January 24, 2025
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Families
Core to Raising Illinois’s values are ensuring that our families feel best supported and secure in caring for their children, especially during times of change or instability.
In a political climate of uncertainty and misinformation, it’s critical for parents to stay informed, know their rights and continue to consider the mental health needs of their little ones. Below, we’ve included a handful of resources and information to help you support the well-being of your family and in feeling safe.
Help Your Child Feel Safe
- Keep to a routine. Daily routines (e.g., attendance, mealtimes, normal activities, bedtime) are beneficial for all young children, especially in times of heightened stress or anxiety, as they help to foster a sense of normalcy and safety.
- Developing a Family Preparedness Plan. While we would hope this plan never needs to be used, it’s valuable for families to prepare for the unexpected, and having one in place can reduce anxiety and stress of families and those close to them.
It’s also never a bad time to make sure emergency contact(s) information with your child’s program is on-file and up-to-date.
Additional Resources
- ICIRR Family Support Network
- Family Support Hotline @ 1-855-435-7693. It’s available 24/7 in English, Spanish, Korean and Polish.
- Hotline call options:
- Immigrant Family Support Program (ICIRR's financial support program)
- Report ICE activity and/or support in locating someone in ICE custody
- Connect with an immigration attorney
- Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Health care resources for immigrants and refugees
- Public charge updates
- Workplace rights, issues or safety for immigrants
- 5 Things You Can Proactively Do to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones (National Immigrant Justice Center)
We know there are a lot of unknowns and questions, and we are committed to continue supporting you and working with you during this time. The journey will be long, but we're in this together. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us at communications@raisingillinois.org.