Since 2006, the Chicago Department of Transportation has installed thousands of sidewalk ramps throughout the city that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

See all auto pound locations.

Information on Blocking Rainwater and Preventing Sewer Backup

The Boiler Inspection Bureau makes periodic inspections of boilers and unfired pressure vessels at all apartment buildings where the boiler heats four or more apartments, commercial buildings, schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, etc.

Welcome to the CDPH Bullying Prevention Working Group web page. This page is for youth, parents, adults who work with youth, stakeholders, etc. who want to find resources to prevent bullying in their schools and communities.

Information about how to handle and recycle compact fluorescent lightbulbs, also called CFLs.

Frequently Asked Questions about Carbon Monoxide Information

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services is mindful that throughout Chicago, an ever growing number of people are devoting themselves to the daily care of loved ones. Whether the role of caregiver comes gradually, or through a sudden crisis, caregivers need somewhere to turn. That is why the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has expanded our Caregiver Support Program to meet the essential needs of family caregivers.

To allow for a shorter, simpler and more efficient building permit process, all Standard Plan Review building permit applications must use the Certified Plan Corrections program to address most types of plan review corrections issued by the Department of Buildings after a full review.

The Chicago Intersystem Assessment Work Group released a three year study on prostitution for government, non-profit, law enforcement and social service organizations.

The Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence (MODV) and the City of Chicago’s Domestic Violence Advocacy Coordinating Council (DVACC) today released a groundbreaking, book-length assessment describing every level of Government, not-for-profit and private response to domestic violence.

This page contains information about the Plow Tracker, Winter Apps and Snow Parking Restrictions.

Children Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC), along with the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) highlight the next steps in the flood assistance program process.

The City of Chicago, through the Department of Family and Support Services, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Planning and Development, is required by the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (VAWA) to develop a plan for individuals who 1) live in eligible housing that is supported by funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) and 2) have experienced domestic violence.

Documents form State and Federal sources that provide information on how to handle the cleaning procedure to a home after a flood has occurred.

The Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) has worked with its partners and stakeholders to develop a Strategic Framework – an approach that will transition DFSS to a more outcome-oriented model that focuses on how many people leave better off after receiving DFSS’ services, versus how many people walk through the door.

This committee of building industry technical professional and City staff meets once a month to review the suitability of new systems and methods of construction, new types of equipment, or new combinations of materials not currently permitted or recognized by the Code.

A list of common towing questions.

Recognize that domestic violence has a serious and negative impact on the quality of life in our city. It is everybody's business.

Community Service Centers are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday thru Friday. City residents who need assistance can drop in or schedule an appointment in advance.

The Division of Building Inspections, more commonly known as "Conservation", is charged with enforcing the Chicago Building Code as it relates to the City's existing housing stock.

The Construction Equipment Bureau conducts Permit, Licensing and Complaint Inspections. Our objectives are to safeguard the public's health, safety and well being, by holding the construction contractor and machinery supplier to the highest standards in the construction industry.

The Well Being Task Force has been established to provide services for and advocate on behalf of seniors living alone without internal or external support systems; by establishing a foundation upon which to organize agencies, community partners, and the efforts of their volunteers, to assist in reducing the vulnerability of isolated seniors by locating the senior, sharing information with the seniors, and providing regular follow-up with them.

The following documents are needed to complete the 2020 delegate agency contract process.

Step by Step Disaster Application Process.

A Guide to Downspout Disconnection

Division on Domestic Violence Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.

The Domestic Violence Summit Series was intended as a focused follow up discussion on the Points for Engagement in the Assessment of the Current Response to Domestic Violence in Chicago.

Select from the system’s list below to access links to existing annual reports containing Illinois domestic violence victim information.

ILDVDI Customized reports are typically produced once and typically reflect a “unique” exploration. Formats include, research studies, reports to community, special reports, newspaper articles, etc.

If your abuser is harassing or threatening you at work, you may want to think about creating a safety plan for your job. A work-place safety plan is a way for you to identify and make changes to your daily routine which may increase your physical safety and emotional well-being.

While many victims of domestic violence fear they will be discriminated against by their employers after they disclose their situations, there are federal laws, which can provide job protection. If you believe you have been discriminated against because of domestic violence, talk with a lawyer or advocate to learn more about your legal rights and options.

The Illinois Victim’s Economic Security and Safety Act, or VESSA, provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to an employee who is a victim of or who has a family member who is a victim of domestic or sexual violence to address issues arising from domestic or sexual violence.

Traditionally, roof runoff in Chicago has been routed via downspouts directly into the sewer system. However, the City of Chicago encourages the careful disconnection of downspouts so that roof runoff can flow directly into vegetated areas. Please see various options on this page.

Elder abuse affects thousands of Illinois senior citizens every year. As a result of the abuse, these victims experience severe neglect and extreme feelings of fear and loneliness. As members of the community it is our obligation to raise awareness and reach out to this often isolated group of victims.

The Division on Domestic Violence conducts assessments of its Family Violence Prevention Initiative (FVPI) funded programs.

Plan 2.0 is aligned with the direction of two key federal actions – the federal strategic plan to end homelessness and the passage of the HEARTH Act. In 2010, the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) released Opening Doors, the federal strategic plan to end homelessness.

Some general facts to know about Domestic Violence.

The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) "Help Us Help You" educational campaign is focused on informing the public about how callers can help 9-1-1 call takers and dispatchers provide the appropriate resources to Chicagoans and visitors in emergency situations. OEMC is highlighting tips and other important information that can help callers to 9-1-1 get through calls for emergencies the best way possible.

CDPH receives funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR), Hospital Preparedness Program.

Family emergency planning can be the key to surviving an emergency. That's why it's important to talk to your family to prepare them for various emergencies.

For Illinois homeowners, renters and business owners. If you sustained losses or damage you may be eligible for disaster aid

There is never too much preparedness when it means saving a LIFE! You can cope with disaster by preparing in advance and by working with your family as a team. Preparation should include: getting informed (including a checklist), making a plan, assembling, and maintaining your plan and kit.

Exposure to Domestic Violence, either experienced directly or witnessed between caregivers can have a detrimental effect on children.

Every year, millions of domestic violence victims suffer from the horrors of abuse alone. Having been isolated by their abusers from friends and family, many are disconnected from sources of support, strength and safety. By reaching out to your friend or family member and breaking the silence, you can make a difference.

A faith community has a responsibility to provide care for families in need. In addition, it exhorts society to share compassion and comfort with those afflicted by personal tragedy. Leaders of the faith community are encouraged to create a unified response to domestic violence.

In many instances health care professionals are the first to intervene after an abusive incident occurs. It is therefore crucial that appropriate intervention strategies be identified and implemented. By accurately assessing the cause of injury, providing necessary medical care, and offering referrals to community resources, health care professionals have the potential to be valuable sources of support. Leaders in the field have identified the following strategies to make interventions by health care professionals more effective.

The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) provides strong legal help for victims of domestic violence within an Order of Protection (OP).

It is important that as victims, survivors, family members, friends, religious leaders, employers, and community residents we recognize and address the needs of LGBT victims of domestic violence.

Relationship violence occurs when one partner attempts to maintain power and control over the other. Research suggests that thousands of young adults are physically, emotionally and sexually abused by their dating partners every year.

The Department of Buildings' Demolition Bureau responds to complaints generated by the 311 system reported by residents, community groups, Aldermanic offices, as well as the Chicago Police Department. The bureau responds to complaints of vacant and open buildings.

The Chicago Mayor's Office on Domestic Violence Interfaith Advisory Committee gathers together to create a unified and faithful response to Domestic Violence through prevention awareness, education, the creation of safe, healing and redemptive space, and resources with and for clergy, professionals, and lay leaders within all faith communities.

The Chicago Department of Public Health is the local agency responsible for distributing protective medication from the federal government’s national stockpile to Chicago residents in the event of a large-scale emergency or disaster.

See Something Say Something - Report Suspicious Activity

DFSS strives to align our core funding areas and system, policy, and planning initiatives with Plan 2.0 and federal strategic priorities. As a City department, DFSS has an additional responsibility to work with advocates, elected officials and concerned residents when they concerns about homelessness or homeless residents that they encounter.

During snow storms, this Plow Tracker map will show real-time locations of city plows and salt spreaders. Residents can watch as snow clearing efforts start with the major streets then move to neighborhood streets to keep Chicago moving.

Frequently asked questions about porch safety.

The Chicago Department of Public Health maintains a robust training and exercise program to test current emergency plans and to identify areas for improvement based on exercise objectives drawn from Homeland Security and Public Health Target Capabilities and Exercise Evaluation Guidelines based on the overall Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program.

See Something Say Something - Report Suspicious Activity

Chicago ZIP Code Area Profiles is the annual profile report of the characteristics of victim callers to the Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line. On a yearly basis, the Help Line answers over 20,000 calls from persons in the Chicago area.

The Office of Violence Prevention offers professional development training sessions on a variety of violence prevention topics.

As part of their participation as a demonstration site for the Safe Havens Supervised Visitation and Safe Exchange Program, three Chicago visitation centers and their collaborative partner, the Mayor’s Office on Domestic Violence, explored how the current design, processes, and procedures of visitation and exchange centers account for aspects of culture.

The most dangerous time for many victims of domestic violence is when they are thinking about or actively trying to end the relationship. A personal safety plan is a way for you to identify strategies to protect yourself during this dangerous time.

Senior Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) Senior Services Division is the City of Chicago’s lead agency for older adults and serves as the local Area Agency on Aging as designated by the Illinois Department on Aging. DFSS/Chicago Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is part of a national network of services and programs that protect the rights and support the needs of the nation’s seniors.

Here is some background information on the services provided by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services Youth Services Division:

The Chicago Department of Family & Support Services is mindful that throughout Chicago, an ever growing number of people are devoting themselves to the daily care of loved ones. Whether the role of caregiver comes gradually, or through a sudden crisis, caregivers need somewhere to turn. That is why the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services has expanded our Caregiver Support Program to meet the essential needs of family caregivers.

During the month of February, the Chicago Department of Public Health Office of Violence Prevention will be highlighting Teen Dating Violence (TDV) Prevention.

Domestic violence occurs when one partner uses physical, emotional, sexual and/or financial abuse to maintain power and control over the other.

The Commission on Human Relations promotes appreciation of Chicago's diversity and works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination. Commissioners, advisory councils, and staff conduct pro-active programs of education, intervention, and constituency building to discourage bigotry and bring people from different groups together.

Here you will find winter websites or apps developed by people in Chicago's vibrant technology community.

The DFSS Youth Services Division designs and funds programs and initiatives that leverage the assets and strengths of youth in the city of Chicago to support their growth, development and success.

Youth Services Delegate Agency services listed with site locations and contact information.