Family Support & Childcare
Strong families are the foundation of strong communities, but too often parents face barriers that make it difficult to provide stability and opportunity at home. This page connects families with essential resources — from housing assistance, food security programs, and childcare support to early childhood education and networks for single parents. While Lift Utah Foundation continues building programs of our own, we are committed to guiding families toward trusted services that offer both immediate relief and long-term stability. Together, we can lift communities where every family has the tools, support, and confidence to thrive.
Sources of Help & Hotlines
Family Support / Parenting & Family Services Cont...
RCL Family Foundation - A private foundation in Utah focusing on funding for children's education, abuse prevention, mental health and family support initiatives - rlcfamilyfoundation.org 801-978-1337
NAMI Utah - Family Support Groups - Local chapters offer support for families dealing with mental health challenges, helping with coping, resources, and peer connections - namiut.org. 801-323-9900
Families First (by Utah Youth Village) -
Promotes safety, child and adult well-being, family communication and coordination with local services.
Also offering in-home behavioral intervention program that works with parents and youth to teach skills, reduce unwanted behaviors and promote well-being - youthvillage.org. 801-272-9980
Utah Children's Justice Center - Focuses on child protection and abuse investigation, also providing family referral services and coordinated support when child abuse is involved - utahcjc.org. 801-281-1200
Family Support / Parenting & Family Services in Utah
The Family Support Centers of Utah - a network of 18 centers across the state offering crisis nurseries, respite care, parenting education, in-home support, information & referral, and therapeutic services - fsc4kids.org.
Central Utah 801-875-0883. SLC 801-955-9110
Family Promise Salt Lake - helps families experiencing homelessness with shelter, basic needs and supports towards long-term stability - familypromise.org.
801-961-8622
Families Together Utah - A resource organization that helps families access services like medical, legal, mental health and community supports - especially for those in family disruption or crisis - familiestogether.org.
Family Support Center - a local organization providing crisis nursery services, parenting support, and related family strengthening opportunities - familysupportcenter.org 801-955-9110
Early Childhood Development
The umbrella agency for early childhood programs in Utah (birth through age 8) - FamilyhealthUtah.gov
Early Childhood Utah - A portal listing more than 100 programs and services across the state, many of which are free or low cost to families - earlychildhood.utah.gov
Head Start - district run pre-school also special education preschool services for children with disabilities - utahca.org/head-start-preschool
801-972-2337
UPSTART - at home, online curriculum for 4 year olds to prepare them for kindergarten - stateregstoday.com/education 877-299-7997
Home visiting to provide one-on-one support to parents in early childhood contexts - dhhs.utah.gov.
801-273-2865
Crisis Nursery – Free Temporary Childcare
The Family Support Center operates multiple Crisis Nurseries in the Salt Lake Valley. These offer up to 72 hours of free childcare for caregivers in crisis—whether due to short-term emergencies, job-related obligations, court appointments, or interviews. The Family Support Center+1
1‑800‑662‑HELP. 866-435-7414
For Crisis Nursery, call the Family Support Center directly to arrange care. Locations include Salt Lake City, West Valley City, and Midvale.
Care About Childcare
(Salt Lake and Tooele Counties): Offers free childcare referral services to help you find programs and providers who accept subsidies.
Live your dream foundation
SLC and Tooele 801-355-4847
Child Care Assistance Program -CCAP
A long-term subsidy covering part - or sometimes all - of childcare costs. Available to low and middle income families while parents are working or enrolled in approved training (including GE prep or Workforce Services programs). Monthly co-pays are typically 0-7% of income, depending on eligibility and provider rates. utahchildren.org. 866-435-7414
DWS Doorway
While not fully free, CCAP offers childcare subsidies for low- and middle-income families who are working or in job training. If eligible, the state pays part of the childcare provider's fee—often meaning either no cost or a small co-payment for the parent. utahchildren.org
Visit or call your local Utah DWS (Department of Workforce Services) office to apply for Kids in Care or CCAP. 866-435-7414
Utah Childcare Resources for Job-Seeking Parents
These programs provide up to 150 hours of free childcare to parents who are actively searching for employment - when reliable care is needed for job hunting.
Kids in Care (Job Search Childcare Assistance)
Crisis Nursery – Free Temporary Childcare
familysupportcenter.org 801-955-9110
Voices for Utah Children
Utah Community Action Emergency Services
GREAT Source that connects people with essential services like emergency housing, food, and utility assistance. Operators help locate local programs based on your specific needs.
(Dial 211 or 1‑888‑826‑9790)
Bullying: Utah SafeUT Crisis Chat & Tip Line (1‑833‑3SAFEUT)
A confidential crisis chat and tip line for Utah students, parents, and educators. Provides real-time help for mental health concerns, bullying, and safety threats.
(1‑833‑3SAFEUT)
Utah YCC Family Crisis Center (801‑394‑9456)
Offers safe shelter and support services for victims of domestic violence and families in crisis. Services include counseling, case management, and 24/7 crisis response.
(801‑394‑9456)
Utah Warm Support Line (1‑833‑773-2588)
A non-emergency support line staffed by certified peer specialists who understand life’s challenges firsthand. This service provides a safe, judgment-free space to just talk through feelings of stress, anxiety, depression, or everyday struggles. Whether you need encouragement, coping strategies, or simply a compassionate listener, trained peers are available to help you feel heard and less alone.
Kids in Care (Job Search Assistance)
Designed for unemployed parents looking for a job. Provides up to 150 hours of free childcare over a 6 month period.
Utah.jobs
Utah Community Action
(In Salt Lake & Tooele Counties) Offers Head start Programs, early childhood education (often free for qualifying families), and connect families with childcare support
unphc.org
(801) 364-6117