Crisis & Legal Resources in Illinois
If you or someone you know is facing a crisis, legal issue, or needs immediate support, the following resources can help. All of these organizations are trusted Illinois or national services that offer free or low-cost assistance.
CPS Support
Illinois Child Abuse Hotline (DCFS)
📞 1-800-25-ABUSE (1-800-252-2873)
Available 24/7 to report child abuse or neglect in Illinois.
🔗 dcfs.illinois.gov/contact-us.html
National Child Abuse Hotline
📞 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
24/7 confidential crisis counselors.
🔗 childhelphotline.org
If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first, then contact the hotline.
Emergency Hotlines
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
📞 Dial 988
Confidential, 24-hour support for anyone in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
🔗 988lifeline.org
Illinois CARES Line (Behavioral Health Crisis)
📞 1-800-345-9049
For youth and families experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis.
🔗 hfsillinois.gov
National Domestic Violence Hotline
📞 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Chat or text “START” to 88788 for confidential support.
🔗 thehotline.org
Pro Bono Legal Firms
Illinois Legal Aid Online
Free legal info and self-help tools.
🔗 illinoislegalaid.org
CARPLS Legal Aid Hotline (Chicago)
📞 312-738-9200 – Free advice from lawyers.
🔗 carpls.org
Land of Lincoln Legal Aid
Free civil legal services in central & southern IL.
🔗 lincolnlegal.org
Illinois State Bar Association – Find a Lawyer
Low-cost and pro bono legal referrals for Illinois residents.
🔗 isba.org/public/cantaffordalawyer
Immigration Resources
National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC)
Free and low-cost legal services.
🔗 heartlandalliance.org/nijc
ICIRR Family Support Hotline
📞 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693)
Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights.
🔗 icirr.org
U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Official immigration info and forms.
🔗 uscis.gov