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DuPage County Juvenile Justice Council
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  • DuPage Resources
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  • Juvenile Justice
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For Youth Overview

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Helplines & HotlinesLGBTQ+EducationEmploymentPregnant & Parenting Young AdultsChild Safety Information for ParentsExpungementYouth Connections Magazine

Helplines & Hotlines

NATIONAL & LOCAL CRISIS ORGANIZATIONS

Youth can feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, and alone. Help is available and trained individuals are ready to talk. The organizations below provide someone to speak with in times of need. 


*If you are in need of immediate intervention, talk to your parent, guardian, or a trusted adult right away. Law Enforcement/Fire & Rescue/EMS (Emergency Medical Services) are always available - just call 911.*


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (988)

Suicide prevention and mental health crisis lifeline - confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. Specialized intervention by certified crisis workers with advanced training in de-escalation and clinical suicide prevention. Also an access point to statewide community-based crisis resources such as mobile crisis outreach teams.

https://988lifeline.org/talk-to-someone-now/


National Crisis Text Line (741741) 

Offers free support and information from a trained counselor 24/7 through text messaging. Text the word REACH to 741741 to begin the conversation. Crises may include depression, anxiety, eating disorders, bullying, suicidal thoughts, or other examples of emotional stressors. Coordinated in DuPage County by KidsMatter.

https://www.crisistextline.org


Illinois Warm Line (866-359-7953, select option #2 then #5) (TTY: 866-880-4459)

Hours of Operation Monday - Saturday 8am-8pm

Free phone support for anyone living in Illinois to include emotional support, recovery education, self-advocacy support, and referrals. This is NOT a crisis line. Rather, it is a line staffed by Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) who work with callers to address aspects of their wellness by identifying triggers, developing action plans, and learning what is necessary to maintain wellness. Available Monday - Friday 8am-5pm. Interpreter available for hundreds of languages.  Illinois Mental Health Collaborative for Access and Choice 


Boys Town National Hotline (800-448-3000) 

Offers free support 24/7 from a trained counselor by phone, text, online chat, and email. 

http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/Pages/home.aspx


National Runaway Safeline (800-RUNAWAY) 

Offers anonymous, free support 24/7 to youth who have run away from home or are thinking about running away. https://www.1800runaway.org/


The Trevor Project (866-488-7386) 

Offers crisis and suicide prevention 24/7 for LGBTQ youth, including safe, non-judgmental listening for youth needing to talk. Text and chat features are available. 

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/


National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) 

Offers confidential advocacy, support, and service coordination 24/7. Bilingual advocates available. 

http://www.thehotline.org/


National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline(866-331-8453) (text loveis to 22522) 

Offers answers to questions about dating in general or a specific relationship. Or, if you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, support and resources are available. You are not alone. Peer advocates can be reached 24/7/365. An online chat function is also available.

http://www.loveisrespect.org/for-yourself/


RAINN (800-656-HOPE) 

Offers confidential, free, crisis support 24/7 to victims of sexual violence/abuse as well as their friends and family members. 

https://hotline.rainn.org/online/terms-of-service.jsp


National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888)

Offers support to assist in identifying warning signs, reporting concerns, locating treatment and other interventions, and engaging in safety planning to support individuals being forced or coerced.

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en


National Bullying Helpline 

Offers free and confidential help for kids and teens over the age of 13. It is intended to assist those who are victims of all forms of bullying and those who may be at-risk for suicide as a result of being bullied. Counselors have been specially trained to assist kids and teens who are feeling distressed as a result of being bullied. Click the link below, scroll to the bottom of the page, and press Click to Enter Here to begin chatting online with a counselor.

http://www.stompoutbullying.org/livechat_portal.php


Say Something (1-844-5-SAYNOW) 

Offers a secure, anonymous way to report safety concerns BEFORE someone hurts themselves or others. You can submit an anonymous tip 24/7 via phone call, app, or on the website. Tips are screened and information is given to local police and/or school personnel when appropriate.

https://www.saysomething.net/


Stop Sextortion (Text THORN to 741741) (Call The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children 1-800-THELOST)

Sextortion is blackmail or threats to expose sexual images to get you to do something you don't want to do, like send money or photos. Offers steps for getting help for yourself or a friend and ways to stay safe.

https://www.stopsextortion.com/

LGBTQ+

Youth Outlook

Youth Outlook is solely dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth and serves seven counties in northern Illinois, offering drop-in centers for youth, caregiver, and parent support, plus community education and professional development. Youth Outlook Drop-In Centers meet weekly and are a social setting for youth to meet other LGBTQ+ young people and talk about various topics that really matter to them, providing a place for LGBTQ+ youth to feel safe, supported, and celebrated. Trained staff and volunteers lead all programming, which includes identity and self-esteem, physical and mental health, political awareness, healthy relationships, and other topics requested by attendees. *Most groups welcome youth ages 12-20, exceptions are noted by each location. 

https://youth-outlook.org/

Q Chat Space

Q Chat Space is an online community for LGBTQ+ teens. Q Chat Space allows teens to find and give support, have fun, connect around shared interests, and get good information. Chat with like-minded peers in live chats designed for you and by you, facilitated by folks who care. Facilitators are affiliated with LGBTQ+ centers across the county, including Youth Outlook in Naperville.

https://www.qchatspace.org/

PFLAG - Northern Illinois Council

Parents, Families, Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG) is a national organization that supports LGBTQ people, their families and friends through local PFLAG chapter help lines, support group meetings, and locally and nationally produced resources. PFLAG also offers education and advocacy.
The PFLAG Council of Northern Illinois is a loose coalition of PFLAG chapters within the greater Chicagoland area.   Visit their website for local chapters serving DuPage County and specific communities within our county. Explore the resources page for books, movies, resources, articles, guides, and other organizations. Resource are useful for LGBTQ people and their straight allies.

https://pflagillinois.org/ 

Find Resources: https://pflagillinois.org/find-resources-2/

LGBT National Help Center

FREE, confidential support provided by trained volunteers.

National Youth Talkline (ages 25 and younger)

Hotline is available:

Monday-Friday 3PM-11PM; Saturdays 11AM-4PM

800-246-7743

Peer-Support Online Chat (see site for time restrictions)

Online Peer Support Chat | Lgbthelpcenter (lgbthotline.org) 

Weekly Youth Chatrooms (see site for meeting times)

Youth Chat Rooms | Lgbthelpcenter (lgbthotline.org)  

DESI LQBTQ+ Helpline for South Asians

FREE peer support from trained South Asian LGBQ/TGNB+ volunteers. Topics may include questions about coming out, family/culture/religion, locating community support in your area, finding a doctor/lawyer/therapist, LGBTQ parenting, advice for a friend/family member, etc.

Online Support - someone will respond within a week 

Contact us! - DEQH · DESI LGBTQ+ HELPLINE FOR SOUTH ASIANS 

and/or 

Talk - volunteers are available Thursdays 7-9PM CST and Sundays 7-9PM CST

908-367-3374 

Trans Lifeline

Offers trans peer support - run by and for trans people. Services available in English and Spanish. Services likely available 24/7 but operators are guaranteed to answer 9AM-4AM CST.


  • For Spanish, select Option 2
  • Support for friends, partners, family members and professionals supporting trans loved ones and community members, call the main line then ask for the Family & Friends Line

877-565-8860 

https://translifeline.org/

The Trevor Project

Offers crisis and suicide prevention 24/7 for LGBTQ youth, including safe, non-judgmental listening for youth needing to talk. Text and chat features are available. 

866-488-7386

http://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Education

Regional Office of Education - Truancy

Regional Office of Education - HSE/GED Program

The Regional Office of Education works with youth referred by their school because of chronic absenteeism and truancy.


Truancy Behavior Interventionists work directly with youth and families to address factors contributing to truancy with a goal of improved school attendance and success.


Visit the ROE's website below to access contact information if you would like to learn more about truancy support and intervention.

https://www.dupageroe.org/services/truancy

Regional Office of Education - HSE/GED Program

Regional Office of Education - HSE/GED Program

Individuals qualify for the HSE program if:

  • 18 years or older*
  • do not have a high school diploma or GED
  • is a State of Illinois resident

  GED/HSE – DuPage Regional Office of Education (dupageroe.org) 

College of DuPage - HSE/GED & ELA

COD's High School Equivalency (HSE) program is for those without a GED or high school diploma. HSE classes, textbooks, and tutoring are FREE and offered at several locations across DuPage County. Online classes also available. Classes and testing offered in English and Spanish. Candidates may earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate, which can be used for admission to other educational institutions, employment, armed services admission, etc.

Placement tests are required before starting HSE classes

 High School Equivalency | College of DuPage (cod.edu) 


GED Test Preparation

https://www.cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/adult-education/high-school-equivalency.aspx


GED Test Registration

https://www.cod.edu/academics/testing/ged-registration.aspx

 

FREE English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes develop your conversation, listening and speaking, reading and writing skills. 

  English Language Acquisition (ELA) | Basic Education | College of DuPage (cod.edu)   

Job Corps

 Job Corps is the nation’s largest FREE, residential career training and education program for low-income young adults ages 16 through 24. 

800-733-JOBS

https://www.jobcorps.gov/


Career Areas

Advanced Manufacturing, Automotive & Machine Repair, Civilian, Conservation Centers. Construction, Finance & Business, Health Care, Homeland Security, Hospitality, Information Technology, Renewable Resources & Energy, Transportation.

https://www.jobcorps.gov/explore


120 Campuses Nationwide

Illinois Campuses: Chicago, Joliet


Benefits Include

Free housing, nutritious meals, basic medical care, and a living allowance.

https://www.jobcorps.gov/benefits


FREE English Language Acquisition (ELA) classes develop your conversation, listening and speaking, reading and writing skills. 


Connect with an Admissions Specialist

https://enroll.jobcorps.gov/interest-form/01-who-is-interested  

Financial Aid - Higher Education

Financial Aid - Higher Education

 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school

Apply for Financial Aid | Federal Student Aid 

Scholarships & Supports

Financial Aid - Higher Education

Talk to your school counselor and search online for scholarships to support you in achieving educational goals. There are lots of sties offering support and guidance. See below for an example.

 Find Scholarships for College for FREE | Fastweb 

Scholarship -DuPage County

Scholarship -DuPage County

Scholarship -DuPage County

DuPage County is offering scholarships to low-income and disadvantaged persons of high academic attainment or potential. Scholarships will support formal education or occupational training in an accredited Illinois educational institution. This is a competitive process - not all applicants will receive funding. 

Click below for an application:

https://www.dupagecounty.gov/government/departments/community_services/programs.php#collapse2297b423

Employment

workNet DuPage

Programming supported through federal funding to educate, connect, and develop the workforce in DuPage County. Services include:

FREE education/job training, resume & interview assistance, explore career pathways, and connections to local employers.

630-955-2030

 Home - workNet DuPage Career Center 


workNet DuPage provides eligible young adults ages 17 to 24 with free career and employment services to help them start a career with a future. 

Text MYWAY to 630-5857-0842 or visit Youth Services - workNet DuPage Career Center  

DuPage Building & Construction Trades Council

High school graduates and GED recipients interested in pursuing a career in the building trades can explore apprenticeship opportunities. Trades include Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpenters, Cement Masons & Plasterers, Electricians, Heat & Frost, Ironworkers, Laborers, Finishing Trades, Operating Engineers, Pipefitters, Plumbers, Technical Engineers, Roofers, Sheet Metal Workers, Sprinkler Fitters, and Teamsters.


https://dupagebuildingtrades.org/apprenticeship/


COD - ICAPS

The Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) program is available to high school graduates and those  seeking to attain the HSE. Earn in-demand certification in  Office Technology, Manufacturing, or Entrepreneurship. Also available to advanced adult ESL students.  

Integrated Career and Academic Preparation System (ICAPS) | Continuing Education | College of DuPage (cod.edu) 


The Youth Learning Academy teaches youth how to maximize their potential by taking advantage of the many youth offerings at College of DuPage. It's never too early to develop an appreciation of lifelong learning. Programs are available for youth in Kindergarten through High School to explore areas of interest and future careers.

https://www.cod.edu/academics/continuing-education/youth-academy/index.html

Outreach Employment Training

Outreach Employment Training

 Outreach invests in comprehensive employment training and wrap-around services that support young adults ages 18-29 as they gain the necessary skills for healthy independence. Through Outreach Employment Training, young adults can participate in tutoring, paid work experience, job skills training, paid internships, mental health counseling, and practical support.


Outreach also offers summer youth employment services  for up to 35 high school students ages 15-18 at Outreach Carol Stream. Youth employment training components:

  • Classroom training in employment soft skills
  • Year round after-school academic support to retain high school enrollment
  • Summer internships within the organization in year one and in a private sector business, civic, or non-profit organization in year two

630-682-3094

https://weareoutreach.org/services/employment-training/

Work-Based Learning

Outreach Employment Training

Work-Based Learning

The DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE), in partnership with College of DuPage (Project Hire-Ed), and GPS Education Partners (GPSEd), is proud to support hands-on work-based learning opportunities and career exploration for students in a variety of industries throughout DuPage County.


This program is designed to help high school students access training and education to develop their career readiness so that they can succeed in the labor market. Students enrolled in the program can experience paid internships or apprenticeships with local business partners. Students will also have opportunities to tour workplaces, job shadow, and participate in other work-based learning activities to help them align their personal interests with a possible career.


For more information about this program, visit: https://wbl.dupageroe.org/


Contact your high school to determine if they are a participating partner in this program.

Pregnant & Parenting Young Adults

TEEN PARENT CONNECTION 

Community-based organization serving pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-22. They offer a spectrum of services aimed at educating and supporting young parents.     

Services Include:   

Pre-Natal/Child Birthing Classes (8-week program; evening classes)  

Doula Program (pregnancy support + 6-8 weeks of support post-delivery; weekly in-home visits) 

Post-Partum Groups (4-week group; evening classes for those in their first year of parenting; peer led education)  

Healthy Families Program (in-home support; frequency and timing of visits is individualized)

Young Parent Support Groups (evenings from 6-8pm; meal provided)  

Counseling Services (offered during the school year; outside referral made as needed)     

Parents Pantry (Thursdays 2-6pm)

http://teenparentconnection.org/


HOPEFUL BEGINNINGS

Maternity counseling and casework for pregnant women, prenatal and post delivery depression, anxiety, grief and loss of a pregnancy, and adjustment to motherhood counseling. Hopeful Beginnings offers Teen Parenting Support, which includes topics such as healthy relationships, mental health, prevention, child development, goal setting, and child birth. Pregnancy testing and unbiased options counseling is also available. All counseling services are free and available either in person or via telehealth with options in English or Spanish.

847-870-8181

Text HOPE to 67076

https://www.hopefulbeginning.org/

Parenting Resources

Support for ParentsParent Education & Resources

2024-25 GPS Parent Series

Download PDF

Child Safety Information for Parents

ABCs of Safe Sleep (pdf)Download
Fire Safety (pdf)Download
Look Before You Lock - Car Safety (pdf)Download
Never Shake a Baby (pdf)Download
Safe Haven Illinois (pdf)Download
Waterwise - Water Safety (pdf)Download

Expungement

Expungement can be a challenging process to understand. There may be costs associated with expungement. The links below can help you understand what types of juvenile cases can be expunged and how to request the process in eligible cases. These resources offer answers to frequently asked questions, definitions associated with the process, and links to important documents. 


The Illinois legislature made important changes to expungement laws, effective January 1, 2018. Public Act 100-0285 http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=100-0285      

If you still have questions, contact the attorney involved in your case for guidance.     


Illinois Legal Aid Online  

https://www.illinoislegalaid.org/legal-information/expunging-juvenile-record          


The Office of the State Appellate Defender 

https://www2.illinois.gov/osad/Expungement/Pages/JuvenileExpungement.aspx


Illinois Supreme Court- Approved Statewide Documents

http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/expungement/expungement.asp

Youth Connections Magazine

Spring 2022

Spring 2022

Issue Highlights:

  • Helping Children Learn from their Mistakes
  • How to Manage Behaviors
  • Nurture with Nature
  • Why Teens Try to Cope Alone

Read Spring 2022 Issue Now!

Fall 2021

Spring 2022

  • How to be Happy
  • Marijuana and ADHD
  • Benefits of Getting Youth Involved
  • Hidden Hardships of Back to School
  • Xanax and Youth

Read Fall 2021 Issue NOW!

Winter 2020

  • What to Do to Help Child Being Bullied
  • Understanding and Addressing Anxiety
  • Sleep Hygiene Quiz
  • Listen to Hear and Not to Respond
  • Why the Surge in Vaping Marijuana

READ Winter 2020 Issue NOW!

Spring 2020

Spring 2020

 Issue Highlights:

  • Cultivating Self-Awareness
  • 5 Truths About Middle Schoolers
  • How to Develop Positive Self-Esteem in Youth
  • Ways to Reduce Stress


READ Spring 2020 Issue NOW!

Fall 2019

Spring 2020

Spring 2019

 Issue Highlights:

  • Stress? Insights from Your Child's Behavior 
  • Calming the Perfect Storm
  • Navigating Self Time and Family Time


READ Fall 2019 Issue NOW!

Spring 2019

Spring 2020

Spring 2019

Issue Highlights:

  • Cultivating Trusting Relationships
  • Vaping: What Parents Need to Know


Read Spring 2019 Issue NOw!

Fall 2018

Spring 2018

Spring 2018

Issue Highlights:

No Means No (and I Love You)

Looking Behind the Screen

Time to Talk: Dangers Behind Electronic Cigarettes


Read Fall 2018 Issue Now!

Spring 2018

Spring 2018

Spring 2018

Issue Highlights:

  • Facts About e-Cigarettes
  • How to Avoid Raising Co-Dependent Kids
  • Teen Texting vs. Talking


Read Spring 2018 Issue NOW!

Fall 2017

Spring 2018

Fall 2017

Issue Highlights:

  • 40 Developmental Assets: Setting Boundaries & Expectations
  • Restorative Justice at Home
  • How to Talk to Your Teen About Consent


Read Fall 2017 Issue NOW!

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