Child & Adolescent Health
Chronic Disease
Chronic conditions—such as asthma, diabetes, and food allergy—affect many children, but can be managed successfully with routine medical care.
Developmental Screening
During a developmental screening, your doctor will make sure that your child is learning basic skills and behaviors on time. These screenings should be ongoing throughout childhood.
Lead & a Healthy Home
Lead poisoning in children can lead to lower IQ and difficulty paying attention. Lead-based paint in homes is the most common route to hazardous lead exposure, and children under 6 are at the highest risk.
Mental Health & Trauma
Your child’s mental health is an important part of their well-being, and it’s important to recognize signs of stress. A child’s environment and neighborhood can also contribute to their mental health. Some common childhood mental-health problems are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, and behavior disorders.
Nutrition
Nutrition is an important way to be proactive about health. Proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight are ways to help prevent chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. There are resources available to you to ensure you and your child have access to healthy, nutritious food.
Oral Health
Healthy teeth and gums are important for a child’s social, academic, and nutritional success but tooth decay (cavities) afflicts many children and teens. Stay on top of your child’s oral health with regular dental care.
Positive Parenting & Early Education
Parenting can be hard. Here are some tips and resources for parents to learn how to understand your child’s development and how to support their mental health and wellness. It’s also never too early to plan for preschool, as it gives your child the best possible chance for a bright, successful future.
Positive Parenting for Any Age
Sexual & Reproductive Health
Sexual health is an important part of adolescent health. Stay informed so that you can make the best decisions for yourself or help an adolescent in your life. About half of all new sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) occur in people ages 15–24, making regular STI testing is an important part of adolescent health care.
CHAT (Chicago Healthy Adolescents and Teens)
Chicago Department of Public Health STI Specialty Clinics
Find Birth-Control Resources Near You
Find STI Testing & Treatment Near You
Vaccines
Vaccines are safe and protect your child from 16 preventable diseases that can lead to hospitalization and death. These include measles, pertussis (whooping cough), and chickenpox. Vaccines have the power to stop them in their tracks.
Chicago Department of Public Health Fast-Track Immunization Clinics
Find Vaccine Resources Near You
Family Services and Other Support
Child Care, Safety, Items & Clothing, Emergency Child Care, Lead, LGBTQ+, and more...
Community Services
Shelters & Housing Assistance, Legal Service & Renter's Rights, Transportation, and more...
Health Services
Pregnancy Testing, Prenatal Care, Birth Control, Sexually Transmitted Infections and more...
Social Services
Crisis Intervention, Food Assistance, Sexual Assault Help, Smoking/Tobacco Cessation, and more...