State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
High Risk Infant Follow-Up
in partnership with local community health agencies
What is the High Risk Infant Follow-UP?
The High Risk Infant Follow-Up 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 of a health or social concern like born early, a heart problem, or low family support.
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 how to care for 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 and Clinic 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. Clinic 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 home visits and clinic visits, the nurse will provide a physical assessment, developmental screenings, and educational information. This program is designed to ensure that your child is meeting their developmental milestones. Some examples of developmental milestones are cooing and head control at four months, rolling over and reaching for toys at six months, etc. 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 and clinic 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
(1-888-663-4637)
Website: www.marchofdimes.com National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities
Website: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd Genetic Alliance
Telephone: 202-966-5557
Website: www.geneticalliance.org Compassionate Friends
Telephone: 1-877-969-0010
Website: www.compassionatefriends.org National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities
Website: http://www.kidsource.com/ NICHCY/index.html For more information:
Call or visit your local community agencies ( local health departments, community based organizations, and federally qualified health centers).
If you do not know where your local community agency is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the IDHS helpline at:
1-800-545-2200
1-866-324-5553 (TTY)
You may speak to a representative between:
8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday (except state holidays)
Or email DHS.BMCHEDF@illinois.gov to find a local community agency close to you.
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 High Risk Infant Follow-Up Program (R-09-20)
Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois.
150,000 copies
