State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Perinatal Program
in partnership with local community health agencies
What is the Perinatal Program?
The High Risk Infant Program is a free, voluntary service provided by the Illinois Department of Human Services. It is offered to parents and children referred by local hospitals.
This program helps coordinate care between your doctor and other services being used. It does NOT replace your child's doctor. We work with your doctor to promote the growth and development of your child.
Your child was referred because he or she has
Whether this is a significant or minor condition, we are ready to answer your questions and make sure you have the resources you need.
Our Goals
- Promote the best growth and development possible for your child.
- Teach you care of your child's special needs.
- Prevent illness and other complications.
- Decrease stress for you and your family.
- Provide early referrals for treatment of any complications.
- Ensure a safe home environment for you, your family, and your child.
Home Visits
Home visits can be made to your home by a registered public health nurse until your child is 2 years of age, or you no longer need the services. Visits are usually made when your baby is referred, and at the ages of 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. Additional appointments may be scheduled as needed or requested by you or your child's doctor.
At each home visit, the nurse will provide a physical assessment, development screenings, and educational information. This program is designed to ensure that your child is meeting milestones such as holding head up and cooing at 4 months and rolling and reaching for things at 6 months. Our nurses can help by referring your child for additional services if expected milestones are not being met.
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The nurse will also assess your child's progress toward meeting developmental milestones.
A physical assessment is performed by the nurse at each home visit.
Other Help
The following agencies have resources available
to families. Your family may benefit from their services now or in the future.
Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC)
This agency provides medical care coordination for eligible families and children with special health care needs. Some medical costs may be paid.
Telephone: 217-558-2350
TTY: 217-785-4728
FAX: 217-558-0773
Email:dscc@uic.edu
Website:www.uic.edu/hsc/dscc
Early Intervention
This program provides services for families of children from birth to age 3 who are at risk of having developmental delays.
Illinois Early Intervention Clearinghouse
Toll free: (877) 275-3227
Local: (217) 333-1386
FAX : (217) 244-7732
Email: Illinois-eic@illinois.edu
Website: www.eiclearinghouse.org
General Information
March of Dimes
Telephone: 1-888-MODIMES
(1-888-663-4367)
Website: www.marchofdimes.com National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Website: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd Genetic Alliance
Telephone: 1-800-336-GENE
(1-800-336-4363)
Website:www.geneticalliance.org Compassionate Friends
Telephone: 1-877-969-0010
Website:www.compassionatefriends.org National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Telephone: 1-800-695-0285
Website: http://www.kidsource.com/ NICHCY/index.html For more information:
Call or visit your local health department.
If you do not know where your local health department is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the IDHS?helpline at:
1-800-545-2200
1-800-447-6404 (TTY)
You may speak to a representative between:
8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday (except state holidays)
Visit our website at: www.dhs.state.il.us
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4051 (N-04-14) Perinatal Program
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.
150,000 copies
