Resources for Urgent Situations
Get Help, Escape or Report Abuse, and Other Resources
Many organizations exist to help you or loved ones with the most urgent and difficult situations such as abusive relationships, child neglect, emergency housing, crisis hotlines, and more. This list is not comprehensive, but is a round-up of some of the most urgent resources you may need.
If you don’t find the resource you’re looking for below, call the local United Way’s 2-1-1 help line, a 24/7 connection to agencies and resources near you. This service connects people to services that help them live their best possible lives – from basic needs to child care to disaster relief.
Help During Crisis
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
www.SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org | 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. Your call is routed to the nearest crisis center in the national network of more than 150 crisis centers.
Alcoholics Anonymous
www.AA.org
Find help if you are concerned with a drinking problem, wish to learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous or want to find A.A. near you.
Domestic Shelters
www.DomesticShelters.org
Find a shelter near you to escape domestic violence.
Veteran’s Crisis Line
www.VeteransCrisisLine.net | 1-800-273-8255
Connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.
National Child Abuse Hotline
www.ChildHelpUSA.org | 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Provides a broad continuum of programs that directly serve abused children and their families. Adults and children can request local telephone numbers to report cases of abuse or access crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
Abusive Situations
The National Domestic Violence Hotline
www.TheHotline.org | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.
Child Help (National Child Abuse Hotline)
www.ChildHelp.org
ChildHelp is a national non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse.
Domestic Shelters
www.DomesticShelters.org
Find a shelter near you to escape domestic violence.
National Child Abuse Hotline
www.ChildHelpUSA.org | 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
Provides a broad continuum of programs that directly serve abused children and their families. Adults and children can request local telephone numbers to report cases of abuse or access crisis intervention, information, literature, and referrals to thousands of emergency, social service, and support resources. All calls are anonymous and confidential.
Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)
www.Illinois.gov/dcfs | 1-800-232-3798
Illinois state child welfare agency. To report suspected child abuse or neglect: 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873).
More Resources & Information
Illinois Legal Aid (Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation)
www.IllinoisLegalAid.org
The mission of Illinois Legal Aid is to provide low-income and senior residents of central and southern Illinois with high-quality civil legal services in order to obtain and maintain their basic human needs. Help with legal aid related to housing, family safety, education, heath care, utilities, and income security.
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
www.SAMHSA.gov
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
National Domestic Violence and Firearms Resource Center
www.preventdvgunviolence.org | 1-800-903-0111 (Prompt 1)
This site supports comprehensive implementation and enforcement of domestic violence firearm prohibitions at all levels of government. Explore this site to learn more about how to improve your community’s response to domestic violence-related gun violence.
The Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (ATSA)
www.ATSA.com
A national organization developing and disseminating professional standards and practices in the field of sex offender research, evaluation, and treatment.
National Center on Sexual Behavior of Youth
www.NCSBY.org
Information concerning sexual development and youth with sexual behavior problems.
Alternatives Counseling is not responsible for the content or accuracy of information contained in outside websites.
