Financially Secure Families
Improving the Economic Health of Families Will Have a Direct and Profound Impact on Illinois’ Infants and Toddlers
Research is clear that poverty is the single greatest threat to children’s well-being. Unfortunately, poverty disproportionately impacts families with young children. Parents of infants and toddlers face countless barriers when accessing income supports, employment policies that are compatible with parenting (such as paid family and medical leave) and affordable child care programs.
Recommended Strategies
The objectives below provide tangible and achievable steps that policymakers in Illinois can take to improve the economic health, well-being and success of the state’s infants and toddlers and their families.

Income Supports for Families
Alleviate financial constraints of families by simplifying access to income support programs through policy change, investment and collaboration.
Family-friendly Work Policies
Cohesion between families with infants and toddlers and employers can improve the physical and economic health of those families and their communities.
News & Resources
Early Intervention Cost Model Affirms Need for More State Funding
February 5, 2025 Early Intervention Cost Model Affirms Need for Increased State Funding Start Early Policy Specialist Zareen Kamal reflects on findings from the recent EI Cost Model report Recognizing the urgent need to reduce long…
Spring 2025 Community Events
February 3, 2025 Join us this Spring! This Spring, Raising Illinois will be convening Community Events across our state to connect with Illinoisans and to hear firsthand what needs are top-of-mind as we begin to draft…
Reaffirming Our Commitment to Families
January 24, 2025 Reaffirming Our Commitment to Families Core to Raising Illinois’s values are ensuring that our families feel best supported and secure in caring for their children, especially during times of change or instability. In…