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Circle of Care

Support for children, youth, and families who are grieving a loss due to substance use related death and disorders.


Introduction

Circle of Care LogoThe Circle of Care is a statewide program created to support children, youth, and families impacted by grief related to substance use disorder. We provide trauma-informed and culturally responsive grief support resources for vulnerable and/or impacted youth and those who work with them so they can respond confidently to their needs.

The Circle of Care is created in partnership with the Illinois Family Resource Center and Hour House.

Purpose of Program

  • Increase understanding of substance use, grief, stigma, and family dynamics
  • Assist helpers across the state in supporting affected children and families
  • Give communities tools to build a support network for children in need

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Funding for this program is provided in whole or in part through the Substance Use Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery Block Grant through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Program Components

Resource Toolkit

Our resource toolkits contain action-oriented resources and information specific to community members and service providers to help them in providing age-appropriate grief support to children. 

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Comfort Bags for Kids

The "Comfort Bags for Kids" are created to support children and teens who have experienced stressful or traumatic situations. Each bag contains comforting items inside to help kids in expressing their feelings and emotions.

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Grief Support Services Directory

Our Grief Support Services Directory is a comprehensive, online directory for current grief support services in Illinois. This user-friendly tool connects you with compassionate care across Illinois and beyond and contains:

  • Up-to-date listings of local and national support groups
  • Professional counseling resources
  • Specialized programs for all ages and types of loss

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Threads of Hope

Weaving Support for Children Grieving a Substance Use Related Death

The Threads of Hope training is a 9-hour, virtual training that focuses on empowering professionals and natural helpers with essential skills to support families affected by substance use disorder and death, mental health challenges, and grief and teaches them how to build effective networks of support.

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"Handle with Care" Initiative

Handle with Care is a program that helps vulnerable children through partnerships between law enforcement, educators, and mental health providers. Training and resources are available online from the Circle of Care team.

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