actions – the federal strategic plan to end homelessness and the passage of the HEARTH Act. In 2010, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) released Opening Doors, the federal strategic plan to end homelessness.
General Facts About Domestic Violence
Some general facts to know about Domestic Violence.
Hospital and Healthcare System Preparedness Program
CDPH receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Hospital Preparedness Program.
IDHS National Human Trafficking
The Illinois Department of Human Services introduces; Human Trafficking Protocol for Victims of slavery and human trafficking are protected under the United States and Illinois law
In-Home Assistive Devices
MOPD provides information and referrals to Chicago residents with personal devices or equipment that will assist them to become more independent in their home.
Inclusive Terminology 101
The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities provides information to print and broadcast reporters, students, disability organizations and the general public about terminology and portrayal issues concerning people with disabilities.
Individual, Family and Community Preparedness
There is never too much preparedness when it means saving a LIFE! You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and by working with your family as a team. Preparation should include: getting informed (including a checklist), making a plan, assembling, and maintaining your plan and kit.
Individualized Needs Assessment
Individualized Needs Assessment empowers an individual with skills, education, motivation and support services needed to accomplish a healthy, more independent lifestyle.
Information for Concerned Friends & Family Members
Every year, millions of domestic violence victims suffer from the horrors of abuse alone. Having been isolated by their abusers from friends and family, many are disconnected from sources of support, strength and safety. By reaching out to your friend or family member and breaking the silence, you can make a difference.
Information for Faith Leaders
A faith community has a responsibility to provide care for families in need. In addition, it exhorts society to share compassion and comfort with those afflicted by personal tragedy. Leaders of the faith community are encouraged to create a unified response to domestic violence.
Information for Health Care Professionals
In many instances health care professionals are the first to intervene after an abusive incident occurs. It is therefore crucial that appropriate intervention strategies be identified and implemented. By accurately assessing the cause of injury, providing necessary medical care, and offering referrals to community resources, health care professionals have the potential to be valuable sources of support. Leaders in the field have identified the following strategies to make interventions by health care professionals more effective.
Information for Legal Assistance
The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) provides strong legal help for victims of domestic violence within an Order of Protection (OP).
Information for Young Adults
Relationship violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other. Research suggests that thousands of young adults are physically, emotionally and sexually abused by their dating partners every year.
Inter-Faith Leadership Advisory Committee
The Chicago Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence Interfaith Advisory Committee gathers together to create a unified and faithful response to Domestic Violence through prevention awareness, education, the creation of safe, healing and redemptive space, and resources with and for clergy, professionals, and lay leaders within all faith communities.
Job Resources for Youth
List of Job Resources for Youth
Partnerships To Reduce Homelessness
DFSS strives to align our core funding areas and system, policy, and planning initiatives with Plan 2.0 and federal strategic priorities. As a City department, DFSS has an additional responsibility to work with advocates, elected officials and concerned residents when they concerns about homelessness or homeless residents that they encounter.
Personal Assistance Programs
The Personal Assistance Program allows qualified individuals with disabilities who live in the city of Chicago and are under the age of 60 to receive in-home services.
Plan to End Homelessness
Chicago’s Plan to End Homelessness represents a new approach. Rather than place homeless people in temporary shelters, the goal is to find them permanent housing with supportive services right away.
Produce Mobiles Site Listing and Schedules
Produce Mobiles organizations service all clients regardless of where they live. Hours of operation are from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.
Reports - National Institute of Justice Grant for Domestic Violence Help Line
At the end of 2003, the Mayor's Office of Domestic Violence in collaboration with the Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL) at Loyola University Chicago were awarded a grant from the National Institute of Justice to conduct an evaluation of the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line. This is a two-year evaluation project ending January 2006. The evaluation focuses on the user’s perspective of the Help Line.
Research, Reports and Data Resources
The following links represent a selection of resources that provide research and analysis as well as data that can be manipulated and is often downloadable, searchable, and/or customizable.
Safe Havens: Supervised Visits & Safe Exchange Grant Program
As part of their participation as a demonstration site for the Safe Havens Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program, three Chicago visitation centers and their collaborative partner, the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence, explored how the current design, processes, and procedures of visitation and exchange centers account for aspects of culture.
Safety Planning
The most dangerous time for many victims of domestic violence is when they are thinking about or actively trying to end the relationship. A personal safety plan is a way for you to identify strategies to protect yourself during this dangerous time.
Senior Services Delegate Agency Site Locations
Senior Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.
Services for Ex-Offenders
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services’ Community Reentry Support Centers can assist ex-offenders in achieving self-sufficiency while successfully reintegrating into local communities.
Teen Dating Violence Prevention
The Chicago Department of Public Health Office of Violence Prevention is working to raise awareness about Teen Dating Violence (TDV).
The Department of Family and Support Services - Committees, Commissions and Council Listings
Listing of Commissions, Committees and Councils for the Department of Family and Support Services
Trauma-Informed Centers of Care (TICC) Network Dashboard
The Trauma-Informed Centers of Care (TICC) initiative, launched in October 2020, operates and funds services provided by 5 CDPH mental health clinics and a robust network of mental health safety net providers. The TICC initiative mobilizes diverse mental health providers to expand low-barrier, trauma-informed, and integrative outpatient mental health services to Chicagoans regardless of ability to pay, immigration status, or health insurance. Providers include Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs), Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) that receive funds to implement service delivery models that expand allowable mental health service types in community areas of focus.
Upper Kitchen Cabinetry Equivalent Facilitation Letter (2017-2019)
MOPD’s Accessibility Compliance Unit has made the following determination of equivalent facilitation. Please see page for information.
What is Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence occurs when one partner uses physical, emotional, sexual and/or financial abuse to maintain power and control over the other.
Workforce Development and Employment Services Delegate Agency Site Locations
Workforce Development and Employment Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.
Youth Services Delegate Agency Site Locations
Youth Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.