Youth Support & Resources
NATIONAL 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.*
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 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 https://www.kidsmatter2us.org/collaborative-youth-team/
https://www.crisistextline.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (800-273-TALK) - offers free, confidential crisis support 24/7 to individuals in distress. Also offers prevention and resources for loved ones. https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
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. Also offers 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.
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 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.
Support for Pregnant & Parenting Young Adults
TEEN PARENT CONNECTION is a community-based organization serving pregnant and parenting youth ages 12-22. They offer a spectrum of services aimed at educating and supporting young parents.
http://teenparentconnection.org/
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)
Young Parent Support Groups (evenings from 6-8pm; meal provided)
Counseling Services (offered during the school year; outside referral made as needed)
BREAKING FREE is a community-based organization in Aurora focused on building strong family foundations.
http://www.breakingfreeinc.org/bf-home.html
Services Include:
School-Based Parenting Programs for Pregnant and Parenting Teens (targeted specifically for teens still in school)
Parenting Education Programs (skill building to prevent or address issues related to child abuse or neglect; group format with other families for support and information sharing)
WAYS (Wayne/Winfield Area Youth/Family Services) is a community-based organization which assists local residents develop supports and skills.
Services Include:
STEP (Systematic Training for Effective Parenting) (teaches parents to understand their child's behavior, communication, setting limits, and applying consequences)
EVANGELICAL CHILD AND FAMILY AGENCY offers a variety of supports.
Services include:
Parenting Services (support in making decisions about parenting when pregnant)
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
DuPage County Clerk of the Circuit Court
https://www.dupageco.org/CourtClerk/3360/
Illinois Supreme Court- Approved Statewide Documents
http://www.illinoiscourts.gov/Forms/approved/expungement/expungement.asp
Youth Connections Magazine
Spring 2018
Issue Highlights:
- Facts About e-Cigarettes
- How to Avoid Raising Co-Dependent Kids
- Teen Texting vs. Talking
https://issuu.com/edgemarketing/docs/ycmag_dupage_april2018_issuu?e=2028139/59391421
Fall 2017
Issue Highlights:
- 40 Developmental Assets: Setting Boundaries & Expectations
- Restorative Justice at Home
- How to Talk to Your Teen About Consent
https://issuu.com/edgemarketing/docs/ycmag_dupage_nov2017_issuu