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Louisiana Resources for Dads

Programs we've checked for Louisiana, plus nationwide programs that also apply.

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Resources on this page were last checked against their official sources on October 26, 2026. Each card shows its own date and source. Programs change, so check the official site before you go.

Divorce

Statewide

  • Self-help services and legal forms for self-represented litigants (Louisiana State Bar Association)

    Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), Access to Justice

    The Louisiana State Bar Association's Self-Help Services page explains what it means to represent yourself in court and how to use fill-in-the-blank legal forms safely. It warns that many online forms do not follow Louisiana law and recommends forms from the Supreme Court of Louisiana, your local court, or a legal aid organization. Pick your parish from the drop-down menu to see local self-help centers, online resources and forms, as well as statewide services such as online legal advice, a legal hotline, and events at public libraries. The SRL Forms page collects available forms.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana representing themselves in a civil case. See the official site for current rules.

    DivorceCustody & Parenting TimeChild Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

More about Divorce

Custody & Parenting Time

Statewide

  • Self-help services and legal forms for self-represented litigants (Louisiana State Bar Association)

    Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), Access to Justice

    The Louisiana State Bar Association's Self-Help Services page explains what it means to represent yourself in court and how to use fill-in-the-blank legal forms safely. It warns that many online forms do not follow Louisiana law and recommends forms from the Supreme Court of Louisiana, your local court, or a legal aid organization. Pick your parish from the drop-down menu to see local self-help centers, online resources and forms, as well as statewide services such as online legal advice, a legal hotline, and events at public libraries. The SRL Forms page collects available forms.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana representing themselves in a civil case. See the official site for current rules.

    DivorceCustody & Parenting TimeChild Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

More about Custody & Parenting Time

Child Support

Statewide

  • DCFS Child Support Enforcement (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Child Support Enforcement

    DCFS Child Support Enforcement helps parents provide financial and medical support for their children by setting up, enforcing and managing child support orders statewide. You can apply for services online or by mail. Parents with a case can log in to LA CAFÉ to see case details and message their caseworker, call the DCFS line for payment and balance information, and search the delinquent payors database.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Open to any parent or caregiver responsible for a child. Families receiving FITAP, KCSP or Medicaid are enrolled automatically. See the official site for current rules.

    Child Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LA CAFÉ Self-Service Portal (Louisiana benefits and child support accounts)

    Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

    LA CAFÉ (Common Access Front End) is Louisiana's online customer portal. You can create an account and use it to apply for benefits, send simplified reports, change reports and renewals, check the status of an application, and see child support case details. An online application takes about an hour, and an unfinished application is saved for 30 days. For help logging in or with an application, call the DCFS number on weekdays during business hours.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone applying for or receiving the benefits handled in CAFÉ. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidSNAP (Food Assistance)Child Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Self-help services and legal forms for self-represented litigants (Louisiana State Bar Association)

    Louisiana State Bar Association (LSBA), Access to Justice

    The Louisiana State Bar Association's Self-Help Services page explains what it means to represent yourself in court and how to use fill-in-the-blank legal forms safely. It warns that many online forms do not follow Louisiana law and recommends forms from the Supreme Court of Louisiana, your local court, or a legal aid organization. Pick your parish from the drop-down menu to see local self-help centers, online resources and forms, as well as statewide services such as online legal advice, a legal hotline, and events at public libraries. The SRL Forms page collects available forms.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana representing themselves in a civil case. See the official site for current rules.

    DivorceCustody & Parenting TimeChild Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

  • Self-Help Resource Center at Orleans Parish Civil District Court

    Orleans Parish Civil District Court

    The Orleans Parish Civil District Court hosts a Self-Help Resource Center, run by The Pro Bono Project and the Family Justice Center with the court and clerk's offices. Volunteers offer court-approved forms and legal information to people representing themselves in family law matters such as divorce, custody, child support and visitation, and can review completed forms before filing. Pro Bono Project volunteers are on site on set weekday mornings, with a virtual help desk by email or phone on other days. The center cannot give legal advice or representation and is not a notary service, though volunteers notarize the court-approved forms it provides. A Family Justice Center domestic abuse coordinator is on site on weekdays.

    Where
    Orleans Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People without a lawyer in family law cases at Orleans Parish Civil District Court. See the official site for current rules.

    DivorceCustody & Parenting TimeChild Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Self-Help Resource Center at the Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish

    The Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish

    The Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish handles divorce, community property, spousal support, child custody and visitation, child support and domestic violence cases. Its Self-Help Resource Center, on the fourth floor of the Nineteenth Judicial District Courthouse in Baton Rouge, is staffed by volunteer attorneys and law students who help self-represented litigants with court forms, case information and general questions. Help is by appointment on Tuesdays and Thursdays, with walk-ins if time permits, and you must complete an intake form. Volunteers give legal information only, not legal advice or representation. The court's website also offers free pleadings, instructions, a court guide and videos.

    Where
    East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    People without a lawyer in family law matters before the Family Court of East Baton Rouge Parish. Non-family matters such as bankruptcy and successions are not covered. See the official site for current rules.

    DivorceCustody & Parenting TimeChild Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about Child Support

Financial Aid

Statewide

  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)

    CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school or take part in job training. Payments go directly to approved providers, including licensed centers, family child care and in-home providers, and school-based early learning programs. Apply, upload documents, report changes and check your case online through the LDOE CAFÉ portal, or use the paper application (English, Spanish or Vietnamese). Families pay a share based on the sliding fee scale. The Louisiana School & Center Finder and local Child Care Resource & Referral agencies help families find care.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Sliding scale
    Who it's for

    For a child under 13, or under 18 with a disability, who is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen living in Louisiana. Parents or guardians must work, attend school or training, combine work and school, be actively seeking work, be in a transitional living program, or be experiencing homelessness, and household income must be within CCAP limits. See the official site for current rules.

    ChildcareFinancial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) cash assistance (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Economic Stability, Division of Family Support

    FITAP is Louisiana's TANF cash assistance program for needy families with children. Apply through the same LDH Family Support channels used for SNAP: the CAFÉ portal, 888-LAHelp-U, or a paper application. Some work-eligible families must take part in the Strategies to Empower People (STEP) program, which offers job training, employment and supportive services. Benefits are paid on an EBT card.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    The family must live in Louisiana, be financially needy, and include a child under 18 (or 18 and in full-time secondary school) living with a parent or another qualified relative. Household members must be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens with Social Security numbers. The family must cooperate with Child Support Enforcement. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) for relatives raising a child (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Economic Stability, Division of Family Support

    KCSP gives monthly cash help to a qualified relative, other than a parent, who is raising a child whose parents are not in the home. The LDH KCSP page lists which relatives qualify. Apply through LDH Family Support: the CAFÉ portal, 888-LAHelp-U, or a paper application.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    The child must be under 18, live in Louisiana, and live with a qualified relative, and neither parent may live in the home. The relative must have legal custody or provisional custody, or get it within one year. Child and relative income limits apply. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LA CAFÉ Self-Service Portal (Louisiana benefits and child support accounts)

    Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

    LA CAFÉ (Common Access Front End) is Louisiana's online customer portal. You can create an account and use it to apply for benefits, send simplified reports, change reports and renewals, check the status of an application, and see child support case details. An online application takes about an hour, and an unfinished application is saved for 30 days. For help logging in or with an application, call the DCFS number on weekdays during business hours.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone applying for or receiving the benefits handled in CAFÉ. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidSNAP (Food Assistance)Child Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LaCHIP children's health insurance (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Medicaid

    LaCHIP is health coverage for uninsured children and teens up to age 19 in Louisiana. It uses higher income limits than regular Medicaid. No interview is needed. You can get an application by calling the LaCHIP Hotline, at Medicaid application centers, WIC offices, school-based health clinics, community health centers and community action agencies, or as a printable download, and Spanish and Vietnamese applications are available. Families with income above the LaCHIP limit may qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan, which charges a monthly premium per household. Coverage can be renewed by phone.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children under 19 who live in Louisiana and have no health insurance, in families within the program's income limits. Lawfully residing children may qualify. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LDH Division of Family Support: apply for SNAP, FITAP and KCSP (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Economic Stability, Division of Family Support

    The Louisiana Department of Health's Division of Family Support runs SNAP food assistance, the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), the Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) and Disability Determination Services. You can apply online through the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal, by phone through 888-LAHelp-U, or on a paper application sent by fax, mail or delivery. Applications come in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and large print. After you apply, you complete an interview by phone, and if you are eligible your benefits are paid back to the date of your application. Benefits are paid on an EBT card.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Eligibility depends on the program and on the interview and proof you provide. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidSNAP (Food Assistance)

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LIHEAP home energy assistance (Louisiana Housing Corporation)

    Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)

    LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps households with home energy costs. It can help pay heating and cooling bills, pay bills in a crisis, and repair or replace heating and cooling equipment. Regular applications can be made through the statewide Louisiana LIHEAP online portal during the online application period; crisis applications are not taken online, so for crisis appointments or help applying contact the local agency for your parish, listed in LHC's LIHEAP Provider Directory. There are no fees or charges to apply, and LHC and local agencies will never ask for account logins, passwords or bank or card numbers.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    You must be responsible for your household energy bill and have an active heating or cooling utility account. Household income must be within program limits, and you can get only one LIHEAP benefit each season. Benefits depend on funding. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Medicaid

    Louisiana Medicaid covers low-income people and families, including children, parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. You can apply online through the Medicaid Self-Service Portal, by phone through Medicaid Customer Service, by mail, at a regional Medicaid office, or at a Medicaid Application Center. Most members get care through a Healthy Louisiana health plan, which they choose once they are found eligible.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    You must live in Louisiana and be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen. Non-citizens, whether residing legally or not, can qualify for emergency and labor and delivery coverage if they meet income rules. Income rules apply to all applicants. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

  • Housing counseling and I$AVE matched savings (Lafayette Consolidated Government)

    Lafayette Consolidated Government, Community Development and Planning Department

    Lafayette Consolidated Government's Housing Counseling offers one-on-one pre-purchase counseling, default and delinquent mortgage counseling for homeowners facing late payments or foreclosure, homeownership training, home maintenance and financial literacy workshops, and referrals to other social services. All counseling services and classes are free and open to the public. Through the Southern University I$AVE program, low-income Lafayette Parish families can open an Individual Development Account and get matching funds toward buying a home, education or a small business.

    Where
    Lafayette Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Counseling and classes are open to the public. I$AVE is for low-income Lafayette Parish residents whose household includes at least one minor child and has earned income, and who agree to save each month; income limits apply. See the official site for current rules.

    HousingFinancial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Office of Social Services: LIHEAP utility help and rent/mortgage assistance (East Baton Rouge Parish)

    City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Office of Social Services

    The City-Parish Office of Social Services takes applications for LIHEAP utility assistance (crisis and non-crisis) and for rent or mortgage assistance. LIHEAP applications can be made online; all applications can also be picked up, dropped off or mailed at the main office on Plank Road, and paper applications are available at local community centers. People who are homebound or need help with the application can call. If you have a disconnect notice or your service is off, visit the main office or call with your name, contact number and account number. Applications are handled first-come, first-served, and communication is by email.

    Where
    East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Residents served by the City-Parish Office of Social Services who meet LIHEAP or assistance program rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidEmergency AssistanceHousing

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about Financial Aid

WIC

Statewide

  • Louisiana WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Bureau of Nutrition Services

    WIC gives healthy foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding support and referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday. Foods can include infant formula and infant foods, cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, beans, whole grains, canned fish, and fruits and vegetables. Find a clinic by ZIP code on LouisianaWIC.org or call the statewide line, then call the clinic to make an appointment. Benefits are managed through the myWIC app.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 who live in Louisiana and meet income and nutrition-risk rules. See the official site for current rules.

    WICInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

  • New Orleans Health Department WIC clinics (Orleans Parish)

    City of New Orleans, New Orleans Health Department

    The City of New Orleans Health Department runs WIC clinics in New Orleans, including New Orleans East, Edna Pilsbury (Central City), Ida Hymel and A.P. Sanchez (Lower 9th Ward). WIC offers breastfeeding support and breast pumps per WIC guidelines, monthly benefits for healthy foods, formula and infant foods, nutrition counseling, group classes, and referrals to Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LaCHIP and Healthy Start. Choose the clinic most convenient for you and call it for an appointment. People with proof of Medicaid, SNAP or TANF automatically meet the income rule.

    Where
    Orleans Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 who meet the income rule. Each clinic has its own days and hours. See the official site for current rules.

    WICInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about WIC

SNAP (Food Assistance)

Statewide

  • LA CAFÉ Self-Service Portal (Louisiana benefits and child support accounts)

    Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

    LA CAFÉ (Common Access Front End) is Louisiana's online customer portal. You can create an account and use it to apply for benefits, send simplified reports, change reports and renewals, check the status of an application, and see child support case details. An online application takes about an hour, and an unfinished application is saved for 30 days. For help logging in or with an application, call the DCFS number on weekdays during business hours.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Anyone applying for or receiving the benefits handled in CAFÉ. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidSNAP (Food Assistance)Child Support

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LDH Division of Family Support: apply for SNAP, FITAP and KCSP (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Economic Stability, Division of Family Support

    The Louisiana Department of Health's Division of Family Support runs SNAP food assistance, the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP), the Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) and Disability Determination Services. You can apply online through the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal, by phone through 888-LAHelp-U, or on a paper application sent by fax, mail or delivery. Applications come in English, Spanish, Vietnamese and large print. After you apply, you complete an interview by phone, and if you are eligible your benefits are paid back to the date of your application. Benefits are paid on an EBT card.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Eligibility depends on the program and on the interview and proof you provide. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidSNAP (Food Assistance)

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana SNAP food assistance (LDH)

    Louisiana Department of Health, Office of Economic Stability, Division of Family Support

    SNAP helps households buy food with an EBT card. In Louisiana, apply online through the CAFÉ customer portal or send a paper application to LDH by mail or fax; applications cannot be sent by email. Benefits can be used for household foods such as fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry and fish, dairy, breads and cereals, snack foods, non-alcoholic drinks, and seeds and plants that grow food. They cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins and medicines, hot foods, food eaten in the store, or non-food items.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Households must meet income and resource standards. People who receive SSI, and households with someone receiving FITAP, KCSP or STEP benefits, do not have to meet the resource limit. Louisiana also uses broad-based categorical eligibility, so some income-eligible households have their assets left uncounted. See the official site for current rules.

    SNAP (Food Assistance)

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about SNAP (Food Assistance)

Housing

Statewide

Parish programs

More about Housing

Childcare

Statewide

  • Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)

    CCAP helps eligible families pay for child care while parents work, go to school or take part in job training. Payments go directly to approved providers, including licensed centers, family child care and in-home providers, and school-based early learning programs. Apply, upload documents, report changes and check your case online through the LDOE CAFÉ portal, or use the paper application (English, Spanish or Vietnamese). Families pay a share based on the sliding fee scale. The Louisiana School & Center Finder and local Child Care Resource & Referral agencies help families find care.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Sliding scale
    Who it's for

    For a child under 13, or under 18 with a disability, who is a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen living in Louisiana. Parents or guardians must work, attend school or training, combine work and school, be actively seeking work, be in a transitional living program, or be experiencing homelessness, and household income must be within CCAP limits. See the official site for current rules.

    ChildcareFinancial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Head Start and Early Head Start in Louisiana

    Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)

    Head Start is a federal program that helps children from birth to five in low-income families get ready for school through preschool programming. Many Head Start programs also offer Early Head Start for infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Programs serve children with disabilities and some families with incomes over the poverty guidelines. To find out if you qualify, apply to a Head Start program near you.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to five in low-income families, and pregnant women for Early Head Start. Each local program decides eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    ChildcareInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LA 4 Early Childhood Program and other publicly funded pre-K (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)

    The Cecil J. Picard LA 4 Early Childhood Program is Louisiana's main preschool program. It offers full-day pre-K in public schools to four-year-olds from disadvantaged families. Other publicly funded pre-K includes the 8(g) Student Enhancement Block Grant program for at-risk preschoolers and the Nonpublic Schools Early Childhood Development (NSECD) program, which offers full-day pre-K in state-approved private preschools and child care centers to four-year-olds from low-income families. Families can search programs on the Louisiana School & Center Finder.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    LA 4 and NSECD serve four-year-olds from disadvantaged or low-income families; 8(g) serves at-risk preschoolers. Each program sets its own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Childcare

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

  • Agenda for Children Child Care Resource & Referral (Southeast Louisiana)

    Agenda for Children

    Agenda for Children is the Louisiana Department of Education-contracted Child Care Resource & Referral agency for 11 parishes in southeast Louisiana. Its referral program connects parents to child care that meets their needs, and it also coaches and trains early childhood programs.

    Where
    Serves 11 parishes in Louisiana
    All 11 parishes

    Assumption Parish, Lafourche Parish, Orleans Parish, Plaquemines Parish, St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, St. James Parish, St. John the Baptist Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Terrebonne Parish and Washington Parish

    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Parents looking for child care in the 11 parishes served. See the official site for current rules.

    Childcare

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Partnerships in Child Care: child care resource and referral (VOA South Central Louisiana)

    Volunteers of America South Central Louisiana

    Partnerships in Child Care is the state-designated Child Care Resource and Referral agency for 25 parishes in south Louisiana. It gives parents custom referrals to licensed child care centers and family child care providers in their area, and offers training and on-site help to child care providers. It serves families with children from birth to age five.

    Where
    Serves 25 parishes in Louisiana
    All 25 parishes

    Acadia Parish, Allen Parish, Ascension Parish, Avoyelles Parish, Beauregard Parish, Calcasieu Parish, Cameron Parish, East Baton Rouge Parish, East Feliciana Parish, Evangeline Parish, Iberia Parish, Iberville Parish, Jefferson Davis Parish, Livingston Parish, Rapides Parish, St. Helena Parish, St. Landry Parish, St. Martin Parish, St. Mary Parish, St. Tammany Parish, Tangipahoa Parish, Vermilion Parish, Vernon Parish, West Baton Rouge Parish and West Feliciana Parish

    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Parents and caregivers looking for child care in the 25 parishes served. See the official site for current rules.

    Childcare

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about Childcare

Family Counseling

Statewide

Parish programs

City programs

Each of these programs is only for the city or cities named on its card.

More about Family Counseling

Mental Health

Statewide

  • Human services districts and authorities: local mental health, addiction and developmental disability services (LDH)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Local Governing Entities

    Louisiana's public behavioral health and developmental disability services are run by ten regional human services districts and authorities, listed on LDH's Local Governing Entities page: Metropolitan Human Services District (Region 1), Capital Area (Region 2), South Central Louisiana (Region 3), Acadiana Area (Region 4), Imperial Calcasieu (Region 5), Central Louisiana (Region 6), Northwest Louisiana (Region 7), Northeast Delta (Region 8), Florida Parishes (Region 9) and Jefferson Parish (Region 10). Each one provides mental health, addiction and developmental disability services for the parishes in its region. Use the page to find the district for your parish.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Residents of each district's parishes. Each district sets its own eligibility and fees. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Behavioral Health

    Call or text 988, or chat at Louisiana988.org, for free, confidential support 24/7 for any mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, or a substance use crisis. You can also contact 988 if you are worried about a loved one. In Louisiana, calls are answered by two certified centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG), depending on area code. Text AYUDA to 988 for a Spanish-speaking crisis specialist. Veterans and service members can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, and TTY users can use their relay service or dial 711 then 988.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    988
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS): mobile crisis and crisis centers

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Behavioral Health

    The Louisiana Crisis Response System is LDH's Medicaid-covered behavioral health crisis system. It includes mobile crisis response that comes to people where they are, walk-in behavioral health crisis centers open 24 hours a day, community brief crisis support for up to 15 days to help people stay at home, and short-term crisis stabilization beds. Separate mobile crisis services are offered for youth under 21. LDH lists the providers offering each service. For more info, the page says to visit LouisianaCrisisHub.org or call 855-24CARE5 (855-242-2735); it doesn't call this a crisis line. In an emergency or a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People in Louisiana having a behavioral health crisis. These are Medicaid-covered services; some providers are still under development. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

More about Mental Health

Infant Care

Statewide

  • EarlySteps early intervention for infants and toddlers (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Intellectual & Developmental Disability Supports (OIDD), EarlySteps

    EarlySteps serves families with infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a medical condition likely to cause a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays in areas such as thinking, movement, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or self-help skills. Services aim to help families support their child's development and take place in natural settings such as the home or child care. Anyone can make a referral by contacting the System Point of Entry (SPOE) for the family's region; the SPOE then contacts the family to start the eligibility process.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to 3 (35 months) in Louisiana with a qualifying condition or developmental delay. See the official site for current rules.

    Special-Needs ParentingInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Head Start and Early Head Start in Louisiana

    Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE)

    Head Start is a federal program that helps children from birth to five in low-income families get ready for school through preschool programming. Many Head Start programs also offer Early Head Start for infants, toddlers and pregnant women. Programs serve children with disabilities and some families with incomes over the poverty guidelines. To find out if you qualify, apply to a Head Start program near you.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to five in low-income families, and pregnant women for Early Head Start. Each local program decides eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    ChildcareInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LaCHIP children's health insurance (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Medicaid

    LaCHIP is health coverage for uninsured children and teens up to age 19 in Louisiana. It uses higher income limits than regular Medicaid. No interview is needed. You can get an application by calling the LaCHIP Hotline, at Medicaid application centers, WIC offices, school-based health clinics, community health centers and community action agencies, or as a printable download, and Spanish and Vietnamese applications are available. Families with income above the LaCHIP limit may qualify for the LaCHIP Affordable Plan, which charges a monthly premium per household. Coverage can be renewed by phone.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children under 19 who live in Louisiana and have no health insurance, in families within the program's income limits. Lawfully residing children may qualify. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Medicaid (Healthy Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Louisiana Medicaid

    Louisiana Medicaid covers low-income people and families, including children, parents, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities. You can apply online through the Medicaid Self-Service Portal, by phone through Medicaid Customer Service, by mail, at a regional Medicaid office, or at a Medicaid Application Center. Most members get care through a Healthy Louisiana health plan, which they choose once they are found eligible.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    You must live in Louisiana and be a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen. Non-citizens, whether residing legally or not, can qualify for emergency and labor and delivery coverage if they meet income rules. Income rules apply to all applicants. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana WIC (Women, Infants and Children)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Bureau of Nutrition Services

    WIC gives healthy foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding support and referrals to pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to their 5th birthday. Foods can include infant formula and infant foods, cereal, milk, cheese, eggs, peanut butter, beans, whole grains, canned fish, and fruits and vegetables. Find a clinic by ZIP code on LouisianaWIC.org or call the statewide line, then call the clinic to make an appointment. Benefits are managed through the myWIC app.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5 who live in Louisiana and meet income and nutrition-risk rules. See the official site for current rules.

    WICInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

  • Crescent City Dads fatherhood program (Healthy Start New Orleans)

    City of New Orleans, New Orleans Health Department, Healthy Start New Orleans

    Crescent City Dads is a program within Healthy Start New Orleans that gives dads tools and support to be the best dads for their children. Its fatherhood groups, called Dad's Circle, are a place for fathers to talk, listen and learn with other dads who understand the struggles of raising kids in New Orleans. Biological fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures are all welcome. Call to learn more or to enroll.

    Where
    Orleans Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and father figures raising children in New Orleans. See the official site for current rules.

    Family CounselingInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • New Orleans Health Department WIC clinics (Orleans Parish)

    City of New Orleans, New Orleans Health Department

    The City of New Orleans Health Department runs WIC clinics in New Orleans, including New Orleans East, Edna Pilsbury (Central City), Ida Hymel and A.P. Sanchez (Lower 9th Ward). WIC offers breastfeeding support and breast pumps per WIC guidelines, monthly benefits for healthy foods, formula and infant foods, nutrition counseling, group classes, and referrals to Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, LaCHIP and Healthy Start. Choose the clinic most convenient for you and call it for an appointment. People with proof of Medicaid, SNAP or TANF automatically meet the income rule.

    Where
    Orleans Parish, Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to 5 who meet the income rule. Each clinic has its own days and hours. See the official site for current rules.

    WICInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

More about Infant Care

Special-Needs Parenting

Statewide

  • EarlySteps early intervention for infants and toddlers (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Intellectual & Developmental Disability Supports (OIDD), EarlySteps

    EarlySteps serves families with infants and toddlers from birth to age 3 who have a medical condition likely to cause a developmental delay, or who have developmental delays in areas such as thinking, movement, vision, hearing, communication, social-emotional or self-help skills. Services aim to help families support their child's development and take place in natural settings such as the home or child care. Anyone can make a referral by contacting the System Point of Entry (SPOE) for the family's region; the SPOE then contacts the family to start the eligibility process.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Children from birth to 3 (35 months) in Louisiana with a qualifying condition or developmental delay. See the official site for current rules.

    Special-Needs ParentingInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Families Helping Families Community Resource Specialists (Louisiana)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Families Helping Families

    Families Helping Families Community Resource Specialists help families of children with special health care needs find resources. They can help you get services, navigate referrals to support services and connect with other parents. Contact the Families Helping Families organization for your region and ask for a Community Resource Specialist; LDH lists a phone number for each region.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Families of children with special health care needs in Louisiana. See the official site for current rules.

    Special-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Human services districts and authorities: local mental health, addiction and developmental disability services (LDH)

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Local Governing Entities

    Louisiana's public behavioral health and developmental disability services are run by ten regional human services districts and authorities, listed on LDH's Local Governing Entities page: Metropolitan Human Services District (Region 1), Capital Area (Region 2), South Central Louisiana (Region 3), Acadiana Area (Region 4), Imperial Calcasieu (Region 5), Central Louisiana (Region 6), Northwest Louisiana (Region 7), Northeast Delta (Region 8), Florida Parishes (Region 9) and Jefferson Parish (Region 10). Each one provides mental health, addiction and developmental disability services for the parishes in its region. Use the page to find the district for your parish.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Residents of each district's parishes. Each district sets its own eligibility and fees. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC) at Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans

    Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans

    Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is the Louisiana Parent Training and Information Center (LaPTIC), funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. It helps families of children with any disability, at any age, understand their rights under IDEA, Section 504 and the ADA, learn about their child's disability, work through the special education process, and advocate for their child. It also teaches youth and young adults self-advocacy and offers workshops, for example on moving from EarlySteps to school services and on what to do when you and the school disagree. Help is always free of charge.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Families of children with disabilities in Louisiana, and the teachers and professionals who work with them. See the official site for current rules.

    Special-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Supportive housing and voucher programs (Louisiana Housing Corporation)

    Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)

    LHC directs renters to programs including the Permanent Supportive Housing Program for people with very low incomes and chronic, disabling health conditions; project-based vouchers attached to specific housing units; VASH vouchers for homeless veterans and their families, run with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; and Mainstream vouchers for non-elderly people with disabilities and their families. LAHousingSearch.org is a free resource for finding rental housing across the state.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    Each program has its own rules, mostly for people with disabilities, very low incomes or homeless veterans. See the official site for current rules.

    HousingSpecial-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

More about Special-Needs Parenting

Emergency Assistance

Statewide

  • Homelessness help through Coordinated Entry Access Points (Louisiana Housing Corporation)

    Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)

    Housing and supportive services for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness are available statewide through Coordinated Entry Access Points. To find the access point nearest you, select your parish on the Louisiana Balance of State Continuum of Care (LA BOSCOC) housing and services page, then visit or call one of the listed organizations. You can also call 211. LHC is the lead agency for the LA BOSCOC.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Louisiana. See the official site for current rules.

    HousingEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • LIHEAP home energy assistance (Louisiana Housing Corporation)

    Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)

    LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps households with home energy costs. It can help pay heating and cooling bills, pay bills in a crisis, and repair or replace heating and cooling equipment. Regular applications can be made through the statewide Louisiana LIHEAP online portal during the online application period; crisis applications are not taken online, so for crisis appointments or help applying contact the local agency for your parish, listed in LHC's LIHEAP Provider Directory. There are no fees or charges to apply, and LHC and local agencies will never ask for account logins, passwords or bank or card numbers.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    You must be responsible for your household energy bill and have an active heating or cooling utility account. Household income must be within program limits, and you can get only one LIHEAP benefit each season. Benefits depend on funding. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial AidEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Behavioral Health

    Call or text 988, or chat at Louisiana988.org, for free, confidential support 24/7 for any mental health-related distress, including thoughts of suicide, anxiety, depression, feeling overwhelmed, or a substance use crisis. You can also contact 988 if you are worried about a loved one. In Louisiana, calls are answered by two certified centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling (LACG), depending on area code. Text AYUDA to 988 for a Spanish-speaking crisis specialist. Veterans and service members can press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line, and TTY users can use their relay service or dial 711 then 988.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    988
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) statewide hotline and member programs

    Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV)

    The Louisiana Statewide Hotline gives free, confidential help 24/7 to people experiencing domestic violence. Advocates can help you plan for your safety, find resources and talk through your options. LCADV's Get Help page lets you find your parish and call the local program, and its member list shows each program's parishes and local crisis line. Members include shelters and crisis centers across Louisiana.

    Not for emergencies. If you are in danger, call 911. Your browser history may show this visit.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Anyone in Louisiana affected by domestic violence. See the official site for current rules.

    Emergency AssistanceHousingFamily Counseling

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Louisiana Crisis Response System (LA-CRS): mobile crisis and crisis centers

    Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), Office of Behavioral Health

    The Louisiana Crisis Response System is LDH's Medicaid-covered behavioral health crisis system. It includes mobile crisis response that comes to people where they are, walk-in behavioral health crisis centers open 24 hours a day, community brief crisis support for up to 15 days to help people stay at home, and short-term crisis stabilization beds. Separate mobile crisis services are offered for youth under 21. LDH lists the providers offering each service. For more info, the page says to visit LouisianaCrisisHub.org or call 855-24CARE5 (855-242-2735); it doesn't call this a crisis line. In an emergency or a mental health crisis, call or text 988.

    Where
    Louisiana
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    People in Louisiana having a behavioral health crisis. These are Medicaid-covered services; some providers are still under development. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

Parish programs

More about Emergency Assistance

Nationwide programs that also apply

These programs serve families anywhere in the U.S., including Louisiana.

  • 211 (United Way 211)

    United Way 211

    Call 211 for confidential help connecting to local community services, such as housing, homelessness, and utility bill assistance. 211.org can also help you find your local 211.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    211
    Who it's for

    Free and confidential to call. Programs you're referred to set their own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Emergency AssistanceHousing

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Free, confidential support 24/7 by call, text, or chat. You don't have to be suicidal to reach out; reasons include relationships, economic worries, substance use, depression, and loneliness. Spanish: press 2 or text AYUDA to 988. Veterans: press 1.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Phone
    988
    Who it's for

    Available to anyone in the United States and its territories. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • ChildCare.gov

    U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Office of Child Care

    Helps parents find safe, quality child care in their community that fits their family's needs. It links to each state's or territory's child care websites, where parents can search for child care and consumer education information.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Information site open to everyone. The state programs it links to set their own rules. See the official site for current rules.

    Childcare

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline

    Childhelp

    A safe, nonjudgmental space by call, text, or chat for anyone concerned about or affected by child abuse. It is not a reporting line and is not connected to 911; the site lists each state's child abuse reporting contacts.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. The hotline may have to share information with authorities if a child is being harmed or someone intends to act on suicidal thoughts. In California, child abuse reports go to your county's CPS line. See the official site for current rules.

    Emergency AssistanceFamily Counseling

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Crisis Text Line

    Crisis Text Line

    Free, confidential, 24/7 support by text message. Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to reach a trained volunteer crisis counselor for stress, anxiety, loneliness, substance use, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Available to anyone in the United States. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental HealthEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)

    Internal Revenue Service

    A federal tax credit that helps low- to moderate-income workers and families reduce taxes owed and possibly increase their refund. The IRS site has a qualification checker and links to free tax preparation help.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For workers with low to moderate income; the amount can depend on children or dependents and other factors. The IRS notes refunds for EITC claims are held until mid-February. See the official site for current rules.

    Financial Aid

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Find Shelter

    U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

    HUD's tool for finding housing, shelter, health care, and clothing resources by location. It also links to help paying rent, applying for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), talking to a housing counselor, and reporting housing discrimination.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone searching. Each local program found through the tool has its own eligibility rules. See the official site for current rules.

    HousingEmergency Assistance

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Find Your Parent Center (Parent Training and Information Centers)

    Center for Parent Information and Resources

    A finder for the nearly 100 Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) and Community Parent Resource Centers (CPRCs) in the US and territories. These centers work with families of infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities, birth to 26, and help parents take part in their children's education and development.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Cost varies
    Who it's for

    For families of children and youth with disabilities, birth to 26. Each Parent Center sets its own services. See the official site for current rules.

    Special-Needs Parenting

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • FindTreatment.gov

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

    A confidential, anonymous search tool for finding mental health and substance use treatment facilities in the United States, with guides on treatment options and paying for treatment.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Free to search. Each facility sets its own intake rules and costs. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental Health

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline

    National Domestic Violence Hotline

    Free, confidential, 24/7 support from advocates by call, chat, or text (START to 88788), including crisis intervention, safety planning, and referrals to local resources. Help is available for anyone affected by relationship abuse.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. The Hotline does not give direct financial help (like cash or hotel vouchers) but can connect you with local resources. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. See the official site for current rules.

    Emergency AssistanceFamily Counseling

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • National Parent & Youth Helpline

    Parents Anonymous

    Free, confidential support for parents, children, and youth from trained Helpline Specialists by call, text, or live chat, available 24/7. Run by Parents Anonymous, which also offers Parents Anonymous support groups.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For parents, children, and youth. See the official site for current rules.

    Family CounselingMental Health

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse (Fatherhood.gov)

    U.S. Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance

    A federally funded national resource for fathers. Offers a library of fatherhood resources, activities for dads and kids, topics like co-parenting, blended families, and economic stability, a Program Map to find local fatherhood programs, and a National Call Center for dads.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to all fathers and the public. Local programs found through the Program Map set their own eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    Family Counseling

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Postpartum Support International: Help for Dads

    Postpartum Support International (PSI)

    Support for fathers dealing with depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after a baby arrives. Includes a call/text HelpLine, free peer support such as support groups (including a group for dads) and a peer mentor program, a weekly Chat with an Expert call, and a directory of perinatal mental health providers.

    Not for emergencies. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For dads facing perinatal mental health challenges. The PSI HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies. You leave a confidential message any time and a trained volunteer returns your call or text; messages are returned every day, within 8am-11pm EST. In a crisis, call 988 or your local emergency number, or call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-852-6262 (24/7).

    Mental HealthInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Safe to Sleep

    National Institutes of Health (NICHD)

    A national campaign with evidence-based guidance to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths, plus tummy time tips and free printable materials for parents and grandparents.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Free information for anyone caring for a baby. Talk with your child's doctor about your baby's specific needs. See the official site for current rules.

    Infant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • SAMHSA's National Helpline

    Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

    Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish for people and families facing mental health or substance use disorders. Connects callers with local treatment, support groups, and community organizations. It does not provide counseling.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    Open to anyone. No insurance needed; people without insurance may be referred to state-funded or sliding-fee programs. TTY: 1-800-487-4889. See the official site for current rules.

    Mental Health

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

    U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration

    The federal SNAP program provides food benefits to low-income families to help with their grocery budget. In California, SNAP is called CalFresh and you apply through the state.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    For low-income households. In California, apply for CalFresh; the county decides eligibility. See the official site for current rules.

    SNAP (Food Assistance)

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)

  • WIC: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

    U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Administration

    The federal WIC program provides healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals from pregnancy until a child turns 5. Includes an eligibility checker and a tool to find WIC near you.

    Where
    Nationwide
    Cost
    Free
    Who it's for

    WIC serves women who are pregnant, recently pregnant, or breastfeeding, and babies and kids under 5. USDA says moms, dads, foster parents, and anyone raising kids under 5 can apply for the children in their care. See the official site for current rules.

    WICInfant Care

    Official site

    Last verified October 26, 2026 (source)