Children and Families

H.R. 1 Federal Budget Bill (One Big Beautiful Bill Act – 2025) Changes to Connecticut’s SNAP/HUSKY Programs

In July 2025, the 119th Congress passed Public Law No: 119-21 https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/1, a statute also known as HR 1 or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The law impacts residents Read More

How to Help with Humanitarian Efforts Assisting Jamaica and Haiti After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica, Haiti and other communities across the Caribbean are reeling from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, which produced catastrophic flooding, landslides and sustained winds, hit the Read More

Donating and Volunteering Opportunities During a Government Shutdown and Other Times

Connecticut’s residents may face many difficult challenges throughout the year including rising costs and growing financial insecurity. An individual and family’s health, safety, education, and well-being are largely dependent on Read More

Finding Resources for Caregivers

Finding Resources for Caregivers Being a caregiver for a loved one can be overwhelming, especially if someone takes on the caregiver role suddenly. Many adults find themselves caring for older Read More

Measles

Cases of measles, a highly infectious disease, are on the rise both internationally and in the United States. Most of these cases have been among children and adolescents who have not Read More

CT Baby Bonds

Connecticut implemented a program on July 1, 2023 where infants whose births are covered under HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, will be enrolled in an account with an initial deposit Read More

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Connecticut

Several homebuyer programs in the state offer significant advantages to Connecticut residents looking to purchase their first home. Programs may offer down payment assistance, reduced interest rates, and more. Many Read More

Hartford Opportunity Youth Collaborative (HOYC)

Opportunity Youth are young people ages 16 to 24 who are not in school and not working, or do not have their high school diploma. About 1 in 4 young Read More

Resources for Connecticut Families with Children Experiencing or At-Risk for Homelessness

Connecticut’s families have faced stagnating wages, rising costs, and growing economic insecurity, and their children’s health, safety, education, and well-being are largely dependent on their families’ ability to make ends Read More

Support Groups

DEFINITION People experiencing life problems and challenges are often helped by participating in a support group. Members of support groups share their experiences, strengths, and hopes and rely on one Read More

When Can Your Child Stay Home Alone?

There is no law in Connecticut regulating the age at which a child may be left home alone. The decision is a judgment call on the part of parents. For Read More

Dating Violence/Teen Dating Violence

Dating violence includes psychological and emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. It occurs with casual dating or serious long term relationships. Signs of Abuse in Your Dating Relationship: Read More

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)

Shaken Baby Syndrome is a type of inflicted traumatic brain injury that happens when a baby is violently shaken. Often, there are no obvious outward signs of injury to a baby Read More

School Clothes and School Supplies

Suggestions for families in Connecticut seeking basic school supplies and school clothing for their children: Families in need who live in medium or small sized towns may be able to Read More

Parentage Establishment

VOLUNTARY ESTABLISHMENT: Connecticut’s Voluntary Acknowledgment of Parentage (VAP) Program is a joint effort between the Connecticut Department of Social Services, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the state’s birthing Read More

Parenting Education Programs Approved by State of CT Judicial Branch

WHAT ARE FAMILY COURT PARENTING EDUCATION PROGRAMS? Parenting education programs are classes designed to educate adults about the many issues children face when their family situation changes. The program trains Read More

Grandparents’ Rights: Visitation

The information provided on the 211 eLibrary is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice. Grandparent visitation rights often Read More

Foster Parenting and Special Needs Adoption

FOSTER PARENTING AND SPECIAL NEEDS ADOPTION THROUGH CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES INQUIRY People who are interested in becoming a licensed foster or adoptive parent can visit the Connecticut Department of Children Read More

Finding Low Cost or Free Clothing and Household Goods

FREE clothing, household goods, baby items, and furniture are sometimes provided by community based, faith based or other charitable organizations. Eligibility requirements vary, but usually include residency of service area Read More

Crying Baby – Tips for Coping/Tips for Managing Stress

COPING WITH A CRYING BABY A screaming baby can be extremely stressful for parents, especially when the baby cannot be comforted. Most physical abuse of children, including Shaken Baby Syndrome, Read More

Coping with Violent/Traumatic Events

DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any Read More

Same-Sex Marriage in Connecticut

As of June 26, 2015 the Supreme Court issued a decision that same-sex couples can marry in all 50 states The following is an excerpted history from GLAD’s Answers for the Read More

Internet Safety/Tips for Parents

The following is based on information provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Computer Crimes and Electronic Evidence Laboratory. SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING THE Read More

Family and Juvenile Court – Connecticut

FAMILY COURT – CONNECTICUT The material provided on the 211 eLibrary is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice. Read More

Domestic Violence/Partner Abuse

The information provided on the 211 eLibrary is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal advice. WHAT IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE? Read More