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Adult Workshops & Services
Warren Township Youth Services provides a variety of parenting and adult groups. None of the programs provide certificates of completion and no one is mandated to receive services. Limited childcare is offered for some programs and must be requested at the time of the registration. If you have any questions about residency or the group material, please call 847-244-1101, ext. *401. REGISTRATION REQUIRED. +The fee allows a spouse or co-parent to attend the parenting group for the listed dates. Need-based scholarships available.
All groups are held at 100 S. Greenleaf St., Gurnee, IL 60031 and virtually (unless otherwise noted).
Children and Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)
CHADD is a national non-profit group dedicated to educating, advocating and supporting those dealing with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). CHADD of Northern Illinois holds monthly support and informational meetings for anyone living with ADHD, their caregivers, spouses/partners, educators, professionals, and anyone wanting to learn more about ADHD. The group is facilitated by Lisa Alexoff, LPC, NCC and Eric Tivers, LCSW. For topics and info, please visit the Northern Illinois CHADD Meetup page.
Group meets every First Monday of the month from 6:15-8:00pm via Zoom.
Disconnected: How to Reconnect with Your Adolescent Child
A two part parenting group for parents of middle school and high schoolers
Do you feel disconnected from your child and want to rebuild the bonds? We may not be able to turn back the clock, but we can certainly try to recapture the connection. As our children grow up, they naturally begin to disconnect from us. The last few years have proved to be more trying than the average growing pains. With social media, the pandemic, and a multitude of other variants, parents can feel more and more removed from their teens. Our kids still need us, but they may not be able to communicate it effectively.
Join us as we explore how we can begin to bridge our way back to a healthier relationship.
This group will focus on:
• The developmental stage of an adolescent.
• Recognizing patterns in communication style, e.g. it’s not what you say, it’s how you say it.
• Recognizing unmet needs; your own and your child’s.
• Identifying your parenting style.
• Practical ways to implement what you’ve learned and
• The opportunity to share your experiences and concerns with other parents.
In this in-person 2 day parenting group, you will have the opportunity to meet other parents that share similar concerns. We hope to create a safe environment in which you can feel comfortable to explore this complex topic of raising a child in today’s world. This group will be facilitated by Warren Township Youth and Family therapist, Kasia Freeman, LPC. For any questions, please contact her at 847.244.1101 ext. *405 or email Kasia.
Date: Thursday, February 23th & March 2nd 2023 Time: 6:00-7:30 pm Location: Youth and Family Services (100.S Greenleaf St. Gurnee, IL)
Cost: FREE for Residents and Non-Residents Weeks: 2
Parents as Allies: Talking with Your Teen About LGBTQ+ Identities
This webinar will provide an overview of gender and sexual identities and show parents how to talk to their teens about these sensitive topics. You will learn common language used to describe sexual and gender identities (including pronouns) and provide strategies for parents to engage their teens on this and on allyship, whether they identify as LGBTQ+ or not.
Date: Thursday, February 16th, 2023 Time: 6:30-7:30pm Location: via Zoom
Cost: FREE for Residents and Non-Residents
Mental Health First Aid for Youth
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, peers, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other caring citizens how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addictions challenge or is in crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid is primarily designed for adults who regularly interact with young people. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youth, reviews typical adolescent development, and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD), and eating disorders.
Date: Friday, February 24th 2023 Time: 8:30-3:30 pm Location: Youth and Family Services (100.S Greenleaf St. Gurnee, IL) Cost: FREE
Click here to register - Registration ends February 21st
QPR. Question. Persuade. Refer
Three steps anyone can learn to help prevent suicide
QPR is an internationally recognized suicide intervention program designed to help you have a conversation with someone having thoughts of suicide. You will be trained to recognize suicide warning signs, approach someone who may be at risk, persuade the person to seek appropriate services, and connect the person to resources that will help.
Similar to CPR, QPR is intended to educate and empower all people to make a positive and effective difference in the life of someone in a mental health crisis, no matter your background or experience.
Facilitated by Janet Manson, MSW, CAADC, MAC in collaboration with the Lake County Suicide Prevention Task Force.
Date: Thursday, March 2nd Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm Location: Zoom Cost: FREE
Understanding Special Education Law:
Be an active and informed partner in the IEP process
This workshop will address such issues as legal rights to services, participating as a member of the IEP Team, how to monitor your child’s success and more. This interactive workshop will review preparation, participation and follow-up to IEP meetings. Presented by attorney Neal Takiff at Whitted Takiff, LLC.
Date: Wednesday, March 8th, 2023 Time: 6:30-7:30pm Location: via Zoom
PARENTING ANXIOUS KIDS
A workshop on SPACE
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) is a parent based treatment model for children and teens with anxiety, OCD, and related challenges!
Presented by Mind Chicago therapist Niki Aquino, MSW, LCSW, participants will learn about how SPACE can help parents respond more supportively and effectively to their kids in this 90-minute educational workshop. We will break the approach down and help you better understand how to support your child with anxiety! Better yet, you will walk away with some skills you can easily implement at home! We will include time for Q & A and resources so you can continue your SPACE journey!
Date: Monday, March 13th, 2023 Time: 6:30-8:00pm Location: via Zoom
Previous Workshops/Programs
SCREEN TIME: A parent’s guide on setting realistic limits and knowing when there’s a problem
Click here to watch recording of this presentation
KEEPING YOUR CHILD ENGAGED IN (VIRTUAL) SCHOOL
Responding to their high frustration and low motivation.
LEAVING OUR PETS ALONE
An animal expert's advice on helping your pet cope with change
Effective Limit Setting – It is Easy as A,B,C,D
Effective Limit Setting Handout
No Worry Guide to Raising the Anxious Child
Understanding Special Education Law:
Be an active and informed partner in the IEP process
PARENTING THE ANXIOUS CHILD
How to better understand and help your child.
This 2-week group provides parents a better understanding of what anxiety is and how it uniquely impacts children, role of attachment, practical strategies for parenting and tips that can help their children. Parents are encouraged to openly discuss their challenges and try new strategies at home. This group is open to parents of children formally diagnosed with anxiety or whose worrying impacts their life. This group is presented by child and family therapist Alison Koehler, LCPC.
Day: TBD Date: TBD Time: TBD
Fee: $20 R*/$40 NR Registration is per couple Location: TBD
PARENTING THE ADHD CHILD
A positive approach to understanding your ADHD child
This 4-week program presents information about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including embracing its strengths, understanding common challenges, and useful approaches to parenting. This program will also address the current challenges of virtual learning and physical distancing amidst the pandemic and will also provide useful strategies for these challenges. Parents will be encouraged to openly discuss their challenges and try new strategies in the home. Parents will not only develop a better understanding of the disorder, but will learn practical interventions by Lisa Alexoff, LCPC from Aspire Counseling, Consulting, and Creative Solutions, LLC in Gurnee.
Day: TBD Date: TBD Time: TBD
Weeks: TBD Fee: $20 R / $50 NR Registration is per couple Location: TBD