In Illinois, the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) contains an important section known as “Family Considerations for the IFSP.” In this section, there is a checklist of options indicating that the “the following would be helpful in the weeks or months ahead” and a list of 16 areas of potential interest to families, including concerns about medical care, futures planning, child care, help with health care financing, and learning more about services in the community.

In support of these issues, the Clearinghouse has developed “Resource Lists” devoted specifically to these topics for families and professionals. The lists include websites and online publications that can be helpful in understanding the issues you may face as a family raising a child with a delay or developmental disability. In the future, we will also be adding book and video resources, available for loan through the Clearinghouse, that also support these areas of concern.

Our hope is to make this section of the website a vital and ongoing resource to connect you with quality resources so that you can make informed decisions about your child’s care and your family’s future.

Resource Lists

• Child Care
• Coordinating Medical Care
• Insurance
• Planning for the Future
• Recreation
• Respite
• Safety
• Support Groups
• Transportation